What Does the Canadian IC Mark Mean?

IC-ID certification was the designation used during the era of Innovation, Science and EconoMIC Development Canada’s pREDecessor, Industry Canada (IC). It mainly applied to wireless communication devices such as Bluetooth headsets and routers. After 2016, Industry Canada was reorganized into Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ised), and the original ic certification system was renamed ised certification accordingly. ISED certification is a regULatory process in Canada that ensures electronic and wireless communication devices comply with specified technical and safety standards before being legally marketed and operated. The certification process is supervised by ISED, a government department responsible for promoting innovation, scientific research, and economic development in Canada.

The ISED certification process applies to a wide range of electronic and communication devices, including wireless products, wireless equipment, telecommunications equipment, and other equipment that emits electromagnetic radiation.

The former IC-ID certification has been incorporated into the ISED certification framework, and the certification category for wireless products has been updated to ISED-ID certification.

Ordinary non-wireless products must complete certification through an ISED Declaration of Conformity (ISED-VOC or ISED-sdoc).

Certification Categories and Scope of Application

1. ISED-ID Certification (formerly IC-ID Certification)

Applicable Products: All products with wireless functions, such as Bluetooth devices, Wi-Fi modules, smartphones, etc.

Testing Requirements: Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) testing + Radio Frequency (RF) testing are required. RF testing covers indicators such as transmit power, frequency accuracy, and spectrum compliance.

Process Features: Testing and evaluation must be completed by a third-party organization. The processing cycle is 3–6 weeks. A Canadian local representative address must be provided during the application.

2. ISED-VOC Certification

Applicable Products: Non-wireless electronic products, such as power adapters, lighting fixtures, household appliances, etc.

Testing Requirements: Only Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) testing is required.

Process Features: Enterprises may issue a self-declaration of conformity; third-party evaluation is not required. The processing cycle is 1–2 weeks.

IC-ID certification is a subcategory under the ISED certification system for wireless devices, now officially named ISED-ID certification. ISED certification is the general term covering both wireless and non-wireless products.

Marking and Numbering Rules

After the name change, product markings still use the “IC” prefix in the format IC:XXXXXYYYYYYYYY (where XXXXX is the company code and YYYYYYYYY is the product code).

For example, a Bluetooth headset certified under ISED-ID will still be marked with “IC” on its product label, not “ISED”.

Core Differences

1. Scope of Application: ISED certification is a mandatory certification system for market access in Canada, including two subcategories: ISED-ID and ISED-VOC. IC-ID is the old name for wireless product certification, corresponding to the current ISED-ID certification.

2. Testing Depth: ISED-ID certification requires additional RF parameter and spectrum compliance testing, while ISED-VOC certification only requires basic emc testing.

1. Responsibility Requirements: ISED-ID certification mandates the appointment of a Canadian local representative, with violations punishable by fines of up to 25,000 USD. No such requirement applies to ISED-VOC certification.

Scope of ISED Certification

ISED certification applies to all wireless devices sold in Canada, including but not limited to the following categories:

①　Broadcasting and television equipment: TV receivers, satellite receivers, antennas, radio transmitters, etc.

②　Information technology equipment: Computers and peripherals, printers, copiers, etc.

③　Wireless equipment: Wireless microphones, Bluetooth devices, wireless network routers, walkie-talkies, etc.

④　Telecommunications equipment: Telephones, fax machines, modems, telecommunication terminal products, etc.

⑤　Industrial, scientific, and medical equipment: Medical monitoring equipment, laboratory analytical instruments, etc.

Certification Methods

ISED certification mainly includes two methods:

1. ISED Declaration of Conformity (SDOC): Applies to wired communication devices, evaluating indicators such as electrical performance and signal transmission.

2. ISED ID Certification (Wireless Product Certification): Applies to wireless communication devices, focusing on key indicators such as transmit power, frequency stability, and electromagnetic compatibility.

Certification Process

1. Prepare products and technical documents: including product samples, circuit schematics, block diagrams, user manuals, antenna specifications, and other materials.

2. Select a certification service organization: Manufacturers may entrust a professional certification body to assist with the certification process, including testing, evaluation, and submission of applications to ISED.

3. Submit certification application: Provide required technical documents and product samples to the selected certification service organization.

4. Product testing: The certification body conducts testing in accordance with ISED technical standards to ensure compliance.

5. Review and evaluation: ISED reviews the application materials, including product specifications, test reports, and supporting documents.

6. Approval and certification: If the product passes testing and review, ISED will issue the corresponding certification.

7. Marking and registration: After certification, the manufacturer must mark the product with the ISED certification mark (example format: “IC: XXXXXX-YYYYYYYY”, where XXXXXX is the applicant code and YYYYYYYY is the product code) and complete product registration in the ISED database for market supervision and traceability.

Certification Marking Requirements

Products certified by ISED must include the following information on their markings:

①　Manufacturer name or trademark

②　Product model name

③　ISED ID number (starting with “IC:”)

In addition, depending on the product type, warning statements such as “CAN ICES-3 (B)/NMB-3(B)” must be marked.

The ISED certification label is a textual marking consisting of a Company Number (CN) and Unique Product Number (UPN). While the UPN is chosen by the manufacturer, the CN is assigned by the Canadian authorities. The ISED label must be clearly displayed on the product and may also appear on the packaging. The label may also be presented electronically.

Certification Cost and Timeline

The cost and timeline of ISED certification vary depending on product type, testing requirements, and certification body. Typical conditions are as follows:

Certification Timeline: Generally 4–6 weeks, depending on product complexity and laboratory scheduling.

Notes

1. Canadian Local Representative: If the applicant is not a Canadian domestic enterprise, a Canadian local representative (commonly referred to as “Canadian Representative” or “CanRep”) must be appointed.

2. Product Change Requirements: If a product undergoes major design, material, or technical changes, retesting and recertification are required.

3. Market Supervision: After obtaining ISED certification, regulatory authorities have the right to conduct random market inspections of products. Enterprises must ensure product consistency and compliance, and properly maintain relevant documents and records.