IC Certification for Communication Equipment in Canada

ic certification (Industry Canada Certification) is a mandatory approval system for radio and telecommunications terminal equipment in Canada. It is currently administered by the Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ised). The purpose of the certification is to ensure that products comply with Canadian requirements for radio spectrum management and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC).

IC certification is legally required for all wireless communication products entering the Canadian market. It applies to any device using radio frequencies, such as WiFi devices, Bluetooth products, mobile phones, and IoT (Internet of Things) devices. Products that have not been IC certified are prohibited from sale and use in Canada and may be subject to penalties or seizure.

Types of IC Certification

1. Radio Equipment Certification

 - For devices that emit radio frequencies

 - Requires an IC ID number

 - Examples: mobile phones, wireless routers, wireless microphones

2. Terminal Equipment Certification

 - For devices that connect to Canadian telecommunications networks

 - Requires an IC ES number

 - Examples: fixed-line phones, modems

Examples of Products Requiring IC Certification

- Wireless LAN Devices:e.g., WiFi routers, wireless network adapters

→ Standard: RSS-247

- Short-range Wireless Devices:e.g., Bluetooth headsets, Zigbee products

→ Standards: RSS-210, RSS-310

- Mobile Communication Equipment:e.g., smartphones, 4G/5G modules

→ Standards: RSS-130, RSS-132

- Industrial, Scientific, and Medical (ISM) Devices:e.g., RFID readers, wireless sensors

→ Standard: RSS-210

- Telecom Terminal Equipment:e.g., VoIP phones, DSL modems

→ Standard: CS-03

IC Certification Process

1. Determine the Type of Certification

 - Identify whether the product is a radio device or a terminal device

2. Select the Certification Method

 - sdoc (Supplier’s Declaration of Conformity):For certain low-risk products

 - Certification Body Assessment:Required for higher-risk products

3. Product Testing

 - Conduct RF and emc testing in an accredited lab

 - Test according to RSS standards (for radio equipment) or CS standards (for terminal equipment)

4. Prepare Technical Documentation

 - Include test reports, technical datasheets, block diagrams, circuit schematics, etc.

5. Apply for an IC Number

 - Radio Equipment:Apply for an IC ID (Format: XXXXX-YYYYYYYY)

 - Terminal Equipment:Apply for an IC ES number

6. Labeling

 - Certified products must carry the appropriate IC number and compliance statement

Labeling Requirements

Products that pass IC certification must clearly display:

- IC ID (for radio devices) or IC ES number (for terminal devices)

- The following compliance statement:

> "This device complies with Industry Canada licence-exempt RSS standard(s)"

Comparison with Other Certifications

- IC Certification (Canada): Administered by ISED; no fixed expiration

- FCC Certification (USA): Administered by FCC; no fixed expiration

- CE-RED (Europe): Administered by EU Member States; no fixed expiration

- SRRC (China): Administered by MIIT; valid for 5 years

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How long is the IC certification valid?

There is no fixed expiration date. However, if the product undergoes major design changes, re-certification may be required.

Q2: Does IC certification accept FCC test reports?

FCC test reports may be used as reference, but the product must still comply with specific Canadian requirements.

Q3: How long does it take to obtain IC certification?

Typically, the process takes between 4 and 8 weeks, depending on the complexity of the product.

Q4: What is the cost of IC certification?

Costs vary depending on the type of product and the testing required.