FCC Certification Methods and Costs

In today's globalized world, more and more companies aim to enter the U.S. market with their electronic and electrical products. However, did you know? Selling electronic and electrical products in the U.S. requires FCC certification as an essential step.

Definition of FCC Certification

FCC certification is a regulatory requirement managed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in the United States. This certification primarily applies to electronic and electrical products entering the U.S. market, testing whether they meet standards in electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and telecommunications. It is a mandatory certification to ensure that these products do not interfere with radio communications and do not pose a threat to human health. The FCC oversees domestic and international communication through radio broadcasting, television, telecommunications, satellites, and cables.

FCC Certification Methods

Certification (Certificate of Approval)

Products equipped with radio transmission devices must undergo FCC Certification. FCC-accredited laboratories submit test reports to a Telecommunication Certification Body (TCB) for review. After approval, the TCB issues an ID number. This certification method involves multiple test items and requires extensive documentation.

fcc sdoc Certification

Manufacturers must test their products at an FCC-designated qualified testing facility. Once testing is complete, the product’s compliance with relevant technical standards must be confirmed, and the test report must be retained. Testing facilities are typically certified by the National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program (NVLAP Code) or the American Association for Laboratory Accreditation (A2LA). The FCC reserves the right to request product samples or testing data for inspection.

fcc certification costs

General Products

The cost for general products is usually below $1,500.

Wireless Electronic Products

The pricing for such products depends on the wireless communication frequency bands. If multiple frequency bands are involved, the costs are cumulative.

Other Types of Wireless Products

For products that can function without the wireless feature or products with a USB interface used for data transmission, it is recommended to conduct both FCC-SDOC and FCC-ID certifications. Costs typically range between $1,800 and $3,400.

FCC Certification Timeline

The cost and timeline of FCC certification may vary based on product type, testing items, and certification bodies. Generally, the entire certification process takes around 2–6 weeks.