FCC Certification for Electrical Products Exported to the US

Currently, electronic and electrical products listed on Amazon, TEMU, SHEIN’s US sites, or exported to the US all require FCC certification. FCC stands for the Federal Communications Commission, an independent US government agency established in 1934 under the Communications Act, reporting directly to Congress. The FCC coordinates domestic and international communications by regulating radio broadcasts, television, telecommunications, satellite, and cable services. It authorizes and manages radio frequency transmission devices and equipment, except those used by the federal government.

According to relevant sections of the US Code of Federal Regulations (CFR Title 47), all electronic products entering the US must undergo electromagnetic compatibility certification (FCC certification). The FCC divides electronic products into two certification types:

1. fcc sdoc (Supplier’s Declaration of Conformity):For products without wireless functions.

2. fcc id (Certification):For products with wireless functions.

What is FCC sdoc Certification?

FCC SDoC means self-declaration of conformity. Manufacturers or importers ensure their products have undergone necessary testing to confirm compliance with relevant technical standards and keep test reports on record. All accredited testing laboratories are publicly listed on the official FCC website. The FCC may require manufacturers to submit product samples or test data.

Applicable products:Commercial computers, TV and FM receivers, and industrial, scientific, and medical devices not intended for general consumer use under FCC Rule Part 18.

what is fcc id Certification?

FCC ID refers to identification certification. This process involves the FCC approving equipment based on applications and test data submitted by the applicant. The FCC reviews samples (or photos) and test results; if compliant, it issues a unique fcc id number for the device.

Applicable products:Radio transmitters such as cordless phones, automatic door remote controls, radio-controlled toys, security alarm systems, devices that intentionally emit radio frequency energy under Part 15, consumer industrial/scientific/medical devices under Part 18, automatic frequency receivers, super-regenerative receivers, TV interface devices, and household computers and peripherals. The FCC ID must be visibly marked on the device.

FCC Certification Standards

fcc part 15 C/E/F:Testing for intentional radiator devices

fcc part 18:Industrial, scientific, and medical devices

FCC PART 22:Public mobile communication services

FCC PART 24:Personal communication services

FCC PART 25:Satellite communication services

FCC PART 27:Other FCC wireless communication services

FCC PART 68:Telecommunications terminal equipment

FCC Part 15 regulates devices that intentionally, unintentionally, or incidentally emit radio frequencies without requiring personal licenses. It covers technical specifications, administrative requirements, and other market access conditions.

Differences Between FCC ID and FCC SDoC

1. Target Products:

FCC ID certification applies to products with wireless functions, such as Bluetooth, WiFi, BT, 3G, 4G, and other wireless-enabled devices. FCC SDoC applies to electronic products without wireless functions, including household appliances and audio-video equipment.

2. Certification Process:

FCC ID requires testing by FCC-recognized third-party laboratories. The test results are submitted to the FCC for review before a unique device ID is issued. In contrast, FCC SDoC allows manufacturers or suppliers to self-declare compliance with fcc standards and retain the relevant testing documentation.

3. Testing Scope:

FCC ID certification involves both electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) testing and radio frequency (RF) testing. FCC SDoC primarily requires emc testing.

4. Verification and Query:

FCC ID numbers can be searched on the US TCB (Telecommunication Certification Body) official website. FCC SDoC certifications are verifiable on the issuing agency’s website; however, there is no unified online database, so verification depends on the specific certifying body.