Several key updates have been made to Canada’s IC SDoC system in recent years, which directly affect product access to the Canadian market.

1. Full Enforcement of ICES-GEN Issue 2

ISED released ICES-GEN Issue 2 on February 23, 2024, replacing the old Issue 1 version released in 2018. After a one-year transition period, it has been fully enforced since February 23, 2025. In 2026, the transition period is completely over. All newly launched and imported products must fully comply with all requirements of Issue 2. Old-version labels and test reports are no longer accepted.

  2. Main Updates of ICES-GEN Issue 2 vs. the Old Version

·New simplified label optionsProducts without Class A/B classification can use the general label CAN ICES / NMB without marking specific ICES standard numbers. For products classified into Class A (industrial environment) and Class B (household environment), the category must still be marked in the format: CAN ICES (B) / NMB (B). The traditional format such as CAN ICES-3 (B) / NMB-3 (B) remains valid, and old and new label formats can be used in parallel.

·Clarified label rules for mini devicesFor products with maximum dimension ≤ 2.5 cm, labels can be placed on user manuals and packages instead of product bodies. For multi-unit combined products, labels shall be pasted on the largest unit by priority.

·Supplementary rules for label displayMini devices can print complete compliance information on manuals and packages. QR codes are not included as an official label option in Issue 2, contrary to some unofficial articles.

  3. Clearer Requirements for Laboratory Qualifications

ICES tests must be performed by ISO 17025 laboratories accredited by SCC (Standards Council of Canada). Reports issued by non-accredited laboratories are not recognized by ISED and will be judged non-compliant during market inspections. From 2025 to 2026, ISED has intensified the verification of laboratory qualifications. Always verify whether the laboratory’s SCC accreditation scope covers relevant ICES standards before cooperation.

·Complete SDoC Documentation is Mandatory

Labels are the core carrier of SDoC, but complete compliance archives are indispensable. Technical documents must include signed supplier’s declaration of conformity, product specifications, circuit schematics, PCB drawings, BOM, bilingual English-French user manuals, ICES test reports issued by SCC-accredited laboratories and Canadian importer filing information. Signed SDoC declaration documents are a key inspection item of ISED market checks and shall not be omitted.

Test reports must be issued in accordance with ICES standards; FCC reports cannot replace ICES compliance documents.

·Bilingual Requirements for Labels & Manuals

Product labels, user manuals, operating instructions and safety warnings must be bilingual in English and French. The translation shall be fluent with professional terms complying with local Canadian usage; low-quality machine translation is not accepted. Many products have been rejected during inspections due to unqualified translation.

Labels must be clear and durable. Temporary adhesive stickers are prohibited; laser engraving, screen printing or waterproof durable materials are recommended.

·Rules for Hybrid Products

For hybrid products such as Bluetooth speakers: The wireless RF part must apply for IC ID separately, and the overall product must complete ICES SDoC EMC tests. Both certifications are mandatory and shall be conducted on the complete product instead of separate tests for individual parts.

·Rules for Canadian Representative

The SDoC mode does not require overseas manufacturers to set up local legal entities in Canada, and the ultimate compliance liability rests with Canadian importers and distributors. Different rules apply to IC ID wireless products, which mandate a local Canadian representative.

·Validity of SDoC

SDoC has no fixed expiry date. The declaration remains valid on the premise that product structure, circuits, key components and applicable standards are unchanged. Re-tests and updates of declarations & documents are required if standards are revised or products are modified.

·Intensified Market Inspections

ISED has continuously strengthened market random inspections from 2025 to 2026. Key inspection items include compliance of labels with ICES-GEN Issue 2, validity of test reports from SCC-accredited laboratories, consistency between physical products and technical documents, completeness of signed SDoC declarations and qualification of bilingual documents. Non-compliant products will be removed from shelves or recalled. Relevant importers will face fines, and severe violations may result in restrictions on subsequent import qualifications.

The biggest change of Canada IC SDoC in 2026 is the full enforcement of ICES-GEN Issue 2 with no transition period. Ensure label formats comply with new rules, select laboratories with valid SCC accreditation and complete all technical documents including signed declarations to avoid compliance risks when entering the Canadian market.

For Canada IC SDoC Certification services, please contact Blueasia: 13534225140