FCC SDoC has no fixed expiration date. It is not an official certificate issued by the FCC, so renewal is never required. The declaration remains valid permanently on the premise that no product modification or regulatory update occurs, and all supporting documents are properly archived.
Many manufacturers confuse SDoC with FCC ID, which follows the "application - certification - renewal" mode. Below is a full explanation of required documents, validity rules and file retention requirements for FCC SDoC.
FCC SDoC stands for Supplier’s Declaration of Conformity, a self-declaration scheme where suppliers confirm product compliance with FCC rules. It has no official certificate number and is not filed in the FCC database.
The continuous validity of SDoC depends on three core conditions:
·No product modification: The declaration is valid only if the product design, key components and circuit layout remain identical to the tested version. Any revision may require re-evaluation and re-testing.
·No regulatory update: Major revisions to FCC Part 15 rules will affect compliance judgment. Fortunately, Part 15B for non-intentional radiators has remained stable for years.
·Complete document retention: All supporting files must be well-preserved for official inspection. Missing documents will result in non-compliance judgments during FCC spot checks.
2. Full List of Required Documents for SDoC
Documents are divided into two categories: files submitted for testing and files for long-term archiving.
Documents Submitted to Labs for Testing
·Product specifications, complete circuit schematics and PCB layout drawings. Labs review these files to confirm product parameters and assess potential EMC risks.
·Detailed Bill of Materials (BOM), focusing on critical components such as power ICs, crystal oscillators and interface chips that affect EMC performance.
·User manuals or operation guides, which must include standard FCC compliance statements.
·Test samples: 1 production-grade sample is mandatory. Backup samples are optional for rectification use. Engineering prototypes are not accepted for official testing.
Archived Documents After Testing
After passing tests, the official EMC test report, signed SDoC Declaration of Conformity and complete technical files must be archived together.
3. Introduction to SDoC Declaration Document
Per 47 CFR 2.1077, the SDoC declaration must include product name, model number, standard compliance statement ("This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules..."), as well as the name, address and contact information of the responsible party.
Rules for the Responsible Party
According to 47 CFR 2.909(b) and 2.1077(a)(3), the responsible party for SDoC must be a legal entity located in the United States. For overseas manufacturers, the US-based importer acts as the responsible party.
The declaration can be attached to user manuals, provided as a separate sheet or published on the official website.
Document Retention Period
Per 47 CFR 2.938(f), all SDoC supporting documents must be retained for at least 2 years after the product is discontinued. In comparison, FCC ID files require a 5-year retention period. It is recommended to keep both electronic and physical copies for double insurance.
Rules for Product Modification
·Minor changes (shell color, silk screen, replacement of resistors/capacitors with identical specifications): Only update technical records, no re-testing needed.
·Moderate changes (power module replacement, PCB layout adjustment, circuit revision): Conduct pre-scan testing to confirm EMC performance.
·Major changes (main chip replacement, full circuit redesign, new functional modules): Full re-testing is mandatory.
FCC enforcement has been strengthened in recent years. Non-compliant products due to inconsistent samples and filed records will face heavy fines up to USD 50,000 per day.
For FCC SDoC Declaration of Conformity services, please contact Blueasia: 13534225140
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