What is FCC?
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is an independent government agency that regulates unwanted electromagnetic emissions from electrical and electronic products under The Communication Acts. and to regulate and approve the interference caused by unwanted electromagnetic radiation.
Necessity of certification
The FCC is responsible for private sector communications and, as part of its measures to manage the efficient use of radio resources, regulates the unwanted radio waves generated by major electrical and electronic products to ensure that they do not interfere with communications.
The regulations are enforced in accordance with the Federal Communications Act, and violations are subject to the following sanctions under the law
- Ban on importation of products
- prohibition of sale
- No Exhibition
- Strong restrictions on overall distribution, including advertising
Failure to obtain FCC certification for the subject product will make it impossible for the product to land in the U.S. Therefore, FCC certification is mandatory.
Related Regulations and Items Covered
The relevant provisions requiring FCC certification are set forth in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Title 47 (Telecommunications).
Table 1 ＜Related regulations＞
| classification | Contents |
| Part 2 | Frequency Allocations and Radio Treat Matters; General Rules and Regulations Frequency allocation and radio handling matters; General rules and regulations |
| Part 15 | Radio Frequency Devices Radio Frequency Equipment |
| Part 18 | Industrial Scientific and Medical equipment Industrial, scientific and medical equipment |
| Part 68 | Connection of Terminal Equipment to the Telephone Network Connection of terminal equipment to the telephone network |
| Part 95 | Personal Radio Services Personal Wireless Service |
The main items subject to FCC certification are wireless telephones, industrial/scientific/medical equipment using radio frequencies, transmitters, receivers, PCs and peripherals, broadcast receivers, equipment connected to the PSTN (telephones, fax machines, modems), and many others.
Types of Certification Systems
FCC certification does not apply a uniform certification scheme to all subject equipment, but rather a product-specific certification procedure.
- Verification
It is a certification procedure whereby the manufacturer or importer stores and controls the results of conformity tests conducted by an accredited laboratory. Products covered include- Office Computers
- TV and FM receivers
- Certification
It is a certification procedure in which the manufacturer submits a test report from an accredited laboratory and an application to the FCC. Products covered include- Computers and Peripherals
- VCR
- Wireless Regulated Toys *The relevant documentation and FCC ID must be displayed on the product label at the time of sale for these products.
- Registration
In addition to the Certification of Conformity procedure, this is a certification procedure for products used in connection with the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) by submitting a test report and application form to the FCC. Main products covered:- facsimile
- modem
- telephone instrument
- Type Approval
This is a certification procedure that involves direct testing at an FCC laboratory. Main products covered:- ISM Equipment
certification procedure
DOC (Declaration of Conformity) System
If a product has been tested and passed the technical standards set by the FCC, the manufacturer can ship the product after affixing a certification mark only with a declaration of self-conformity without separate approval by the FCC.
DOC Implementation Requirements and Procedures
- Manufacturer conducts compliance testing at the National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program (NVLAP), an accredited testing laboratory for the FCC DOC
- Declaration of Self-Conformity through an agent (Third Party) in the U.S.
Differences from conventional authentication methods
Unlike a traditional Certification of Conformity, the DOC procedure requires a permanent indication of compliance with the FCC's technical standards on the product.
FCC Authority and Requirements
- The FCC may request Third Party to
- Product Survey Results
- Corrections and complements to deficiencies
- Measures related to mass production, distribution, and use of products
- Product samples may be requested at any time for conformity verification
(submission) deadline
- Test data: within 14 days
- Sample: within 60 days
*Failure to submit relevant materials may result in fines and administrative sanctions.
corrective management
As an after-the-fact control for all products imported into the U.S., a Sampling and Measurement Branch has been established to test products recovered from the market.
In recent years, post-control has tended to be strengthened year by year, and the following measures are taken when nonconformities are found in the post-control:
- Revocation of product approval
- withdrawal (e.g. from a lawsuit)
- Product Recall
- Payment of fines