Many clients inquire whether products exported to Canada need IC certification or ISED certification.
IC refers to Industry Canada, the former Canadian certification authority, which has been renamed ISED (Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada). However, the name IC certification is still widely used in the industry. SDoC is a compliance route for non-wireless electronic products under the ISED framework. This article gives a full explanation of IC SDoC.
IC SDoC stands for ISED Supplier's Declaration of Conformity.
Its mechanism is similar to FCC SDoC: Suppliers declare voluntarily that products comply with Canada’s electromagnetic compatibility requirements. No official approval from ISED is needed, and no ID number will be issued. It applies to Category II devices defined by ISED: non-wireless electronic and electrical products that only generate electromagnetic interference without actively transmitting radio signals.
ICES-GEN Issue 2 is the general basic standard for all ICES products. Released in February 2024, it has been fully enforced since February 23, 2025, and must be used together with product-specific ICES standards (ICES-003, ICES-005, etc.).
2. Two Core Components of SDoC
This is a common misunderstanding. ISED SDoC consists of two parts instead of a single procedure:
Part 1: Product Label
Compliance labels are the core carrier of SDoC, and pasting qualified labels means completing the declaration. Labels must be bilingual in English and French and follow the format specified by corresponding ICES standards:
·IT equipment: Comply with ICES-003, label content: CAN ICES-3 (B) / NMB-3 (B)
·Lighting equipment: Comply with ICES-005, label content: CAN ICES-005 (B) / NMB-005 (B)
·Products without Class A/B classification: Use the general label CAN ICES / NMB
Part 2: Technical Documentation
Although ISED does not require paper declaration documents to be submitted in advance, test reports, product specifications, supplier information and importer filing documents must be fully archived for ISED market random inspections.
Supplementary label rules:
·For mini devices with maximum dimension ≤ 2.5 cm (such as small earbuds), labels can be affixed on user manuals and outer packages instead of product bodies
·For multi-unit combined products, labels shall be pasted on the outer shell of the largest unit by priority
Eligible Products for IC SDoC
Non-wireless products, including IT equipment (computers, monitors, printers), lighting products, audio-visual equipment and household appliances.
Products Ineligible for IC SDoC
Products with wireless functions are classified as Category I devices and must apply for ISED certification (IC ID) instead of SDoC. This covers all devices actively transmitting radio signals, such as those embedded with Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, cellular and Zigbee modules.
Simple distinction: Non-wireless products apply for IC SDoC; wireless products apply for IC ID.
For hybrid products combining wireless and non-wireless functions (e.g. Bluetooth speakers): The wireless part must apply for IC ID separately, and the overall EMC performance of the product shall meet ICES SDoC requirements. Both certifications are mandatory.
3. Is Testing Mandatory for IC SDoC?
Yes, testing is compulsory. Even without official ISED approval, products must undergo testing to prove compliance with ICES standards.
ISED does not designate specific laboratories for SDoC testing, yet in practical operations, tests shall be conducted by laboratories holding ISO 17025 accreditation within the scope recognized by SCC (Standards Council of Canada). Reports issued by non-accredited laboratories are barely recognized in the market. Core test items are the same as conventional EMC tests: conducted emission and radiated emission.
Note that Canada’s ICES standards differ from US FCC standards in terms of limit values and test methods. FCC test reports cannot be directly used as the basis for ICES compliance. Qualified laboratories may refer to FCC data for reference, but a complete set of re-tests against ICES standards and exclusive reports are required.
4. Requirements for Canadian Representative
For overseas manufacturers adopting the SDoC mode, ISED does not mandate establishing a local legal entity in Canada. The ultimate compliance liability lies with Canadian importers and distributors.
Distinction: Wireless products under the IC ID mode are required to appoint a local Canadian representative as a rigid rule, while this requirement does not apply to SDoC. However, Canadian importers must ensure full compliance when selling products locally.
5. IC SDoC Procedure & Lead Time
·Confirm whether the product has wireless functions: SDoC for non-wireless products, IC ID for wireless products; define the applicable ICES standard
·Conduct EMC tests by SCC-accredited laboratories in accordance with ICES standards
·Issue test reports after passing tests
·Affix compliance labels on products
·Archive all technical documents
Required Technical Documents
Product specifications, circuit schematics, PCB drawings, BOM, bilingual English-French user manuals, test reports, supplier’s declaration of conformity and Canadian importer filing documents.
Product labels, user manuals, operating instructions and safety warnings must be bilingual in English and French. It is forbidden to replace ICES labels with FCC labels directly. Labels shall be clear and durable; laser engraving is recommended.
Lead Time Reference
If tests are passed at the first attempt, the whole process from sample delivery, testing to report archiving takes 2~4 weeks (pure testing takes about 1~2 weeks). For a full set of conducted and radiated emission EMC tests, the quotation from domestic SCC-accredited laboratories is generally 3,000 ~ 8,000 RMB. Costs will rise for complex products with multiple ports.
ISED conducts unscheduled market inspections. The physical product, labels and documents must be consistent. Non-compliant products will be removed from shelves or recalled, and relevant liabilities will be pursued against Canadian importers.
IC SDoC is the compliance route for non-wireless electronic products based on the ICES standard system, consisting of labels and technical documents. Tests shall be performed by SCC-accredited laboratories. Follow the rule: non-wireless for IC SDoC, wireless for IC ID to select the correct certification route.
For Canada IC SDoC Certification services, please contact Blueasia: 13534225140
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