What is FCC certification for electronic products?

The full name of FCC certification is Federal Communications Commission Certification, which is the certification issued by the Federal Communications Commission of the United States. The FCC is an independent agency of the U.S. government, established in 1934, directly accountable to Congress. It primarily regulates and controls radio, telecommunications, and ensures the safety of radio and wired communication products related to life and property. The Engineering and Technology Department of the FCC provides technical support to the Commission and is responsible for equipment accreditation affairs.

Purpose of FCC Certification

FCC certification is a mandatory EMC (Electromagnetic Compatibility) certification in the United States, mainly targeting electronic and electrical products ranging from 9K to 3000GHz, covering various aspects including radio and telecommunications. It particularly focuses on issues related to radio interference of wireless communication equipment and systems. Having FCC certification means that the product complies with FCC regulations on electromagnetic compatibility and electromagnetic interference standards, allowing it to be sold and used in the United States. Products without certification may be detained, fined, or returned.

Scope of FCC Certification

FCC certification applies to a variety of products involving over 50 states, Columbia, and U.S. territories, including but not limited to:

- Personal computers and peripherals

- Household appliances, power tools

- Audio and video products

- Lighting fixtures

- Wireless products

- Toy products

- Security products

- Industrial machinery, etc.

FCC Certification Process

1. Apply for FRN and Grantee Code:

- FRN (FCC Registration Number) is the FCC registration number used to identify applicants or organizations.

- If the applicant is applying for an FCC ID for the first time, they need to apply for a permanent Grantee Code. The Grantee Code is the company code registered with the FCC, used to identify the company or organization applying for an FCC ID.

- The fee for applying for a Grantee Code for the first time is 60 USD.

2. Prepare and submit documentation:

- Prepare and submit all documents and materials required by the FCC, including but not limited to:

  - FCC ID label and label location

  - User manual

  - Schematic diagram

  - Block diagram

  - Theory of Operation

  - Test report

  - External photos

  - Internal photos

  - Test setup photos

3. Provide detailed information and data:

- Full name and detailed contact address of the manufacturer and applicant of the certified product.

- Provide a copy of the installation and user manual for the certified product to users.

- Schematic diagram and operational description of the product's electrical principles.

- A frequency table of the product's working oscillations.

- Other product characteristics that need to be explained.

4. Submission Notes:

- Relevant documents and materials should be in both Chinese and English.

- To shorten the certification cycle, it is preferable to provide electronic documents.

- During the certification process, additional related materials may be requested for submission by the enterprise under certain circumstances.

5. Apply for FCC ID report and registration:

- The applicant needs to complete the registration process on the FCC ID website and wait for FCC review and approval.

6. Documentation Review:

- The FCC or authorized third-party organizations will review the submitted documents to ensure completeness and accuracy.

7. Product Testing:

- After the documentation review is passed, the product will be sent to designated laboratories for testing to ensure compliance with FCC regulations and standards.

8. Obtain Certificate:

- If the product passes the testing, the applicant will receive an FCC ID certificate, allowing the product to be sold and used in the U.S. market.

Requirements for FCC ID Certification Prototype

1. Number of provided prototypes:

- At least one qualified prototype is required for each certified model, and it is recommended to provide two or more prototypes to ensure the accuracy and comprehensiveness of testing.

2. Quality of prototypes:

- Provided prototypes must be formal and qualified, with internal electrical structures and external appearances identical to those of later batch prototypes exported.

3. Identification of prototypes:

- The trademark model on the prototype must be clear and reliable.

Notes:

- Prototypes need to be sent to authoritative laboratories for testing.

- The testing report is one of the important documents for applying for FCC ID certification.

- The application process includes submitting complete application materials, paying application fees, and undergoing review and certification processes.

Time and Costs

- The time required for FCC certification varies due to various factors and generally takes several weeks to several months.

- Costs include testing fees, certificate fees, and possible additional certification fees, typically ranging from $1000 to $2000. For FCC ID certification, the cost may range from $2500 to $3500.