Is ISED Certification the Same as IC-ID Certification?

ised certification and IC-ID certification are related but distinct concepts. They belong to the same certification system but represent different categories, and are not completely equivalent. Here is a detailed explanation:

RegULatory Authority and Name Evolution

- IC-ID certification was the term used during the Industry Canada (IC) era, primarily for wireless communication devices (such as Bluetooth headsets, routers, etc.).

- After 2016, Industry Canada was reorganized into Innovation, Science and EconoMIC Development Canada (ised). The original ic certification system was renamed as ISED certification.

- IC-ID certification now falls under the ISED framework and is called ISED-ID certification(for wireless products).

- Ordinary non-wireless products are certified under ISED-VOC(or ISED-sdoc).

Certification Categories and Scope

- ISED-ID Certification (formerly IC-ID)

- Applicable products:All products with wireless functions (e.g., Bluetooth devices, Wi-Fi modules, smartphones)

- Testing requirements:Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) + RF testing (transmit power, frequency accuracy, spectrum compliance, etc.)

- Process characteristics:Requires third-party testing and review; processing time 3–6 weeks; must provide a Canadian representative address

- ISED-VOC Certification

- Applicable products:Non-wireless electronic products (e.g., power adapters, lighting, home appliances)

- Testing requirements:emc testing only

- Process characteristics:Self-declaration allowed; no third-party review requiRED; processing time 1–2 weeks

Key point:IC-ID certification is the wireless device subset of ISED certification, now known as ISED-ID. ISED certification is the umbrella term covering both wireless and non-wireless products.

Labeling and Numbering Rules

- Labels continue to use the “IC” prefix, formatted as `IC:XXXXXYYYYYYYYY` (company code + product code), even after the name change.

- For example, a Bluetooth headset certified under ISED-ID will still display “IC” on the label, not “ISED.”

Core Differences

- Scope:ISED certification is the overall mandatory market access system in Canada, including two sub-certifications (ID and VOC). IC-ID specifically refers to wireless product certification (now ISED-ID).

- Testing Depth:ISED-ID requires additional RF parameters and spectrum compliance testing, while ISED-VOC requires only basic EMC testing.

- Responsibility Requirements:ISED-ID must designate a local Canadian agent, with a maximum fine of $25,000 for non-compliance. ISED-VOC has no such requirement.

Summary

- ISED certification ≠ IC-ID certification, but IC-ID is included within ISED:

- IC-ID certification is the former name for wireless product certification, now officially ISED-ID.

- ISED certification is the overall Canadian electronics and electrical product certification system, covering both wireless (ISED-ID) and non-wireless (ISED-VOC) devices.

- Products with wireless functions (e.g., Bluetooth/Wi-Fi) require ISED-ID certification; ordinary electronic products require ISED-VOC.

- Certification labels still use the “IC” number and do not need to be changed to “ISED.”