IC ID certification is now officially called ISED ID certification. In 2016, Industry Canada (IC) reorganized into Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED). However, the industry still habitually calls it IC ID, and labels must be printed as IC:XXXXX-YYYYY and not use ISED—this rule remains unchanged in 2026. It is a mandatory market access requirement for wireless RF products in Canada. Without this certification, products cannot clear customs, be listed, or sold on e-commerce platforms.
Any product with a wireless transmitting module must be certified. Mobile phones, tablets, smart watches, Bluetooth headsets, speakers, wireless microphones, Wi-Fi cameras, doorbells, routers, wireless keyboards and mice, drones, remote-control toys, IoT modules, automotive wireless devices, etc., are all covered. Purely wired products without RF functions do not require IC ID.
II. Latest 2026 Testing Standards
·Basic test method: ANSI C63.10-2020 including all amendments and errata, mandatory since September 12, 2025. Old reports are no longer accepted.
·RF performance: Complies with Canadian RSS series (RSS-247, RSS-Gen, etc.).
·RSS-247 Issue 4 (released July 2025) removed restrictions on 5600–5650MHz, which is now open but still requires DFS; transition period ended January 24, 2026.
·EMC: Tested per ICES-003.
·SAR for body-worn devices: RSS-102 Issue 6, mandatory since December 2024. Devices ≥3mW above 2450MHz require SAR. TAS now covers 5G, Wi-Fi 6.
III. 2026 IC ID Certification Process
1.Confirm certification mode: Most wireless products use Certification (for IC ID); low-power may use Verification; wired digital devices use SDoC.
2.Appoint a local Canadian representative (mandatory for foreign applicants).
3.Prepare complete English technical documents (block diagrams, schematics, manuals, labeling files).
4.Submit mass-produced samples to lab for testing per latest standards.
5.Submit application: From June 30, 2025, multiple PMNs under the same HVIN must be listed individually.
6.Obtain IC ID upon approval: format IC:XXXXX-YYYYY.
IV. Labeling Requirements
Labels should be permanently marked with character height ≥1mm. Ultra-small devices may mark on packaging or manuals. Labels must include IC ID, model, brand name, and compliance statements.
V. IC ID Validity & Compliance Maintenance
IC ID has no fixed expiry date and remains valid unless hardware affects RF performance or standards update. Re-evaluation or retesting is required for design changes or standard revisions.
VI. Official Penalties for Non-Compliance (Radiocommunication Act)
·Criminal fines: Up to 25,000 CAD for corporations, 5,000 CAD for individuals.
·Administrative fines: Up to 10 million CAD.Severe violations lead to regulatory blacklisting.
IC ID is Canada’s mandatory wireless approval number (officially ISED ID). 2026 focuses on updated standards, model declaration, SAR, DFS and proper labeling. Certificates are long-term valid but require re-evaluation upon changes. Violations carry heavy penalties.Contact BLUEASIA Testing & Certification Consultant: +86 13534225140
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