The United States has required standards for products that might contribute to electromagnetic interference in order to reduce the level of radio frequency (RF) interference between electronic devices. In general each electronic product, both with and without wireless functionality, placed on the US market must comply with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulations, in order to be sold. Also if products are equipped with an already certified radio module, the end-product, as a whole, must comply with the FCC regulations as well.

FCC and smart devices

In the last decade more and more products have become ‘smart’. Mostly via wireless data communication these products communicate with each other or over the internet. Smart devices vary from residential products such as refrigerators and coffee machines to industrial equipment such as measurement devices or regulators. All these devices have to comply with applicable FCC regulation. Kiwa can help manufacturers and suppliers of smart products to comply with regulations and thus gain quick access to the US market.

What is the FCC?

In the interest of the US public, the FCC regulates the private sector telecommunications industry. It establishes technical regulations for transmitters and other equipment to minimize their potential for causing interference to radio services. To enable this, the FCC administers an authorization program ensuring equipment placed on the US market complies with the technical requirements

FCC categories

FCC standards depend on the type of radio frequency emitting device that is being tested. The FCC distinguishes different product categories that identify what type of regulations and testing are necessary: for example: FCC Part 11, FCC Part 15, Part 18, Part 22, Part 24, Part 68, Part 90 and FCC Part 95. One of the most common types of device approval is for FCC part 15 certification, which refers to regulations set for most IoT equipment such as, smart doorbells, consumer remote controls and power tools.

FCC authorization process

The FCC equipment authorization procedure is as follows. In some cases a different route can be used e.g. the sDoc route. For more information contact us:

FCC testing by Kiwa

Kiwa’s is equipped with state-of-the-art test facilities and is an FCC recognized accredited testing laboratory. We test the electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and wireless data communication aspects of a wide range of electronic devices. We are able to perform tests according to different FCC rule parts such as Part 15, 18, 22, 24 & 27. Under these parts technologies such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Zigbee, cellular and consumer ISM equipment can be tested.

Testing procedure

In order to test your product our test laboratory must be able to do the following:

  • Control the radio (module);
  • Adjust TX Frequency, L, M and H (modulated and unmodulated);
  • Adjust TX Power (preferrable);
  • Must be able to be set in RX Only mode (must be able to operate in Idle mode and with notification of reception).

Sample requirements

  • At least 2 samples are needed for EMC and RF measurements;
  • One worst-case sample (incl. all cables, options etc.);
  • One sample must be able to be put in test mode;
  • (extra) Conducted sample is preferred (pigtail, u.FL connector etc.).

FCC Certification by Kiwa

Kiwa is a FCC recognized Telecommunication Certification Body (TCB). We will check your technical construction file incl. test reports, documentation such as manuals and drawings and your declaration of conformity. If it is all in line with the FCC regulations, Kiwa can issue an FCC certification for your product. In order to issue an FCC certificate a manufacturer or importer must be listed in the FCC database. They must have an FCC FRN number and grantee code. Kiwa can help you to get this FRN number and Grantee code.