Canada ISED Certification (IC Certification) Explained

I. Basic Concepts

Name Change: IC originally stood for Industry Canada. Since 2016, it has been renamed to the Department of Innovation, Science and Economic Development (ised), responsible for product certification in Canada.

Nature of Certification: ICES certification is mandatory for electronic and electrical products entering Canada, mainly regulating electromagnetic interference (EMI), similar to the FCC in the U.S.

Labeling Format: The certification number for wireless devices is now called the ised certification Number, but the label format remains IC: XXXXX-YYYYYYYYY.

II. Certification Types and Scope

1. ISED-VOC (General Electronic Products)

Applicable Products: Devices without wireless functions, considered low-risk.

Examples:

 Computer peripherals: monitors, printers, keyboards, adapters, network switches.

 Appliances and tools: refrigerators, microwaves, vacuum cleaners, drills, grinders.

 AV and lighting equipment: radios, set-top boxes, home audio systems, stage lights.

 Testing Focus: Only emi tests (conducted and radiated emissions).

 Certification Process: Self-declaration or conformity assessment, no third-party lab required.

 Time & Cost: Shorter (1–2 weeks), lower cost depending on product.

2. ISED-ID (Wireless Products)

Applicable Products: Any device with wireless functions.

Examples:

Wireless terminals: Bluetooth headsets, wireless keyboards, smartwatches, tablets, laptops.

Smart devices: drones, AR glasses, smart home systems, security cameras, dash cams.

Communication devices: wireless routers, 2G/3G phones, walkie-talkies.

Testing Focus: EMI plus wireless-related tests (RF power, frequency error, spurious emissions, etc.).

Certification Process: Testing by third-party lab; reviewed and approved by FCB or TCB.

Time & Cost: Longer (3–4 weeks), cost based on device type and wireless functions. Requires Canadian representative address.

Number Format: IC ID = CN (Company Code, ≤6 characters) + UPW (Product Code, ≤8 characters). Application is free but a Canadian address is needed.

III. Technical Requirements

emi testing: Mandatory for all devices (conducted + radiated).

Additional for Wireless: Includes RF parameters, spectrum compatibility, spurious emissions, receiver sensitivity, etc.

IV. Applicable Standards

Information Tech / AV Devices: ICES-003

Lighting Equipment: ICES-005

Industrial, Scientific, Medical Equipment: ICES-001

Energy Storage Devices: ICES-003

Wireless Devices: Relevant RSS standards (e.g., RSS-247, RSS-132)

V. Required Documentation

English product manual

Circuit schematic, PCB layout, and block diagram

Application form and product samples

Business license and relevant company qualifications

VI. Certification Bodies

ISED-VOC: Issued by labs registered with an IC site code.

ISED-ID: Issued after review by FCB (Frequency Coordination Board) or TCB (Telecom Certification Body).

VII. Certification Duration & Validity

ISED-VOC: 1–2 weeks, no factory inspection required.

ISED-ID: 3–4 weeks, third-party testing required.

Validity: Typically 5 years. Recertification is needed upon expiration.

VIII. Importance of Certification

Ensures legal market access in Canada.

Required for import and customs clearance of telecom equipment.

Enhances product quality and user safety through compliance testing.

X. Additional Notes

Voltage Specs: AC 120V/60Hz, AC 277V/60Hz, AC 347V/60Hz (North American plug standards).

 Official Resources:

 Main site: https://www.canada.ca/en.html

 Certificate Verification: Via official channels or the issuing agency.