What is the IC Mark in Canada?

The IC mark refers to Industry Canada (IC), a Canadian government agency responsible for the certification of electronic and electrical products entering the Canadian market. IC oversees various types of products including:

- Broadcasting and television equipment 

- Information technology equipment 

- Radio equipment 

- Telecommunication devices 

- Industrial, scientific, and medical equipment 

Similar to the FCC in the United States, IC focuses primarily on regulating electromagnetic interference (EMI).

Certification Methods:

There are two certification options:

- Self-Verification

- Certification (by authorized body)

IC ID Format: 

CN (Company Number, up to 6 digits) + UPN (Unique Product Number, up to 8 digits)

Scope of IC-Certified Products:

The products IC regulates include:

- Broadcasting and television equipment (STS) 

- Information technology equipment (STS) 

- Radio equipment (STS) 

- Telecommunication devices (STS) 

- Industrial, scientific, and medical equipment 

For general electronic products, only IC-emc certification is required. 

For wireless products, IC-ID certification is mandatory. Examples include:

- Bluetooth speakers 

- Wireless Bluetooth headsets 

- Wireless mouse and keyboard 

- Drones 

- AR glasses 

- Service robots 

- Smart servers 

- Smart bands 

- Smart cameras 

- Fitness trackers 

- Smart home systems 

- Smart rearview mirrors 

- Smart dashcams 

- Smartphones and tablets 

- Laptops 

- Bluetooth watches 

- Wired and wireless routers 

- Wireless video streamers 

- Wireless projectors 

- Smart bulbs 

IC ID Application Requirements:

1. A Canadian representative address is required. 

2. Product labels must include the following:

   - Manufacturer name or trademark 

   - Model name 

   - IC ID number 

Relevant IC Standards:

IC standards are largely aligned with FCC requirements and focus on electromagnetic interference.

- ICES-001: For analog devices – Industrial, Scientific, and Medical Radio Frequency Generators 

- ICES-003: For digital terminal equipment – Interference-Causing Equipment Standards – Digital Apparatus 

- RSS Series: For low-power RF transmitters and receivers 

  - RSS-210: Wireless mouse, keyboards, remote-controlled toys, etc. 

  - CS-03: PSTN telecom terminal equipment 

ic certification Process:

1. Fill out the application form 

2. Determine test items and receive a quotation 

3. Confirm the quotation and sign 

4. Submit product samples for testing 

5. Pay the testing fee 

6. Modify the product if test results are non-compliant 

7. Receive test report upon successful testing 

8. (For IC-ID) Submit the test report and documentation to an FCB/TCB for review and certification issuance 

Special Notes for IC-ID Certification:

- First-time applicants must apply for a permanent Company Code, which will be used for all future applications 

- New certifications will only require an added suffix (up to 9 characters) 

- Submit all required documents and test reports to IC and FCB using the Company Code 

- IC/FCB will issue the certificate and store the IC Code in their database 

- Once certified, the product can be legally sold or exported 

Factory Inspection:

- Not required

IC-ID Certification Sample Requirements:

1. One RF fixed-frequency sample 

2. One general functional sample 

   - For multi-channel products: a fixed-channel unit is required 

   - For single-channel products: a continuous transmission sample is required 

IC-ID Application FAQs:

1. A Canadian representative address is mandatory 

2. Labeling must include:

   - Manufacturer name or logo 

   - Model number 

   - IC ID number 

Certification Timelines:

- IC-EMC Certification: ~7 business days (general electronics, third-party lab) 

- IC-ID Certification: ~3–4 weeks (wireless devices, FCB/TCB bodies) 

Note: First-time IC registration may add ~5 business days

Required Documents for IC-ID Certification:

1. English user manual 

2. Product specifications 

3. Circuit schematic 

4. PCB layout 

5. Block diagram 

6. Business license 

7. Organization code certificate 

8. Application form 

9. Product photos 

10. Product samples 

Certification Cost:

Fees vary depending on the product. Please contact us for a detailed quote.