ISED Certification (formerly IC Certification) is a mandatory threshold for wireless products entering the Canadian market, focusing on two core dimensions: "spectrum compliance + RF safety." 2026 standard updates either open new bands or tighten testing requirements, essentially regulating spectrum usage to avoid interference and ensuring user safety. All wireless devices sold or imported in Canada must complete testing and certification to the corresponding standards – no exceptions.

I. 2026 Core Certification Standards

ISED’s standard system mainly consists of two categories: RSS series standards for RF performance and spectrum usage, and ICES series standards for electromagnetic compatibility. In 2026, key changes are concentrated in the RSS series, especially three frequently used standards that directly affect most wireless products:

1. RSS-247 Issue 4: "New Spectrum Rules" for Wi-Fi/Bluetooth Devices

This standard applies to broadband wireless devices operating in the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands, such as Wi-Fi routers, Bluetooth speakers, and smart home gateways. It has been mandatory since January 24, 2026, and the old Issue 3 is no longer accepted.

Key changes include 3 points:

·Opens the new 5600-5650 MHz band for Wi-Fi devices, alleviating spectrum congestion. However, compliance with ETSI EN 301.893 V1.8.1 DFS (Dynamic Frequency Selection) testing requirements is mandatory to avoid interfering with radar signals;

·Clarifies the distinction between "hybrid devices" and "combination devices": Hybrid devices integrating FHS and DTS functions must meet certification requirements for both functions separately – they cannot be conflated;

·Adjusts Transmission Power Control (TPC) parameters with stricter spurious emission limits for the 5150-5250 MHz and 5250-5350 MHz bands. Indoor-use devices must label spurious radiation limits and are prohibited from outdoor use.

Practical note: Products already certified to the old version must supplement DFS test reports through the C3PC system to continue sales in the Canadian market.

2. RSS-102 Series: "Strict Requirements" for RF Safety (SAR/APD)

This series is the core standard for RF exposure safety, covering devices in close contact with the human body such as mobile phones, smart watches, and wireless headphones. Enhanced requirements will be mandatory from February 15, 2026, with additional detailed provisions:

Key changes include 4 points:

·Extends Time-Averaged SAR (TAS) requirements to cover WWAN, WLAN, and Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) devices – meaning 5G mobile phones and satellite communication watches must meet this testing;

·Introduces the SAM human body model with a frequency range extended from 100kHz to 6GHz, synchronously updating dielectric property parameters for test results closer to real human contact scenarios;

·Adds special testing procedures for foldable devices and devices with protrusions (e.g., camera modules) – for example, foldable phones must be tested at different folding angles;

·Issues simplified SAR testing guidelines: Products meeting specific conditions can be exempt from partial testing. If the operating frequency is below 6GHz, 1g body SAR (head/torso) testing at distances ≤5mm has been passed, and RF power is consistent for body and limb usage scenarios, limb SAR testing at 0mm distance can be exempt – but head/torso testing is mandatory.

3. RSS-210 Issue 11: "General Specifications" for Short-Range Wireless Devices

Applies to license-exempt RF devices such as 433MHz remote controls, wireless microphones, and short-range data transmission modules. It has been mandatory since December 25, 2024, and remains strictly enforced in 2026.

Key changes include 3 points:

·Adds technical requirements for multi-channel wireless audio devices (e.g., wireless in-ear monitoring systems) – modulation settings must comply with ETSI EN 300 422-1;

·Clarifies power limits and testing methods for devices operating in the 57-71GHz band, removing exemption descriptions for devices in the 24-24.25GHz band – these devices must now meet RSS-210 requirements;

·Unifies testing methods with reference to ANSI C63.10 and ANSI C63.26 standards, eliminating independent calculation requirements and reducing testing ambiguity.

4. Basic General Standards: ICES Series + Testing Method Standards

·ICES-001: Applies to analog devices (e.g., old analog walkie-talkies). Core requirement is controlling electromagnetic interference to avoid affecting other communication devices;

·ICES-003: Applies to digital terminal devices (e.g., printers with wireless functions). Focuses on conducted and radiated emission limits;

·ANSI C63.10-2020: Mandatory as the testing method standard for all wireless devices from January 6, 2026. Old version test reports are directly invalid – all new applications must use this standard.

  II. Eligible Products for ISED Certification

Not all electronic products require ISED certification – the core criterion is "whether they have wireless transmission or reception functions." Below are the most common eligible products in 2026 with corresponding core standards for quick reference:

1. Network Communication Devices: Wi-Fi/Bluetooth/5G-Related

·Typical Products: Wi-Fi 6/6E routers, 5G CPE, Bluetooth gateways, Mesh networking devices;

·Corresponding Standards: RSS-247 Issue 4 (core) + ICES-003 (EMC);

·2026 Focus: Must support DFS functions for the 5600-5650 MHz band – labels must indicate "indoor use" or "outdoor use."

2. Consumer Electronic Devices: Daily/Close-Contact Wireless Products

·Typical Products: Smartphones, smart watches, wireless headphones, Bluetooth speakers, tablets;

·Corresponding Standards: RSS-102 Series (SAR/APD testing) + RSS-247 Issue 4 (wireless performance);

·2026 Focus: Foldable phones require multi-angle TAS testing – wireless headphones must confirm eligibility for SAR testing exemption.

3. Short-Range Control Devices: Low-Power Wireless Products

·Typical Products: 433MHz remote controls (home appliances, automobiles), wireless keyboards and mice, Zigbee sensors, wireless microphones;

·Corresponding Standards: RSS-210 Issue 11 (core) + ICES-003;

·2026 Focus: Multi-channel wireless audio devices must be tested to new modulation standards – old parameters are no longer applicable.

4. Internet of Things (IoT) Devices: Various Smart Terminals

·Typical Products: Smart door locks, smart cameras, environmental monitoring sensors, smart home appliances;

·Corresponding Standards: Select based on wireless module type – Bluetooth/Wi-Fi modules use RSS-247 Issue 4; Sub-GHz modules use RSS-210 Issue 11;

·2026 Focus: Products using certified wireless modules must add a "module reuse statement" explaining that antennas and power parameters have not been modified.

5. Special Wireless Devices: High-Frequency/Professional Equipment

·Typical Products: Satellite communication devices, 59-71GHz band radar devices, Private Mobile Radio (PMR);

·Corresponding Standards: Satellite communication devices use the RSS-102 Series + dedicated band standards; radar devices use RSS-210 Issue 11;

·2026 Focus: High-frequency devices must comply with the latest power control limits – satellite devices require NTN-related TAS testing.

Note: Ineligible ProductsPurely wired devices (e.g., wired keyboards, non-wireless printers) and passive devices that do not transmit RF signals (e.g., ordinary headphones, chargers) do not require ISED certification, but must comply with Canadian electrical safety standards.

The core of ISED certification in 2026 is "keeping up with standard updates + precise product matching." New regulations may seem strict, but success is achievable by identifying the correct standards and focusing on details. If you are unsure which standard applies to your product, BLUEASIA: +86 13534225140 – We provide professional certification consulting services.