1. Overview of FCC Certification

FCC Certification, namely the certification issued by the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC), is a mandatory product certification regulated by the U.S. government. It mainly tests and verifies Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) and Radio Frequency (RF) performance. The FCC coordinates domestic and international communications by regulating radio broadcasting, television, telecommunications, satellite, and cable communication fields. The certification standards formulated by it aim to ensure the safety of radio and wired communication products related to life and property. This certification applies to more than 50 states in the U.S., Columbia, and U.S. territories, and is an indispensable access certificate for electronic products to enter the U.S. market.

The scope of products applicable to FCC Certification is extremely wide, covering almost all electrical products, mainly including the following eight categories:

• Personal computers and peripheral equipment: Monitors, printers, keyboards, power adapters, mice, scanners, electronic game consoles, etc.;

• Household electrical appliances and power tools: Refrigerators, electric irons, microwave ovens, air conditioners, electric drills, grinders, etc.;

• Audio and video products: Radios, LED TVs, set-top boxes, DVD players, MP3 players, etc.;

• Luminaires: LED luminaires, LED screens, ballasts, energy-saving lamps, stage lights, etc.;

• Wireless products: Bluetooth devices, wireless remote control toys, wireless mice and keyboards, wireless monitors & cameras, etc.;

• Toy products: Metal toys, plastic toys, electronic toys, etc.;

• Security products: Alarms, access control systems, monitors & cameras, etc.;

• Industrial machinery: Punching and shearing machinery, woodworking machine tools, packaging machinery, plastic machinery, etc.

2. Introduction to FCC Certification Marks

FCC Certification corresponds to three main certification marks according to different product types and certification methods. Different marks represent different compliance requirements and application scenarios:

Starting from March 31, 2025, the FCC will compulsorily adopt the new KDB447498D01V07 regulation, which increases the test accuracy requirement for SAR (Specific Absorption Rate) of wireless products such as wearable devices and mobile phones by 30%. The use of certification marks for related products must be labeled in compliance with the latest test standards.

3. Significance of FCC Certification for Enterprises

(1) Compliance Bottom Line: Avoid Legal and Market Risks

Obtaining FCC Certification is a statutory requirement for products to enter the U.S. market. Products that fail to pass the certification will face risks such as customs detention, market recall, and even fines. In 2025, the FCC has strengthened the investigation and punishment of non-compliant products. Enterprises can effectively avoid legal disputes caused by products failing to meet standards through certification, and ensure the legality of market access.

(2) Competition Midline: Enhance Consumer Trust and Market Share

In the context of consumers increasingly paying attention to product quality and safety, FCC Certification has become an important symbol of consumer trust. Certified products that have undergone strict testing are more likely to be recognized for their quality and reliability, which helps enterprises stand out in the highly competitive U.S. market and increase product sales volume and market share. For example, e-commerce platforms such as Amazon clearly require 3C products to provide FCC certification certificates, otherwise they cannot be listed for sale.

(3) Strategic High Line: Improve Brand Value and International Expansion Capability

FCC Certification is not only a "passport" for market access, but also a reflection of an enterprise's technical strength and social responsibility. Enterprises with this certification are often regarded as models with a high sense of responsibility and good reputation, which helps improve the international image and premium capacity of the brand. At the same time, the detailed test reports provided by the certification can eliminate information asymmetry in cross-border transactions, enhance the confidence of overseas buyers, and lay the foundation for enterprises to expand the global market.

4. FCC Certification Process

1. Product Classification and Certification Method Determination: According to the product type (such as wireless products, household appliances, etc.) and FCC rules, select the applicable certification method (Verification, Declaration of Conformity, or ID Certification). Under the 2025 new regulations, 5G equipment needs to additionally confirm whether it meets the Part 30 network security protocol review requirements.

2. Laboratory Selection and Test Preparation: Select an authorized test laboratory that has passed the FCC "credibility review" (laboratories associated with prohibited entities are prohibited from September 8, 2025), and prepare test documents such as product samples and technical materials (such as circuit diagrams, user manuals). Non-U.S. enterprises need to designate a local agent in advance to handle FCC affairs.

3. Product Testing: The laboratory tests the product for electromagnetic compatibility, RF performance, SAR value (for wireless products) and other items in accordance with relevant FCC standards (such as Part 15, Part 18, etc.), and issues a test report. For equipment with network interfaces, it must also comply with the Part 68 network security standard.

4. Certification Application and Review: Submit application materials according to the certification method. ID Certification requires submitting sample photos, test data, etc. to the FCC, and the FCC will grant an FCC ID number after review; Declaration of Conformity and Verification are completed by the enterprise itself and test reports are retained, and the FCC has the right to conduct random inspections at any time.

5. Mark粘贴与文件留存: After passing the certification, paste the corresponding certification mark on the product or packaging as required. All certification documents (test reports, application forms, etc.) must be retained for at least 5 years for FCC random inspection. Equipment with standby power consumption > 1W must also be marked with an "Energy Consuming" warning.

5. Relevant Standards and Directives

The core standards of FCC Certification are based on the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (CFR Title 47), mainly including the following key parts:

• Part 15: Applies to radio frequency equipment with unintentional and intentional radiation, such as computers and wireless keyboards, specifying electromagnetic radiation limits and test methods.

• Part 18: Applicable to industrial, scientific and medical (ISM) equipment, such as microwave ovens and RF heaters, to control their interference to communication systems.

• Part 22/24: Regulate the RF performance and operation requirements of cellular phones and Personal Communication Services (PCS) equipment respectively.

• Part 30: A key updated part of the 2025 new regulations, requiring 5G equipment to pass TLS 1.3 encryption and other network security protocol reviews.

• Part 68: Involves the compatibility of telecommunications terminal equipment with public telephone networks, and products with network interfaces must comply with this standard.

Important Standard Updates in 2025: SAR test accuracy increased by 30% on March 31 (KDB447498D01V07); Laboratory qualification new regulations released on August 7, taking effect on September 8; 5G equipment must meet the new Part 30 network security requirements.

6. Precautions

• Laboratory Qualification Verification: Be sure to select an FCC-recognized test laboratory that is not associated with prohibited entities to avoid invalid certification due to laboratory qualification issues. In 2025, the FCC has strengthened the credibility review of laboratories, and non-compliant laboratories will be blacklisted.

• Document Management Specifications: Certification documents must be retained for at least 5 years, including test reports, application forms, technical materials, etc. The FCC may conduct random inspections. Missing or inconsistent documents will face the risk of certification revocation.

• Product Change Notification: If the product design, components, or technical parameters change, it is necessary to evaluate whether it affects certification compliance. If necessary, re-testing and certification application should be conducted to avoid violations caused by changes.

• U.S. Agent Designation: Non-U.S. local enterprises must designate a U.S. local agent to be responsible for communication and coordination with the FCC, document submission, and subsequent affairs handling to ensure a smooth certification process.

• New Regulation Dynamic Tracking: FCC standards and regulations are continuously updated. Enterprises need to pay close attention to the latest policies (such as 2025 5G security, laboratory qualification and other new regulations), and adjust product design and certification strategies in a timely manner to avoid delays in market access due to regulatory changes.