"IC" is the old name – the current regulatory authority is ISED (Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada). "IC ID" is just the identifier number. Canada's RF certification saw several enforcement tightenings in 2026 – focused on 6 GHz expansion, millimetre‑wave applications, and multi‑radio coexistence review. The framework hasn't changed – but sample submission strategies and testing timelines are genuinely affected.

1. RSS‑248 – 6 GHz Low‑Power Devices Now Operational in Canada

The 6 GHz band in Canada follows RSS‑248.

1.1 LPI device path

·Low‑power indoor (LPI) devices: maximum 200 mW EIRP – indoor only – no AFC required.

·Nameplates and manuals must include corresponding usage‑restriction statements.

·RSS‑248 also defines a VLP (Very Low Power) category – lower power, fewer usage restrictions – IoT short‑range communication products can consider this path.

1.2 SP devices – AFC mandatory

·Standard‑power (SP) devices: up to 4 W EIRP – must connect to an AFC system for frequency coordination.

·The number of AFC service providers available in Canada is limited – confirm that your AFC platform supports Canada before starting – otherwise, the device will be blocked at certification.

1.3 5.8 GHz limit unit – don't confuse
Under RSS‑247, the 5725–5850 MHz band for LE‑LAN devices has a power limit of 1000 mW ERP – not EIRP. ERP and EIRP differ by 2.15 dB (antenna gain factor). Many engineers habitually report in EIRP – at ISED review, this causes mismatches – and a wasted retest round. This limit only covers LE‑LAN devices – non‑Wi‑Fi IoT products in 5.8 GHz follow other band clauses – do not uniformly apply the 1W ERP rule.

1.4 Cellular devices – FCC report acceptance has prerequisites
Canada and the US have an MRA. Basic RF testing for cellular devices can reference FCC data – but not unconditionally:

·The test lab must hold both FCC TCB accreditation and ISED recognition – both required.

·Test plans must meet Canadian RSS limits and test methods.

·Band and power limits differ between the two countries – submitting an FCC ID report directly will be rejected.

·DFS and AFC have independent Canadian test requirements – FCC data cannot substitute.

  2. Millimetre‑wave Products – Two Certification Paths

2.1 In‑vehicle radar – RSS‑230
Canada's 77 GHz mmWave in‑vehicle radar follows RSS‑230 – not RSS‑119. RSS‑119 covers land mobile and fixed stations – irrelevant to in‑vehicle radar. RSS‑230 fully constrains operating frequency, transmit power, and pulse characteristics – verification focuses on pulse parameters and equivalent radiated power. Many radar module suppliers fail to include pulse testing in pre‑submission planning – only discovering the gap at the lab.

2.2 5G FR2 communication – RSS‑191
5G FR2 mmWave communication devices follow RSS‑191. RSS‑140 is for public‑safety broadband – not 5G FR2. Although both use mmWave bands, under ISED they have completely different certification paths – do not combine them.

2.3 BLE vs. Classic Bluetooth – test differences
BLE and Classic Bluetooth RF characteristics differ significantly – reflected in ISED's test framework.

·BLE is predominantly short‑burst, low duty‑cycle – test focus is on transmit power and spectral characteristics during bursts.

·Classic Bluetooth's high duty‑cycle frequency‑hopping mode has different spurious‑emission criteria.

Products with a single RF chip supporting both modes – both modes must be tested. However: if the module manufacturer's certification report fully covers both modulation modes, duty‑cycle, and hopping parameters, the whole product can reference the module data. Many module reports only cover a single mode – in that case, whole‑product supplementary testing is required.

  3. Wireless Charging – RSS‑216 Exemption Path

3.1 Exemption conditions
RSS‑216 provides an exemption path for wireless charging devices – the condition is signal modulation. The rule requires that transmission is not modulated for communication. However: "communication" here refers to external data communication – not load modulation for the charging system itself. Mainstream Qi wireless charging uses load modulation for power control – qualifying for exemption. If a charger integrates NFC data exchange, the NFC RF section must separately follow RSS‑210.

3.2 Multi‑radio coexistence review is tightening
Multi‑radio coexistence compliance review is a key area where ISED is tightening during type‑approval applications. Products running Wi‑Fi, Bluetooth, and cellular simultaneously must have their inter‑radio interference assessed – ISED requires RF coexistence analysis or corresponding test data.

This requirement is not new – but enforcement is significantly stronger than in previous years. Previously, reviews focused primarily on single‑mode compliance. Now, labs actively check whether products operate in multi‑radio mode – if so, coexistence test data is required. For products already in mass production, we recommend including coexistence testing in your surveillance‑response plan. ISED has no statutory annual compliance audit obligation – this is market‑surveillance risk prevention.

For IC certification 2026 Canada RF compliance, contact BlueAsia at 13534225140 (King) or king.guo@cblueasia.com.