What is FCC Certification?
The United States has required standards for products that might contribute to electromagnetic interference in order to reduce the level of radio frequency (rf) interference between electronic devices. Any electronic device or piece of equipment that is sold in the United States must not compromise the safety of the American public or interfere with other electronic products.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is in charge of the development, enforcement and implementation of regulations that Congress set forth in the Communications Act of 1934 and the Telecommunications Act of 1996. The FCC is an agency of the United States federal government that was created to regulate all forms of telecommunication inside of the U.S. including radio, television, digital cameras, Bluetooth, wireless devices and a broad gamut of RF electronics.
When an electronic device has an FCC certificate, it means the product has been tested to comply with FCC standards and it has been approved. An FCC certification does not imply that the product is safe or durable. It simply means that it meets regulated limits for ionizing radiation. A certification does not imply that the device was manufactured any specific way. FCC approval can be granted as long as the electronic device meets FCC emission rules and regulations and has been tested to comply with FCC standards.
Compliance testing and requirements set by the Federal Communications Commission can seem extremely confusing. They can cause major frustration for manufacturers and electronic distribution companies. We can help your company better understand the process needed to gain an FCC certificate and help your product become certified to be sold in the United States.
What Products Require an FCC Certificate?
Radio frequency (RF) equipment that is sold or distributed in the United States is required to undergo testing in order to stay in compliance with standards set by the Federal Communications Commission under the EMC directive. Testing limits both intentional and unintentional electromagnetic radiation that is emitted from RF equipment in order to keep users safe. CSIA can help your company gain an FCC certificate for various types of RF emitting devices, including, but not limited to:
- electronic products
- mobile phones
- wireless local area networking equipment
- Bluetooth devices
- remote control transmitters
- land mobile radio transmitters
- wireless medical telemetry transmitters
- cordless telephones
- walkie-talkies
- electronic products
- Power adapters
- telecommunication equipment
- IT equipment
- electromagnetic compatibility products
- equipment and protective systems intended for use in potentially explosive
- atmospheres
- radio and telecommunications terminal equipment
What are FCC Regulations?
Federal Communications Commission standards depend on the type of radio frequency emitting device that is being tested. The FCC has come up with categories that identify what type of regulations and testing are necessary for different devices to obtain certified authorization for distribution. Testing is broken up into product categories including FCC Part 11, FCC Part 15, Part 18, Part 22, Part 24, Part 68, Part 90 and FCC Part 95. One of the most common types of device approval is for FCC part 15 certification, which refers to regulations set for television receivers.
What is the Process for Obtaining a Certificate??
The FCC has three different processes under the EMC directive for administering certificate of compliances for electronic devices. The process for authorization is dependent upon device and type and power of rf emission. They will determine what method of screening your device will need to go through depending upon what type of device you’re trying to manufacture or distribute.
1. Verification (47 CFR Section 2.902)
Verification is the easiest method of authorization to pass in order to receive an FCC certificate. The verification process is used for digital products that are determined to have Part 15 components in order to obtain a part 15 certification. A device designated as Part 15 means the device either does not contain a radio or that it contains a radio that has already been approved. Part 15 devices only require verification; they do not need to receive approval and they do not need to bear a certified FCC logo.
2. Declaration of Conformity (DoC) (47 CFR Section 2.906)
A declaration of conformity (DoC) is the second easiest compliance process to go through in order to obtain an FCC certification. A DoC is used to test devices that contain or that are considered personal computers or peripherals of personal computers. Products that require DoC are considered Part 18 devices.
In order to receive Doc approval, FCC Part 18 devices must undergo testing in an accredited laboratory in order to measure the levels of radio frequency that are emitted from the product. Products that receive approval must show that they are in compliance with regulations by being stamped with the FCC logo.
3. Certification (47 CFR Section 2.907)
Certification is the hardest FCC approval process to achieve. The type of devices that require a certification have the potential to emit the highest amounts of radio frequency interference and cause the most harm to the public. A certification must be authorized and issued for radio frequency devices by an official Telecommunication Certification Body (TCB). A TCB examines the product’s documentation and test results after the product has gone through the required testing.
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