There is no "fixed" timeline for ISED certification. Low-risk products (e.g., wireless chargers) can be completed in as fast as 4 weeks, while high-risk products with new regulation-related tests (e.g., Wi-Fi devices supporting new bands) may take 8-10 weeks. The key depends on product complexity and whether testing passes on the first attempt. New regulations in 2026 (such as PMN Family Certification and DFS testing) will increase preparation and testing time – sufficient advance planning is essential.

Canada ISED (Former IC) Certification Steps

  I. Pre-Application Preparation Phase: 1-2 Weeks

This is the foundation – poor preparation directly leads to rework. In 2026, focus on PMN Family Certification and material consistency, which requires more attention than before:

·Clarify Core Product Information + Apply for Company Code (1-4 Days): First-time applicants must apply to ISED for a unique company code (5-6 alphanumeric characters), which can be obtained in 1-2 days. Simultaneously, confirm the product’s hardware version (HVIN) and product marketing names (PMN). For product families, separately sort out difference statements for each PMN (e.g., color, accessory differences) – do not conflate them. A client in Dongguan failed to prepare difference statements in advance, resulting in a 10-day delay to supplement materials after submission;

·Prepare Complete Materials (3-7 Days): Include English-French bilingual user manuals (must meet ISED safety warning requirements – avoid machine translation, which is prone to errors), circuit diagrams, PCB layouts, BOM lists (core components must be labeled with compliance certificates), business license, and trademark certificate (if applicable). Overseas enterprises must also find a Canadian local agent in advance – agent information must be included in the application materials. Working with a reliable agency can save 3-5 days;

·Confirm Certification Mode & Testing Items (2-3 Days): First determine the applicable mode – Verification for low-risk products, Certification for high-risk products, and SDoC for EMC-only compliance. For Wi-Fi products, confirm whether they support the 5600-5650 MHz band and require DFS testing; for close-contact devices such as smart watches, plan for SAR simulation assessment in advance – these new tests will increase subsequent time.

  II. Optional but Efficient: Technical Document Pre-Review (1-2 Days)

This is an overlooked "time accelerator" – before formal sample submission, provide circuit diagrams, PCB layouts, and BOM lists to the intended laboratory for paid "Design Review" (costing approximately 3,000-5,000 RMB). Engineers will identify potential issues in advance, such as incomplete component certification, circuit designs that may cause EMC failures, or even SAR value exceeding risks.

  III. Testing Phase: 2-4 Weeks (3-5 Extra Days for New Regulation-Related Tests)

Testing is the most time-consuming phase. In 2026, the ANSI C63.10-2020 standard is mandatory, and new tests will extend the timeline – always choose an ISED-recognized laboratory:

·Sample Submission & Test Plan Confirmation (1-2 Days): Submit pre-production samples (not modified prototypes, as test results will be invalid otherwise). The laboratory will develop a test plan based on product type and new regulation requirements. For example, Wi-Fi routers requiring DFS testing will have an additional 3-5 days allocated for dynamic frequency selection testing;

·Formal Testing (1.5-3.5 Weeks): Low-risk products (wireless chargers, remote controls) have simple testing items and can be completed in 1.5-2 weeks; ordinary high-risk products (Bluetooth speakers, ordinary Wi-Fi devices) require complete RF + EMC testing (2-3 weeks); products with new regulation-related tests (DFS, SAR simulation) take 3-3.5 weeks;

·Testing Rectification (0-2 Weeks, Optional but Common): This is the most common cause of delays. For example, EMC test failures may require filter replacement; SAR value exceeding for smart watches may require antenna design adjustments. Retesting after rectification takes 50% of the original testing time. One client spent 1.5 weeks on rectification and retesting, doubling the overall timeline.

  IV. Application Submission & Review Phase: 2-3 Weeks

After successful testing, submit the application to an ISED-recognized TCB agency. Reviews are stricter in 2026 – inconsistent materials will result in direct rejection:

·Material Organization & Submission (1-2 Days): The TCB will organize test reports, application forms, and product materials, verifying accuracy before submission to the ISED system. Note that for PMN Family Certification, each model must be listed separately in the application form – do not use separators, otherwise the application will be rejected;

·About "Rush Services": Claims of "3-day certification issuance" are mostly misleading – there is no shortcut for ISED’s official substantive review, with a regular cycle of 2-3 weeks. True rush services involve the TCB prioritizing document review and pre-inspection before submission to identify inconsistencies or parameter errors in advance, avoiding official rejection and saving total time. One client opted for rush service, and the TCB discovered a mismatch between component models in the BOM list and test report, correcting it in time – saving 1 week compared to the regular process;

·Official Review & Supplementary Materials (2-3 Weeks + 0-1 Week): The official will spot-check material authenticity (e.g., verifying component certification certificates), with stricter reviews for high-risk products. Inconsistencies (e.g., mismatched antenna gain between product specifications and test reports) will require supplementary materials, causing a 3-5 day delay. Always have the TCB cross-verify all material parameters before submission.

  V. Certification Issuance & Labeling Phase: 1-2 Days

After successful review, proceed to the final phase – mistakes here may affect customs clearance:

·Certification Collection (1 Day): The TCB is an ISED-authorized final certification body. After completing conformity assessment on behalf of ISED, it will directly issue an electronic certificate marked with the TCB number and unique IC ID (format "IC:XXXXX-YYYYY"), while recording product information in ISED’s national device registration database;

·Labeling (1 Day): Label the IC ID number, product model, company name, and compliance statement on the product body or packaging. 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 label corrections after arrival at the port, which can delay customs clearance by 3-5 days.

  2026 ISED Certification Timeline by Product Type (Including New Regulation Impact)

Based on recent practical cases, the following timelines are provided for delivery planning (weeks, including preparation + testing + review + certification issuance; excluding rectification time):

·Low-Risk Devices (Wireless Chargers, Remote Controls): 4-5 weeks;

·High-Risk Devices (Single-Model Bluetooth Speakers, Ordinary Wi-Fi Devices): 6-7 weeks;

·High-Risk Devices (Family Certification, ≥3 PMNs): 7-8 weeks (1-2 extra weeks for organizing difference materials);

·Devices with New Regulation-Related Tests (Wi-Fi Routers Supporting New Bands, Smart Watches with SAR Simulation): 8-10 weeks (3-5 extra days for DFS/SAR testing);

·SDoC Mode Devices (Low-Power Sensors): 3-4 weeks (no official review, saving 2-3 weeks).

The core of ISED certification timelines in 2026 is "advance planning + avoiding new regulation pitfalls." The steps are not complicated, but details in each phase can cause delays. Especially new regulation-related changes such as PMN Family Certification and additional tests, as well as time-saving techniques like pre-review and TCB rush services, must be leveraged. If you are unsure about the timeline for your product, BLUEASIA: +86 13534225140 – We provide professional certification consulting services.