This guide outlines the standards and test items for Canada's IC EMC Mandatory Certification, based on the latest 2025 requirements.
Managed by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED), IC certification has two distinct paths based on the presence of wireless functionality.
| Certification Model | Applies To | Core Requirements & Labeling |
| IC-ID (Certification) | Devices with wireless functions (e.g., Bluetooth headsets, Wi-Fi routers, smartphones, drones, cellular devices). | Requires RF performance testing and EMC testing. Reports must be reviewed by an ISED-accredited lab (or TCB). Results in a unique IC-ID (format: `IC:XXXXX-YYYYYYYYYYY`) that must be permanently marked on the product (min. 1 mm height). |
| IC-SDOC (Supplier's Declaration of Conformity) | Non-radio electronic products (e.g., power adapters, lamps, wired computer peripherals, appliances). | Product must meet relevant EMC standards. Manufacturer/importer tests and retains the DoC and test reports. Uses an advisory label (e.g., `CAN ICES-3 (B)/NMB-3(B)`). |
IC EMC Certification: Core Test Standards & Items：
The table below summarizes the core test standards and items, which vary by product category.
| Test Category | Core Focus | Primary Standards/References |
| RF Performance | Frequency range, output power, frequency stability, modulation, occupied bandwidth, spurious emissions, adjacent channel power. | RSS-247 (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth). RSS-Gen (General requirements). RSS-130/139 (Cellular devices, 4G/5G). |
| EMC | Electromagnetic disturbance emissions (Conducted & Radiated). | ICES-003 (Information Technology Equipment). ICES-005 (Lighting Equipment). |
| Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) | RF energy absorption rate for body-worn devices (phones, earphones). | Canadian limit is 2.0 W/kg (aligned with the EU). |
Key Considerations：
1.RF Testing ("Legal Transmission"): Verifies radio parameters. Focus on ensuring frequency range & power stay within licensed Canadian limits. Spurious emissions are a critical check to prevent interference.
2.EMC Testing ("Harmonious Coexistence"): Ensures your device operates without disrupting other devices. IC certification primarily limits the device's electromagnetic interference (EMI) characteristics.
We hope this overview of Canada IC EMC standards and test items aids in your planning. For professional certification consulting services, please contact BLUEASIA: 13534225140.
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