"IC Certification" is the former name. After the restructuring of Industry Canada in 2016, it was officially renamed ISED Certification. However, the label format still retains "IC:XXXXX-YYYYY" – no need for deliberate modification, as it is fully recognized by the official. Similar to the US FCC and EU CE-RED, it is a mandatory "passport" for wireless-enabled electronic devices entering the Canadian market. Without it, products cannot pass customs clearance, let alone be legally sold.
These new regulations are core changes implemented recently and the most common pitfalls for clients. Each directly impacts certification success, especially the newly added technical regulations that many enterprises have not yet paid attention to:
1. PMN Family Certification: Mandatory for Multiple Models with the Same Hardware (Effective June 30, 2025)
Enforcement is becoming increasingly strict. Simply put, if your product has "one hardware version (HVIN) corresponding to multiple product marketing names (PMN)" – for example, a Bluetooth speaker with black and white versions, models BT-001 and BT-002 with identical hardware – applications must be submitted as a "Family Certification." Each PMN must be listed separately; commas or 顿号 cannot be used to separate multiple PMNs in a single field. A client in Shenzhen made this mistake last week, resulting in direct application rejection and a two-week delay to reorganize materials.
2. Mandatory Test Standard Update: Old Reports Fully Invalid (Effective September 12, 2025)
Many previously mistakenly believed this would take effect in January 2026, but ISED’s official website clearly states the mandatory implementation date as September 12, 2025. All new applications submitted after this date 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 directly rejected. One of our clients manufacturing wireless chargers applied with an old report in late 2025, resulting in direct rejection. Retesting cost an additional 15,000 RMB and delayed delivery.
3. Certification Fee Increase: Higher Costs from April 1 (Effective April 1, 2026)
ISED has officially notified 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. Although the increase is not significant, savings are still possible. It is recommended to complete application submission before the end of March to avoid the price hike.
4. Wi-Fi Frequency Band Expansion: DFS Testing Required for New Bands (Effective January 1, 2026)
The new regulation opens the 5600-5650 MHz band for Wi-Fi devices but mandates Dynamic Frequency Selection (DFS) testing to prove devices can automatically avoid radar signals and prevent interference. For already certified Wi-Fi devices seeking to use this new band, a change application with supplementary test reports is required; new applications must include testing for this band – otherwise, certification will be rejected.
5. Stricter Antenna Requirements + SAR Assessment Upgrade (Effective March 1, 2026)
·Antenna Restrictions (RSS-248 Standard): Antennas for low-power indoor devices (e.g., small IoT sensors, wireless gateways) must be permanently fixed, use dedicated connectors, or be software-locked. Users are prohibited from replacing them with non-compliant antennas. One of our clients manufacturing smart door locks had their application rejected because the antenna design was detachable without software locking – it took 3 weeks to modify the product structure;
·SAR Assessment Upgrade (RSS-102 Standard): A new SAR simulation assessment path is introduced. For devices in close contact with the human body such as mobile phones and smart watches, in addition to traditional actual testing, simulation-based assessment is also allowed; meanwhile, Time-Averaged SAR (TAS) requirements are extended to more wireless technologies (e.g., 5G, Wi-Fi 6), expanding test coverage.
II. ISED Certification: Product Scope & Certification Modes
Many struggle to determine which certification path their product requires. In 2026, ISED defines three modes based on "risk level," corresponding clearly to different products – no need for blind full testing:
1. Certification Mode (High-Risk Devices)
Suitable for high-power, complex-function products such as mobile phones, routers, walkie-talkies, and 5G devices. Complete RF testing, EMC testing, and SAR testing (for devices in close contact with the human body) are mandatory. Reviews are the most stringent, with the longest cycle (usually 6-8 weeks).
2. Verification Mode (Low-Risk Devices)
Wireless chargers, home appliance remote controls, and low-power IoT sensors fall into this category. Testing items are simplified (no SAR testing required), with a cycle of approximately 4-6 weeks and costs about 30% lower than high-risk devices.
3. SDoC Self-Declaration Mode (EMC-Only Compliance)
Some wired electronic devices, such as certain wired routers and ordinary electronic controllers, do not transmit RF but may generate electromagnetic interference. This mode applies – no application submission to ISED is needed. Enterprises complete EMC testing independently at a recognized laboratory, sign a conformity declaration, and retain test records. This is the lowest-cost and fastest process.
A special reminder: Purely wired devices (e.g., wired keyboards, traditional electric kettles) and low-power exempt products (e.g., small electric toothbrushes) do not require ISED certification – avoid unnecessary efforts. Another common misunderstanding: For smart home appliances with Wi-Fi, the wireless module requires the Certification Mode, while the electrical safety part requires separate CB-to-local safety certification. Both are indispensable.
III. 2026 ISED Certification: Full Process
1. Pre-Application Preparation: Indispensable Materials
·Core Product Information: Clarify HVIN hardware version, all PMN marketing names, key parameters such as wireless frequency bands (including the new 5600-5650 MHz band), transmission power, and antenna type. For product families, provide clear difference statements;
·Required Documents: Business license, trademark certificate (if applicable), circuit diagrams, PCB layouts, English-French bilingual user manuals (must include ISED-required safety warnings – pure English manuals will be required to add translations);
·Special Requirement: Overseas enterprises must provide a Canadian local agent address to receive official notifications and inspection documents – applications will be directly rejected without one.
2. Testing Phase: Choose the Right Laboratory
Must select an ISED-recognized testing laboratory. There are many qualified institutions in China. Confirm in advance that the laboratory can conduct ANSI C63.10-2020 standard testing, DFS testing (for Wi-Fi products), and SAR simulation assessment (for close-contact devices) to avoid invalid reports after testing. For product families with the same HVIN, only 1 prototype needs to be submitted, but a list of all PMNs must be provided – the laboratory will issue corresponding family test reports.
3. Review & Certification Issuance: Cycle Remains Unchanged
Many claim the "review cycle has been reduced to 2-3 weeks," but this is a misunderstanding – ISED has not issued such an official policy. The regular review cycle is still 4-6 weeks, and 6-8 weeks for high-risk products. It is recommended to reserve sufficient time and avoid last-minute applications to prevent delivery delays. Upon successful review, a unique IC ID number (format "IC:XXXXX-YYYYY") will be issued – this number must be labeled on the product or packaging.
4. Labeling: Critical Details
Labels 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. Avoid last-minute label corrections after arrival at the port, which can delay customs clearance by 3-5 days.
IV. 2026 Latest Trends to Watch
1.Strengthened Random Inspections: ISED has introduced "dynamic inspections," tracing test data through product serial numbers and randomly purchasing products for re-testing. Inconsistencies between parameters and certification records will result in recalls and fines of up to 100,000 Canadian dollars;
2.Optimized Online Applications: ISED’s official platform now includes a Chinese interface with simplified material upload processes. It supports online review progress tracking and electronic certificate downloads – no need for intermediary agencies, making applications more convenient for small and medium-sized enterprises;
3.Benefits for IoT Devices: For low-power IoT sensors and similar products, testing items for the Verification Mode have been reduced by another 30%, with the cycle shortened to 3-4 weeks – significantly reducing certification costs for small and medium-sized enterprises.
The core of ISED certification in 2026 is "thoroughly understanding new regulations + precise matching + detailed compliance." There is no need to be intimidated by the complex process. As long as common pitfalls such as PMN filling, standard updates, and antenna design are avoided, the right laboratory is chosen, and the process is followed step by step, success is guaranteed. If you have questions about product categorization or testing standards, BLUEASIA: +86 13534225140 – We provide professional certification consulting services.
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