We've previously covered SRRC, China's radio type approval requirement. This article covers FCC, its US counterpart — something most electronic products, especially wireless ones, will run into when heading to the US market.
What Is FCC Certification
The FCC (Federal Communications Commission) regulates the radio spectrum and electromagnetic compatibility of electronic devices within the US. Any product that emits radio frequency signals, has wireless communication functions, or is simply an electronic device generally needs to meet the relevant FCC rules before entering the US market.
Common FCC Compliance Paths
The FCC applies different compliance procedures depending on the product type. Three common ones are:
- SDoC (Supplier's Declaration of Conformity): applies to most ordinary electronic devices without wireless functions — the manufacturer tests (or has a lab test) the product and self-declares, with no official FCC certificate issued
- DoC (simplified Declaration of Conformity): applies to certain Part 15 devices, with a relatively simplified process
- Certification: products with wireless transmission functions (such as Bluetooth or WiFi modules) generally need to be tested by an FCC-recognized lab and obtain an FCC ID
Which path applies depends on whether the product has wireless transmission functions, and its operating frequency band and power.
How FCC Differs from SRRC and CE-RED
All three address radio/electronics compliance, but for different markets:
- FCC: United States
- SRRC: Mainland China
- CE-RED: European Union (Radio Equipment Directive, a specific directive under the broader CE framework)
If the same product is headed to all three markets, it generally needs to satisfy each set of standards separately — one report can't substitute for another, since frequency band allocation and power limits aren't fully aligned across regions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does an electronic product without wireless functions still need FCC? A: Yes — as long as it's an electronic device, it generally needs to meet FCC Part 15 requirements on electromagnetic interference even without wireless transmission, though the compliance path (SDoC) is simplified.
Q: How long does it take to get an FCC ID? A: Timelines depend on product complexity and lab scheduling. Products with wireless transmission functions typically take longer than ordinary electronics without wireless features, due to the additional testing items involved.
If you're unsure which FCC compliance path applies to your product, send us the product details for an initial assessment.