Clients applying for IC SDoC often inquire about test contents and applicable standards.
Both IC SDoC and FCC SDoC adopt the supplier self-declaration mode, yet they follow different standard systems. Canada enforces the ICES standard series, which is not fully equivalent to FCC Part 15B. A clear understanding of standards and test items is the premise of smooth certification.
ICES (Interference-Causing Equipment Standard) is a mandatory standard series for interference-generating equipment in Canada. ICES-GEN specifies general management requirements for all ICES standards, including label rules, document regulations and test guidelines. It contains no electromagnetic interference limit values and cannot be used as an independent test basis, which must be applied together with product-specific ICES standards (limit values are subject to dedicated standards). ICES-GEN Issue 2 has been fully enforced since February 23, 2025.
Product Categories & Corresponding ICES Standards
·ICES-003: Digital devices including IT equipment, audio-visual equipment, household appliances and power tools
·ICES-005: All types of lighting products
·ICES-001: Industrial, scientific and medical (ISM) equipment actively generating RF energy (RF heating equipment, induction cookers, medical RF instruments, etc.)
Comparison with FCC Part 15B: Both ICES-003 and FCC Part 15B regulate EMC emission of unintentional radiators with roughly equivalent technical requirements. However, they differ in limit values, frequency ranges and test methods, so FCC test data cannot be used as the basis for ICES compliance.
2. Test Items for IC SDoC
Similar to FCC SDoC, IC SDoC mainly includes two core EMC emission tests: conducted emission and radiated emission.
2.1 Conducted Emission
This test measures electromagnetic interference transmitted through power cords, covering the frequency range of 150kHz to 30MHz. It is only applicable to products with external power supplies or cable interfaces. Devices powered solely by built-in batteries with no external interfaces are exempted from conducted emission tests.
Class B Conducted Emission Limits (3m test chamber)
·150kHz ~ 0.5MHz: Quasi-peak 66dBμV ~ 56dBμV (decreasing with frequency), Average 56dBμV ~ 46dBμV
·0.5MHz ~ 5MHz: Quasi-peak 56dBμV, Average 46dBμV
·5MHz ~ 30MHz: Quasi-peak 60dBμV, Average 50dBμV
Limit values need conversion for test distances other than 3 meters.
2.2 Radiated Emission
This test measures electromagnetic interference radiated through space, with the basic frequency range of 30MHz to 1GHz. If the internal clock frequency or operating frequency of the product exceeds 108MHz, the test frequency shall be extended beyond 1GHz (max up to 40GHz). High-speed digital devices with HDMI and USB 3.0 interfaces cannot be fully tested within 1GHz.
Tests are conducted in an anechoic chamber. Products are placed on a rotating turntable, and antennas scan at different heights and polarizations to capture the maximum radiation value.
Class B Radiated Emission Limits (3m test chamber)
·30MHz ~ 230MHz: 40dBμV/m
·230MHz ~ 1000MHz: 47dBμV/m
The segmented standards of current ICES-003 differ from FCC Part 15B, so FCC limit values cannot be used to judge ICES test results.
Laboratory Qualification Requirements
All ICES tests must be performed by ISO 17025 laboratories accredited by SCC. The laboratory’s SCC accreditation scope must clearly cover corresponding ICES standards. Reports from laboratories with only ISO 17025 qualification but no SCC accreditation are not recognized by ISED.
Key Difference from EU CE
ICES only requires EMC emission tests with no immunity tests, which is consistent with FCC rules. EU CE EMC mandates both emission and immunity tests.
Class A & Class B Classification
·Class B: For household environments with stricter limit values, the mainstream category for consumer electronic products
·Class A: For industrial environments with looser limit values
Manufacturers classify products according to sales scenarios, and labels shall be marked with corresponding categories.
ICES-003 mainly adopts the 3-meter test method. Some large equipment and lighting products use the 10-meter method, and limit values vary with test distances. Confirm test methods with laboratories before testing.
Test Coverage Rules
Tests shall cover all product operating modes: no-load, full-load, various function gears and different interface combinations. The test result is judged based on the working condition generating the strongest interference. This rule is consistent for ICES and FCC.
Test samples must be fully consistent with mass-production versions; test results of engineering prototypes are invalid.
Label Format Rules
Labels must be bilingual in English and French:
·ICES-003 products: CAN ICES-003 (B)/NMB-003 (B) (old format CAN ICES-3 (B)/NMB-3 (B) is also valid)
·ICES-005 products: CAN ICES-005 (B)/NMB-005 (B)
·New general format per ICES-GEN Issue 2: CAN ICES (B)/NMB (B) for Class A/B products, CAN ICES/NMB for unclassified products
The core of Canada IC SDoC is the ICES standard series, with only two test items: conducted emission and radiated emission (no immunity tests).
For Canada IC SDoC Certification services, please contact Blueasia: 13534225140
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