How to Get FCC Certification?

What is FCC Certification?

FCC stands for the Federal Communications Commission, an independent agency of the United States government directly responsible to Congress. The FCC regulates domestic and international communications by controlling radio, television, telecommunications, satellites, and cables. It operates across all 50 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories to ensure the safety of radio and wire communication products related to life and property. Many radio applications, communication products, and digital products must obtain FCC approval to enter the U.S. market. The FCC committee investigates and researches all stages of product safety to find the best solutions, which include testing radio devices, aircraft, and more.

Product Range Applicable to FCC Certification

- Household appliances

- Power tools

- Computers and peripheral equipment

- Toys

- Audio devices

- Wireless products

- Industrial machinery

- Lighting fixtures

- Security products

- Communication products

Difference Between FCC-ID and FCC-SDOC

- FCC-ID: Primarily for wireless communication devices, such as Bluetooth headsets, Bluetooth speakers, and mobile phones.

- FCC-SDOC: Mainly for ordinary electronic and electrical products that do not have wireless functions.

FCC Certification Standards

The most widely used standards are FCC PART 15 and fcc PART 18.

- FCC PART 15 C/E/F: Intentional radiator device testing.

- FCC PART 18: Industrial, scientific, and medical equipment.

- FCC PART 22: Public mobile communication services.

- FCC PART 24: Personal communication services.

- FCC PART 25: Satellite communication services.

- FCC PART 27: Other FCC wireless communication services.

- FCC PART 68: Telecommunications terminal equipment.

FCC Part 15 regulates intentional, unintentional, or incidental emissions from devices that do not require a personal license to operate. It includes technical specifications, administrative requirements, and other market access conditions. Products are divided into four categories: unintentional radiators, intentional radiators, personal communication devices without a license, and national infrastructure devices without a license.

FCC Part 18 regulates electromagnetic energy emissions from industrial, scientific, and medical equipment operating on certain spectra to avoid harmful interference with authorized wireless communication services.

FCC Certification Application Process

1. The customer submits an application form to the Chinese JJR laboratory.

2. The customer prepares test samples (wireless products require a frequency-fixing machine) and provides product documentation (see documentation requirements).

3. The testing organization issues a draft report, the customer confirms it, and the formal report is issued.

4. If applying for FCC sDoC, the project is completed; if applying for FCC ID, the report and technical documentation are submitted to TCB.

5. The TCB completes the review and issues the FCC ID certificate; the testing organization sends the formal report and FCC ID certificate.

6. Once the enterprise obtains FCC certification, it can use the FCC mark and related statements on its products.

Note: For first-time FCC ID certification applicants, the manufacturer must register an FCC-FRN to establish a company profile. After the TCB review, the issued certificate will include an FCC ID number, usually composed of a "Grantee Code" and a "Product Code."

- Grantee Code: A three-digit number or uppercase letter, issued directly by the FCC.

- Product Code: Composed of numbers, letters, and "-" but cannot have two or more consecutive "-", and the first and last characters cannot be "-". The code can be up to 14 characters long and is set by the customer.

FCC Certification Application Materials

1. User manual

2. Block Diagram

3. Operation Description

4. Circuit Schematic

5. RF Modulation

6. Rated Power Declaration

7. TCB Form 731

8. Power of Attorney (POA)

9. FCC Confidentiality Letter

Note: The FCC ID certification requires the submission of the following materials:

1. FCC Application Form: Must include accurate information about the applicant company’s name, address, contact details, product name, and model, as well as the standards used.

2. FCC Authorization Letter: Must be signed, stamped by the contact person of the applicant company, and scanned into an electronic file.

3. FCC Confidentiality Letter: A confidentiality agreement signed between the applicant company and TCB regarding the product data, also signed, stamped, and scanned.

4. Block Diagram: Must show all oscillators and their frequencies, consistent with the circuit diagram.

5. Circuit Diagram: Must match the frequencies, number of oscillators, and positions shown in the block diagram.

6. Circuit Description: Must clearly describe the product's functionality in English.

7. User Manual: Must include the FCC Statement.

8. Label and Label Location: The label must include the FCC ID number and Statement, placed in a prominent location.

9. Internal and External Photos of the Product: Must be clear, with annotations added if necessary.

10. Test Report: Must be comprehensive, evaluating the product according to standard clauses.

FCC Certification - Application Cycle/Validity/Other Issues

- Application Time: Generally takes about 2–3 weeks. If the product quality does not meet standards, the process may be extended.

- Validity: FCC certification is usually permanent. Once a product has passed FCC certification and received an FCC ID, the certification remains valid indefinitely unless the product undergoes significant changes or violates FCC regulations.

While FCC certification itself has no fixed validity period, certain circumstances may require the product to be re-certified or the FCC ID to be updated, such as:

- Product Modifications: Significant changes in design or functionality may necessitate re-certification, such as major hardware or software upgrades affecting wireless communication performance.

- Regulatory Changes: Updates in FCC regulations and standards may require renewed certification to comply with new requirements.

- Complaints or Reports: If there are compliance concerns raised by authorities or consumers, the FCC may review the product further.

- Expiration Issues: Although FCC certification is permanent, the authorization for FCC ID usage might be limited. If the authorization expires, renewal or update of the FCC ID may be required.

In summary, while FCC certification is permanent, it is essential to monitor the product’s compliance and update the certification or FCC ID as needed. If you have any questions or need to update the certification, it is recommended to consult with an FCC certification body to understand the specific steps and requirements.

Contact the Chinese JJR Laboratory for a detailed certification quote.