Navigate US product safety and FCC requirements with easyCE.
easyCE identifies the US requirements relevant to your product and coordinates the agreed assessment, testing and documentation. We distinguish FCC radio-frequency obligations from product safety requirements so your team can prepare the right evidence for market access.
Willy Lebherz
Managing Director, easyCE GmbH
FCC route clarified!
Understand whether your product needs certification, a Supplier’s Declaration of Conformity or another applicable route.
Evidence reviewed!
Existing product specifications and test reports reviewed for the intended US market.
Requirements identified!
Relevant FCC rules and equipment classifications identified for your product.
Documentation prepared!
The technical information and compliance documents needed for the agreed scope.
Clear next steps!
Know which tests, labelling and responsible-party arrangements must be completed.
Prepare for the US market
FCC equipment authorisation
FCC requirements address radio-frequency devices and their potential to cause harmful interference. The product's functions determine whether it is an intentional, unintentional or incidental radiator and which rules apply. Do not select an authorisation route from the operating frequency alone.
easyCE reviews the product specification and existing evidence, identifies gaps and coordinates the agreed next steps with the relevant laboratory or certification body. Separate CE or UKCA requirements need their own market-specific assessment.
FCC compliance: key questions
What is electromagnetic compatibility?
Electromagnetic compatibility concerns both limiting unwanted emissions and operating adequately in the intended electromagnetic environment. Disturbances can be radiated through the air or conducted along cables. The relevant tests depend on the product and applicable rules.
US legal requirements and industry or customer specifications can address different aspects of EMC. An exemption from one FCC equipment category is not a blanket exemption from every radio requirement or contractual EMC test.
What is CISPR 22, and is it still current?
CISPR 22 addressed radio disturbance characteristics of information technology equipment. CISPR 32 replaced it for relevant multimedia equipment. For a new project, check the current standard, edition and local adoption rather than treating a historical CISPR 22 report as universally sufficient.
What is FCC equipment authorisation?
It is the framework for demonstrating compliance with applicable FCC equipment rules before marketing or operation where required. The current main authorisation procedures are certification and Supplier's Declaration of Conformity, commonly shortened to SDoC.
Certification is granted through a recognised Telecommunications Certification Body for equipment requiring that route. SDoC places specified responsibilities on a US-based responsible party. The applicable rule part and device category determine the route.
Which products need an FCC assessment?
Assess products that generate, use or emit radio-frequency energy under the relevant FCC definitions and rule parts. Different categories have different obligations and exemptions. Examples to consider include:
- Computers and other digital equipment.
- Equipment with motors or switches that can generate incidental radio-frequency emissions.
- Televisions and relevant receiving equipment.
- Products incorporating radio transmitters, such as wireless communication modules.
What are intentional and unintentional radiators?
An intentional radiator deliberately generates and emits radio-frequency energy, for example a wireless transmitter. An unintentional radiator generates radio-frequency energy for internal use or transfers it by wiring but is not intended to radiate it. Incidental radiators generate such energy as a by-product, as can occur with motors.
What is the difference between Class A and Class B?
Class A digital devices are marketed for commercial, industrial or business environments, excluding products for the general public or home. Class B includes devices marketed for residential use, even if also used commercially. Class B emission limits are generally more stringent.
Which route applies to personal computers?
Personal computers and relevant peripherals are addressed specifically in Part 15. They can be authorised under SDoC or certification, as applicable. The permitted arrangements for combinations of enclosures, power supplies and processor boards must be checked; manufacturers do not universally submit every PC test report directly to the FCC.
Can CISPR test evidence be used for FCC compliance?
FCC and CISPR requirements can differ in limits, test methods, equipment configurations and administrative obligations. Review the actual report against the relevant FCC rule and accepted measurement procedure.
Do not rely on an old comparison stating that FCC conducted-emission limits begin at 450 kHz. Current Part 15 limits for relevant AC-powered digital devices cover 150 kHz to 30 MHz, with product-specific provisions and exceptions.
How do FCC rules differ from the EU EMC Directive?
The EU EMC framework addresses both electromagnetic emissions and immunity. FCC equipment rules focus on radio-frequency emissions and protecting authorised communications. The applicable assessment and documentation procedures also differ.
Immunity testing may still be needed for the US market under a product-safety standard, industry specification or customer contract. An FCC authorisation should not be presented as proof of all EMC or safety requirements.
What is radiated immunity?
Radiated immunity describes equipment's ability to operate acceptably when exposed to electromagnetic fields. The relevant severity levels and performance criteria depend on its intended environment and the selected requirements.
What is conducted immunity?
Conducted immunity concerns disturbances entering through power, signal or other cables. Relevant tests can address radio-frequency disturbances, fast transients or surges. Select the tests and levels according to the product and its environment.
What is electrostatic discharge?
Electrostatic discharge is a rapid transfer of accumulated electrical charge, for example from a person to equipment. It can disrupt operation or damage components. An ESD assessment checks the product against specified test conditions and performance criteria.
What about military applications?
Military procurement may specify separate EMC requirements and test methods. Their scope depends on the contract and intended platform. Do not assume that military use creates a universal FCC exemption or that one military standard covers every application.
What does FCC compliance establish?
It establishes compliance with the applicable FCC equipment requirements, supported by the correct authorisation procedure and evidence. Certification and SDoC are the current main routes. The older separate verification and Declaration of Conformity procedures should not be presented as new alternatives.
What happened to the verification procedure?
The former verification and Declaration of Conformity procedures were consolidated into SDoC. For a new product, check the current rules rather than following an obsolete verification checklist. Existing authorisations must be considered under the provisions applicable to them.
What is Supplier's Declaration of Conformity?
SDoC is a procedure under which the responsible party ensures compliance, retains the required evidence and provides the specified compliance information. A responsible party located in the United States is required. The FCC logo is voluntary for SDoC equipment; other identification and information requirements still apply.
What is FCC certification?
Certification is the authorisation route required for specified equipment categories, including many intentional radiators. It uses technical evidence and an application reviewed by an FCC-recognised Telecommunications Certification Body.
Certified equipment must meet the applicable identification requirements, including its FCC ID where required. The grant and its conditions define the authorised equipment. Changes to the assessed configuration may require further review.
How should you plan FCC authorisation?
Start by identifying the device category, radio functions and applicable rules. For a product requiring certification, a practical preparation sequence is:
1. Confirm the applicable radio rules
Check permitted bands, operating parameters, antenna arrangements and any restrictions before finalising the design.
2. Assess the design during development
Use appropriate pre-compliance checks to identify likely emission or design problems before formal testing.
3. Prepare the required registrations
Where required for the application, arrange the FCC registration and grantee information. Confirm the current process and responsibilities with the certification provider.
4. Agree the laboratory and certification scope
Select a laboratory and Telecommunications Certification Body with the required recognition and capability for the product.
5. Test the representative product
Provide the agreed samples, operating modes, accessories and technical records. Ensure the tested configuration represents the product to be supplied.
6. Complete the authorisation and release checks
Resolve findings, complete the application and review the resulting grant and conditions. Check identification, user information and production controls before marketing. A grant does not replace unrelated product-safety or import obligations.
Are any devices exempt from FCC authorisation?
Part 15 includes specific exemptions and limitations. Assess the exact device and use rather than relying on a broad industry label. Relevant questions include:
- Which radio-frequency functions does the device perform?
- Is it solely used in a category covered by a specific exemption?
- Does it contain a transmitter that has separate obligations?
An exemption for a digital function does not automatically cover the complete product.
Keep the scope decision documented:
- Identify the precise rule or exemption.
- Record the intended use and any restrictions.
- Check whether technical interference obligations still apply.
- Review relevant changes to the product.
- Confirm the basis with the responsible party or certification provider where needed.
How long does FCC authorisation take?
Timing depends on the product, test programme, laboratory availability and completeness of the evidence. Design findings or changes can require further work. Agree a project-specific schedule with the laboratory and certification body; there is no reliable universal two-week promise.
How does FCC compliance differ from UL certification?
FCC equipment rules concern radio-frequency matters. UL certification is a separate third-party assessment under a defined programme, commonly addressing product safety. A product may need to address both.
Some US workplace or installation requirements call for certification by a recognised testing laboratory, and customers may impose additional conditions. UL is one provider; the required scope and acceptable certification should be checked for the application.
Neither FCC authorisation nor UL certification replaces the other. Identify both the legal requirements and the agreed market or customer requirements before selecting tests and documentation.
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Tell us what your product does, where you plan to supply it and what you need help with. A CE expert will discuss the relevant requirements and next steps with you, free of charge.
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Your dedicated expert carries out and coordinates the agreed technical and documentation tasks. We explain the results and outstanding actions at handover. Any ongoing updates or additional support are agreed separately.
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Your experts in product safety and compliance
Willy Lebherz, Founder and Managing Director of easyCE
- Product safety and compliance expert since 1995
- Recipient of the "Medal of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany", awarded in 1983 by the then Federal President Carl Carstens
- Meister qualification in measurement and control technology
- Retired captain, former technical logistics project officer and commander of a telecommunications repair company
easyCE is an engineering consultancy specialising in product safety and compliance. We work with manufacturers, machinery users and distributors on risk assessments, standards research, protective measures and technical documentation. Our experts also coordinate required testing and other agreed conformity assessment tasks. You can commission an overall project scope or individual services. Founded in southern Germany, easyCE works with clients internationally.
Technical expertise, clear documentation and a dedicated expert for your project.