Is FCC Testing Required?

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Update time : 2026-02-14

FCC certification refers to the certification requirements of the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for radio frequency equipment and telecommunication equipment. Products subject to FCC certification include radio application products, communication products, and digital products. To enter the U.S. market, such products must obtain fcc approval, i.e., pass FCC certification.

What is FCC Certification?

FCC certification is a mandatory certification for electronic devices (especially wireless devices) entering the U.S. market. Its core purpose is to ensure that devices comply with relevant U.S. standards for electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and radio spectrum usage, prevent devices from interfering with other equipment during operation, and protect user safety and rights.

Which Products Require FCC Certification?

FCC certification applies to a wide range of electronic and communication products, including but not limited to:

Products with wireless functions (require fcc id certification):

Mobile phones, Bluetooth headsets, Bluetooth speakers, Wi-Fi routers, tablet computers, wireless walkie-talkies, smart watches, wireless keyboards, wireless mice, etc.

Products without wireless functions (require fcc sdoc certification):

Monitors, household appliances (refrigerators, microwave ovens, electric kettles, electric fans, etc.), lamps (LED lights, ceiling lamps, etc.), power adapters, computer hosts, printers, scanners, televisions, audio systems, etc.

What Are the Types of FCC Certification?

According to whether the product has wireless functions, FCC certification is mainly divided into two categories:

FCC ID Certification

FCC ID certification is a mandatory certification for wireless products in the United States. All wireless products entering the U.S. market must be tested by an accredited laboratory (A2LA laboratory, which only has testing and reporting qualifications and cannot issue certificates) in accordance with regulations and obtain certification from a TCB.

Scope of application: All wireless transmitting equipment, including 5G mobile phones, Wi-Fi routers, Bluetooth speakers, industrial equipment (such as 5G base stations), etc.

FCC sdoc (Supplier’s Declaration of Conformity)

FCC SDoC applies to conventional electrical and electronic products without wireless radio frequency technology, such as computer monitors, printers, household appliances (except microwave ovens, which have special regulations), electric tools, digital cameras, USB devices, HDMI cables, etc.

Scope of application: Non-wireless equipment, including household appliances (refrigerators, microwave ovens), lamps (LED lights), power adapters, etc.

Comparison Between FCC-ID and FCC-SDOC

Features	FCC-ID (Certification)	FCC-SDOC (Supplier’s Declaration of Conformity)
Applicable Devices	Intentional radio frequency emitting devices (e.g., Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, cellular devices)	Unintentional radio frequency emitting devices (e.g., computers, household appliances, digital devices)
Core Requirements	Mandatory third-party certification (performed by TCB)	Supplier’s self-declaration (self-guarantee by responsible party)
Responsible Party	TCB/FCC (responsible for approval)	Manufacturer/Importer (full responsibility)
Testing Requirements	Must be tested in an FCC-accredited laboratory	Must be tested in an FCC-accredited laboratory
Process	Testing → Submission to TCB → Obtain FCC ID	Testing → Prepare SDOC documents → Available for inspection at any time
Device labeling	Must be permanently marked with FCC ID	Must be labeled (including company name and model), use of fcc logo is prohibited

Supplementary Notes:

①　Some products, such as wireless keyboards and mice, may be subject to dual FCC ID + SDoC certification.

②　FCC ID is issued by a TCB (Telecommunication Certification Body), while SDoC can be self-declared by the manufacturer.

What Are the Qualification Requirements for FCC Certification?

Merchants shall provide corresponding qualification documents to ensure product compliance:

FCC ID Certification Certificate:

The document shall include statements complying with 47 CFR fcc part 15C and the “FCC ID / FCC IDENTIFIER”, and the FCC ID must be consistent with the information queried on the official website.

FCC SDoC Certification Certificate:

It shall include qualification certificates and corresponding test reports, and the document shall indicate that the product meets the relevant provisions of Federal Regulations (CFR) fcc part 15b.

What Are the FCC Certification Standards?

FCC certification standards mainly cover two aspects: electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and radio frequency (RF) radiation.

Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC):

The device shall not cause interference to other equipment under normal operating conditions.

Radio Frequency (RF) Radiation:

The radiation level of the device shall be within the specified limits to protect human health.

What Documents Are Required to Apply for FCC Certification?

①　Product manual (including functions, technical specifications, operating instructions, etc.)

②　Product prototype (for testing and evaluation)

③　Product photos (overall appearance + detailed parts)

④　Circuit diagrams and schematics (showing circuit structure and design)

⑤　Technical specification sheet (detailed technical parameters)

⑥　Test reports (results of functional testing, electromagnetic compatibility testing, etc.)

⑦　Product identification and labels (model, serial number, etc.)

⑧　FCC ID registration application form (company and product information)

⑨　Authorization letter for authorized representative (to authorize certification processing and document signing)

What Is the fcc certification process?

1. Prepare materials: Organize detailed product information (descriptions, manuals, specifications, photos, etc.)

2. Select certification body: Choose a third-party organization with FCC certification qualifications or apply via the FCC official website

3. Fill in application form: Submit the form and materials as required by the institution

4. Product testing: Complete a series of tests complying with FCC technical specifications

5. Pay fees: Pay certification fees after passing the tests

6. Review and approval: Certification body reviews materials and completes approval

Issue certificate: Obtain FCC certification certificate upon approval, proving product compliance.