"IC Certification" is the former name (corresponding to Industry Canada). After the department restructuring in 2016, it was officially renamed ISED Certification. Essentially, both refer to the same mandatory market access certification – only the competent authority has changed. For 2026 applications, testing, and labeling, the latest ISED requirements must be followed. The label format still retains "IC:XXXXX-YYYYY," and there is no need to deliberately change it to "ISED:XXX" – it is fully recognized by the official.

I. Core Positioning of ISED Certification

ISED Certification is a mandatory requirement for radio communication and radio frequency (RF) transmitting electronic devices entering the Canadian market. Without it, products cannot pass customs clearance or be legally sold. Its core objectives are clear: First, to regulate RF performance to prevent products from interfering with Canada’s radio spectrum; second, to control electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) to ensure products do not interfere with other electronic devices.

In simple terms, almost all products with wireless communication functions or RF transmission capabilities require this certification. Similar to the US FCC Certification and EU CE-RED Certification, it is an "essential passport" for electronic products exporting overseas. Additionally, testing must be conducted by an ISED-recognized laboratory – reports from non-recognized institutions are directly invalid, which is a fundamental requirement.

  II. 2026 ISED Certification: Eligible Products & Certification Modes

Many companies make mistakes at the first step by not understanding which certification path their product should take. In 2026, ISED defines three clear certification modes based on "risk level + product type," corresponding to different products – there is no need for blind applications:

1. Eligible Products & Corresponding Modes

·High-Risk Wireless Devices (Certification Mode): Mobile phones (cellular networks), routers, walkie-talkies, satellite communication devices. These products have complex functions and high transmission power, requiring complete RF testing, EMC testing, and SAR testing (for devices in close contact with the human body) – the most stringent review applies;

·Low-Risk Devices (Verification Mode): Wireless chargers, RFID devices, home appliance remote controls, low-power IoT sensors. These products have low transmission power, simplified testing items, and a relatively fast process;

·EMC-Only Compliance (Self-Declaration of Conformity, SDoC Mode): Some wired electronic devices (e.g., certain wired routers) and devices that do not transmit RF but may generate electromagnetic interference. No application submission to ISED is required – enterprises complete testing independently, sign a conformity declaration, and retain test records for future reference.

2. Ineligible Products

·Purely Wired, Non-Interfering Devices: Ordinary wired keyboards and mice, wired headphones, traditional electric kettles (without smart modules). These only need to meet local electrical safety standards and do not require ISED certification;

·Low-Power Exempt Products: Devices with extremely low transmission power that will not interfere with the spectrum (e.g., certain medical implantable devices). Eligibility must be confirmed in advance through ISED’s official exemption list – do not rely on experience;

·Personal Use Products: ≤2 units carried into the country for personal use do not require certification, but enterprises exporting in bulk must apply in accordance with regulations;

·Purely Mechanical Products: Products without electronic components or relying on electrical energy – naturally not within the scope of control.

3. Easily Confused Cases (Common Misjudgments in Practice)

·Case 1: Smart rice cookers with Wi-Fi – The wireless module requires ISED Certification Mode, while the electrical safety part can be converted to local safety certification via CB certification. Both are indispensable;

·Case 2: Bluetooth speakers with multiple marketing names – For a single hardware version (HVIN) corresponding to 3 product marketing names (PMN), applications must be submitted as a "Family Certification." Multiple PMNs cannot be filled in a single field separated by commas – otherwise, the application will be directly rejected;

·Case 3: Small wireless sensors – These are low-risk devices and only require the Verification Mode. There is no need for full testing as high-risk products, saving significant time and costs.

  III. 2026 ISED Certification: Latest Process

The ISED certification process is not overly complex, but multiple new regulations have been adjusted in 2025-2026. Following these steps can avoid 90% of rework:

1. Pre-Application Preparation

·Clarify Core Product Information: Compile product specifications (including wireless frequency bands, transmission power, HVIN hardware version, PMN marketing names). For product families, list all PMNs and ensure consistent hardware versions;

·Prepare Required Materials: Business license, trademark registration certificate (if applicable), circuit diagrams, PCB layouts, English-French bilingual user manuals (must include ISED-required safety warnings and compliance statements), Canadian local agent address (mandatory for overseas enterprises to receive official notifications);

·Select a Compliant Laboratory: Must choose an ISED-recognized testing laboratory. Confirm in advance that the laboratory can conduct testing to the ANSI C63.10-2020 series standards to avoid invalid reports after testing.

2. Testing Phase

·Core Test Items: RF testing (verifying transmission power, frequency accuracy, etc.), EMC testing, SAR testing (for devices in close contact with the human body such as mobile phones);

·2026 Mandatory Requirement: As of January 6, 2026, all products must be tested to the latest integrated version of the ANSI C63.10-2020 series. Reports based on old standards (e.g., ANSI C63.10-2019) are no longer accepted – a fundamental change affecting all products;

·Notes for Product Families: For products with the same HVIN, only 1 prototype needs to be submitted for testing, but difference statements for all PMNs must be provided to avoid individual testing requirements.

3. Application Submission & Review

·Submit Materials: After the laboratory issues the test report, submit it together with the application materials to ISED or its authorized agency;

·Fee Adjustment: ISED officially announced a 1.7% increase in all certification-related fees starting April 1, 2026. For example, the core equipment registration fee will increase from $804.14 to $817.81. It is recommended to plan the application timeline in advance to save costs;

·Review Cycle: The regular cycle remains 4-6 weeks, and may extend to 8 weeks for complex products (e.g., 5G devices, multi-module smart devices). There is no official policy explicitly stating a "reduction to 2-3 weeks." It is recommended to reserve sufficient time to avoid delays in delivery;

·Certificate Issuance & Numbering: Upon successful review, a unique IC ID number (format "IC:XXXXX-YYYYY") will be issued – the core credential for legal market access.

4. Labeling & Documentation Requirements

·Labeling: Must include the IC ID number, product model, company name/trademark, and compliance statement (e.g., "Complies with ISED Canada licence-exempt RSS standard(s)"). For small devices (e.g., Bluetooth headphones) that cannot be labeled on the body, labeling on the minimum sales package or user manual is acceptable – the font must be clear and wear-resistant;

·Documentation Retention: Enterprises must retain test reports, conformity declarations, and application materials for at least 5 years. ISED may conduct random inspections – non-compliance will result in fines.

The core of ISED certification in 2026 is "understanding new regulations thoroughly + precise matching + detailed compliance." Enterprises do not need to be intimidated by the complex process. As long as the product certification mode is confirmed in advance, testing is conducted to the latest standards, and common pitfalls such as PMN Family Certification are avoided, the process will proceed smoothly. If you have questions about product categorization or testing standards, it is recommended to consult an ISED-recognized laboratory or professional agency in advance. BLUEASIA: +86 13534225140 – We provide professional certification consulting services.