What is Canadian IC Certification?

What is IC Certification?

IC stands for Industry Canada, which sets the testing standards for analog and digital terminal equipment and mandates that wireless products sold in Canada must pass IC certification. Therefore, IC certification (now known as ISED certification or ICES certification) is a passport and essential requirement for electronic products (such as wireless mice and keyboards, remote control toys, and various low-power wireless RF products) to enter the Canadian market.

What are the IC Certification Methods and Testing Items?

1. IC Certification (Wired Products)

   - Testing Items: Similar to the FCC in the United States, IC certification focuses only on the EMI part, testing conducted and radiated emissions.

2. IC-ID Certification (Wireless Products)

   - Testing Items: Conducted emissions, radiated emissions, bandwidth, spurious emissions, etc.

Key IC Certification Standards

- ICES-001: Analog Equipment

- ICES-003: Digital Terminal Equipment

- RSS Series: Transmitter and Receiver Equipment

What Products Fall Under IC Certification?

1. IC: Regular electronic products such as power supplies, small appliances, computer peripherals, audio/video products, etc.

2. IC-ID: Wireless products including Bluetooth devices, tablets, wireless keyboards, wireless mice, RFID devices, transceivers, walkie-talkies, wireless microphones, remote controls, wireless networking devices, wireless video transmission systems, and other low-power wireless products.

What Documents are Required for IC-ID Certification?

For Non-Wireless Products:

The documentation required for applying for IC certification is relatively simple, including providing samples, product manuals, and application forms.

For Wireless Electronic Products:

Products entering Canada require IC-ID certification. The necessary documents include:

1. Schematics

2. Block Diagram

3. Circuit Description

4. User Manual

5. RF Prototype

6. Software and Hardware Version Numbers

7. Product Serial Number

8. Canadian Agent Information

9. Fixed Frequency Software Version Number

What are the Key Considerations for IC-ID Certification?

1. A Canadian representative address is mandatory.

2. Labels must include: Manufacturer's name or trademark, model name, ICID number.

IC Certification Process

1. Submit samples, application forms, and related documents.

2. Schedule testing.

3. If testing fails, notify the customer for rectification; if testing passes, generate a report.

4. Obtain certificate/report.

Timeframe for IC Certification

- IC: 1 week (for regular electronic products, issued by third-party laboratories)

- IC-ID: 4 weeks (for wireless products, certification issued by TCB organizations)

IC certification is the passport for electronic products to enter the Canadian market. Only products that have passed IC certification can be sold in Canada. Products with IC certification are more likely to gain consumer favor.