The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is an independent U.S. government agency established in 1934 under the Communications Act. It regulates communications including radio, TV, telecom, satellite, and cable across the U.S. and its territories. Its core mission is ensuring communication equipment safety, compatibility, and compliance, especially for radio and electronic devices that could impact life and property.

The FCC Office of Engineering and Technology (OET) handles technical standards and equipment compliance. Most electronic, communication, and radio products entering the U.S. market must undergo FCC compliance certification.

FCC Certification Types (Post-2017 Reform):

Since November 2, 2017, the FCC consolidated the former Verification and Declaration of Conformity (DoC) into the Supplier’s Declaration of Conformity (SDoC). Thus, FCC certification now has two main types:

·Certification Type Applicable Products Technical Requirements Certification Characteristics

·FCC SDoC Ordinary electronics without wireless transmission function Only Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) testing required. Simple process, short timeline, low cost. Manufacturer or importer self-declares compliance.

·FCC ID (Certification) Products with intentional wireless transmission (e.g., Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, cellular). Requires both EMC and Radio Frequency (RF) performance testing. Must be audited by an FCC-accredited TCB, which issues a unique ID. Complex process, longer timeline, higher cost.

  FCC Certification Applicable Product Range:

FCC SDoC Applicable Products (No Wireless Function):

1.Power supplies, adapters, chargers, UPS, LED drivers

2.Lighting equipment

3.Household appliances

4.IT equipment

5.Wired communication terminals

6.Industrial & power tools

FCC ID Applicable Products (With Wireless Function):

1.Short-range wireless devices

2.Wireless communication terminals

3.Wi-Fi and IoT devices

  Core FCC Technical Standards:

·FCC Part 15: For intentional, unintentional, or incidental radiators. Covers most consumer electronics.

·FCC Part 18: For Industrial, Scientific, and Medical (ISM) equipment, regulating electromagnetic emissions.

·Others: Part 22 (Public Mobile), Part 24 (PCS), Part 25 (Satellite), Part 27 (Other Wireless), Part 68 (Telecom Terminal).

  FCC Certification Application Process:

1.FCC SDoC Process:

Apply to a test lab.

Provide samples and technical documents.

Lab performs EMC tests and issues report.

Manufacturer signs SDoC, product can be labeled and marketed.

No certificate from third party, but technical file must be kept for FCC review.

2.FCC ID Process:

Obtain an FCC FRN.

Submit samples and full documentation.

Lab completes EMC+RF tests, issues report.

Submit report to an FCC-accredited TCB.

TCB reviews and issues grant with unique FCC ID.

Product must display FCC ID and compliance statement.

FCC ID Format: Grantee Code (3 char) + Product Code (up to 14 char).

  Documents Required for FCC ID:

1.FCC Application Form

2.Power of Attorney

3.Confidentiality Agreement

4.Block Diagram

5.Circuit Schematics

6.Operational Description

7.User Manual (with FCC compliance statement)

8.Label Design

9.Product Photos

10.Full Test Report

FCC certification is mandatory for U.S. market entry.

No wireless function → Use SDoC, self-declaration, efficient.

With wireless function → Must apply for FCC ID, TCB audit, unique ID.

Plan certification strategy early, prepare complete technical documentation, and choose accredited labs/TCBs for smooth compliance and market entry. For consulting, contact BLUEASIA at +86 13534225140.