Should wireless products get FCC SDOC or FCC-ID Certification?

FCC Certification refers to the testing, evaluation, application, review, and final certification by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) of electronic products. The purpose is to ensure that electronic devices do not interfere with other electronic devices and comply with U.S. laws and regulations. All electronic devices imported, sold, or offered in the U.S. market must meet FCC certification requirements; otherwise, they will be considered illegal products.

Currently, FCC certification is divided into two categories: FCC-SDOC Certification and FCC-ID Certification. How do you determine which certification your product needs?

FCC-SDOC Certification (for products without wireless modules):

1. Different Standards: Part 15

2. For General Products: Tests EMC for products without wireless functions.

3. No Registration Required: As long as the laboratory has A2LA accreditation, it can issue the certification.

4. Applicable Products: Non-wireless products such as lighting, small appliances, IT, AV, mechanical products, etc.

5. Different Costs: Since no GC number registration is required and there are fewer wireless testing requirements, the cost with A2LA accredited labs generally ranges from 2K to 3K, depending on the cooperation and lab pricing standards.

6. Query Method: FCC-SDOC can be queried on the website of the issuing lab, with no unified query website.

7. Different Timelines: FCC-SDOC can be completed within 7 working days.

8. Required Documents: Application form and one sample.

FCC-ID Certification (for products with wireless modules):

1. Different Standards: Part 15C

2. Different Certification Methods: Tests EMC + RF for products with wireless functions.

3. Different Registration Methods: When applying for an FCC-ID for the first time, a GC number must be registered on the TCB website in the U.S. before the test results can be uploaded for certification.

4. Applicable Products: Products with wireless functions such as Bluetooth, WIFI, 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G, etc.

5. Different Costs: The initial application fee for FCC-ID is $100 for GC number registration, and the testing fees vary depending on the module. For Bluetooth single-mode, the cost including GC number registration generally ranges from 8K to 12K, depending on the lab's pricing.

6. Query Method: Through the TCB website in the U.S.

7. Different Timelines: FCC-ID certification usually takes 10-15 working days to complete.

8. Required Documents: Circuit schematic, English block diagram, silkscreen, English manual, frequency setting method, frequency setting software, etc., and three samples (one for frequency setting and two for normal use).

Additional Explanations:

1. U.S. FCC-ID wireless certification only controls the transmitting module, not the receiving module. Therefore, if your product only has a receiving module, you can opt for FCC-SDOC according to current policies.

2. After registering the GC number, all FCC-ID certificates applied by the company can be queried under one GC number. A company only needs to register the GC number once.

3. FCC certification is mandatory in the U.S. While FCC controls battery compatibility, generally, products only need FCC-SDOC to enter the U.S. market. However, entry into large stores like Walmart requires UL/etl certification.