Introduction to FCC Certification Procedure and Testing Regulations in the United States

1. Introduction

Communications and electronic devices sold in the United States must comply with the certification and testing requirements set forth in the Federal Communications Regulations (CFR TITLE 47- TELECOMMUNICATION). The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in the United States is responsible for the certification application and approval of such devices. Equipment manufacturers, importers, or sellers applying for certification must submit materials and testing reports in accordance with FCC requirements. The inspection report is used to demonstrate that the equipment complies with the requirements of CFR TITLE 47 regulations.

Among them, regulations have been made on the manufacturing, sales, and use of communication equipment, communication network operation, frequency allocation, and other aspects. The content related to device authentication and testing is distributed in various chapters, which brings inconvenience to reading and use.
2. Classification of FCC certification procedures

The FCC certification process is mainly divided into three categories: Verification, DoC, and Certification (see 47 CFR 2.901). The implementation points of various certification procedures are summarized as follows:

2.1 Verification Self Verification Program

(1) Manufacturers or importers can conduct their own testing or send the product to a laboratory for testing to confirm that the product meets the relevant technical requirements.

(2) Manufacturers or importers must keep test records or test reports for future reference.

(3) Manufacturers or importers are not required to submit samples or typical data to the FCC to demonstrate compliance, unless the FCC has made explicit requirements in accordance with 47 CFR 2.957.

Section 2.902 of 47 CFR defines the Verification program, while sections 2.951 to 2.956 provide more detailed provisions on the limitations, responsibilities, identification, and other aspects of the Verification program.

Electronic devices that are generally not connected to computers and do not have wireless transmission and reception functions are suitable for self verification programs.

2.2 Declaration of Conformity (DoC) Self Declaration Procedure

(1) The manufacturer or importer sends the product to the laboratory for testing, and after confirming that the product meets the relevant technical requirements, the laboratory issues a DoC test report. Product testing should be conducted in a laboratory that is registered with FCC and has been reviewed and approved by NVLAP and A2LA.

(2) Manufacturers or importers also need to fill out a self declaration form. The declarant must be local in the United States. The company address, telephone number, and fax number on the declaration should be located locally in the United States.

(3) The product must be labeled with the DoC logo.

(4) When a product is imported or sold, if customs or market supervision personnel require a DoC certificate, a self declaration and test report must be presented.

Section 2.906 of 47 CFR defines the DoC procedure, while sections 2.1071 to 2.1077 provide more detailed provisions on the DoC procedure.

Electronic devices that are generally connected to computers and do not have wireless transmission and reception functions are suitable for self declaration programs. For example: computers, digital cameras, USB storage devices, etc.

2.3 Certification Procedure

(1) Manufacturers or importers are required to send their products to laboratories registered with FCC for testing.

(2) Manufacturers, importers, or their agents are required to submit documents such as applicant information, product testing reports, product photos, circuit diagrams, and user manuals to TCB or FCC for review.

(3) After approval, the FCC or TCB issues a certificate.

Unlike Verification and DoC programs, FCC will publish Certification certificates and test reports on its website.

47 CFR Section 2.907 defines the Certification procedure, while Sections 2.1031 to 2.1060 provide more detailed provisions on the Certification procedure.

Generally, wireless communication devices require authentication. For example, wireless communication terminals and base stations, walkie talkies, etc.

3. Certification procedures and testing regulations applicable to various devices

3.1 GSM/CDMA/3G wireless communication terminals and base stations

This type of equipment needs to comply with 47 CFR parts 22, 24, 15, and 2.

The specific testing items mainly include: Carrier Output Power，Transmitter Conducted Measurements，Radiated Spurious Emission，Frequency Stability，Necessary Bandwidth and Emission Bandwidth，SAR（ Suitable for mobile stations, etc. The specific testing methods mainly refer to 47 CFR Part 2 and ANSI C63.4.

You need to follow the Certification procedure to apply for and obtain certification.

3.2 Wired Communication Equipment

This type of equipment needs to comply with 47 CFR part 15. The main testing items are radiation disturbance and conduction disturbance.

Communication equipment connected to the telephone network must also comply with 47 CFR part 68, such as telephones, fax machines, group telephones, modems, xDSL terminals, etc. It mainly involves testing communication indicators and conducting experiments on security indicators.

If the device does not have a port connected to the computer, authenticate according to the Verification program, such as a regular telephone, regular fax machine, regular group telephone, etc.

If the device has a port connected to a computer, it needs to be authenticated according to the DoC program, such as modems, xDSL terminals, fax printing multifunctional machines, etc.

3.3 Cordless Telephone

This type of equipment needs to comply with 47 CFR Part 15, Part 68, and Part 2.

The specific testing items mainly include radiation interference, conducted interference, wireless radio frequency indicators, communication indicators, and safety indicators. The specific testing methods mainly refer to Part 2 and ANSI C63.4.

Certification procedures need to be followed for authentication.

3.4 Wireless intercoms, WLAN devices, and other wireless communication equipment

This type of equipment needs to comply with 47 CFR Part 15 and Part 2.

The specific testing items mainly include radiation interference, conducted interference, wireless radio frequency indicators, etc. The specific testing methods mainly refer to Part 2 and ANSI C63.4.

Certification procedures need to be followed for authentication.

3.5 Computers and their peripherals

This type of equipment needs to comply with 47 CFR part 15. The main testing items are radiation disturbance and conduction disturbance. Require DoC program authentication.

This type of equipment mainly includes computers, printers, display devices, storage devices, digital cameras, etc.