IC Certification Process and Standards

What is ic certification?

IC stands for Industry Canada, the former name of the Canadian government agency responsible for certifying electronic and electrical products for entry into the Canadian market. Now known as Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ised), this agency oversees mandatory certifications to protect radio spectrum resources and ensure public health and safety.

Any telecommunications equipment sold in Canada—including radio transmitters, receivers, and transmission devices—must obtain IC certification before being legally sold or used. The IC certification process and testing requirements are similar to those of the FCC (U.S.), and a joint application with the FCC is often possible.

What Are the Types of IC Certification?

Since 2016, IC has been officially renamed to ISED (Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada). The original IC Certification Number has been renamed ised certification Number, though it retains the same labeling format: IC: XXXXX-YYYYYYYYY.

There are several types of ISED certification methods:

1. ISED Certification: Can be obtained through self-declaration or formal certification.

2. ISED-sdoc (Supplier’s Declaration of Conformity): Typically used for non-wireless products.

3. ISED-ID Certification: Generally applies to wireless products.

Which Products Require IC Certification?

The following categories of products require IC certification:

 Lighting Equipment: All types of lighting products.

 Information Technology & Peripheral Devices: Computers, printers, scanners, etc.

 Audio/Video Products: TVs, speakers, headphones, and related devices.

 Mechanical Equipment: Includes industrial and household machinery.

 Electrical Equipment: Such as power tools and household electrical appliances.

 Telecommunication Equipment: Phones, routers, and other communication devices.

 Medical Devices: All equipment and instruments related to healthcare.

For wireless products, the certification process may take an additional 5 working days if the client has not previously registered with IC. Key applicable standards include ICES-001, ICES-003, and the RSS series, covering devices such as wireless mice and keyboards, remote control toys, and various low-power RF devices.

IC Certification Process

1. Preparation Stage

Determine Product Category: Identify the appropriate IC standard based on the product, such as ICES-001, ICES-003, or the RSS Series.

 Document Collection: Prepare required documentation, including:

 User manual (in English)

 Product specification sheet

 Circuit schematic

 PCB layout

 Block diagram

 Application form

 Product photos

 For wireless products: additional documents like circuit block diagram, antenna gain data, operational description, and contact information for the Canadian representative.

 Sample Preparation: Provide product samples for testing.

2. Application Stage

Company Code Application: New applicants must obtain a permanent company code.

Submit Materials: Submit all prepared documentation, test reports, and product samples to IC for certification.

3. Review and Testing

 emc testing: Ensure the product meets IC’s electromagnetic interference standards (e.g., radiated emissions, conducted emissions).

 RF & SAR Evaluation: Wireless products must undergo RF performance testing, and certain devices require Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) evaluation.

 Preliminary Review: IC conducts an initial review of all submitted documentation.

4. Final Review and Certification

 Final Review: After passing all testing and document checks, IC conducts a final evaluation.

 Certification Issuance: IC issues the certificate and stores the IC code in its public database.

5. Labeling Requirements

 Label Content: The product label must include the manufacturer’s name or trademark, model number, and IC ID number.

 Canadian Representative Address: The label must also display the address of the Canadian representative.

6. Certification Timeline

 Typical Duration: The entire testing and certification process is usually completed within 15 working days.