FCC Certification

Federal Communications Commission Equipment Authorization for Radio Frequency Devices

apartmentPublishing Organization:Federal Communications Commission (FCC)

United States Electronics Technology Telecommunications

Standard Introduction

FCC Certification is an active standard published by Federal Communications Commission (FCC). It is commonly used across Electronics, Technology, Telecommunications and applies in United States.

Use this page to review the official documentation, current status, and the certification or assessment bodies most commonly associated with FCC Certification.

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Mandatory for RF Devices

All devices that emit radio frequency energy must be authorized before being marketed, imported, or operated in the United States — covering Wi-Fi routers, Bluetooth devices, phones, and IoT products.

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Two Authorization Paths

Devices require either FCC Certification (through an accredited Telecommunication Certification Body) or Supplier's Declaration of Conformity (SDoC) depending on device type and risk level.

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National Security Provisions

Since 2022, the FCC prohibits equipment authorizations for companies identified as posing national security threats, including certain foreign manufacturers.

list_alt Key Compliance Elements

Equipment authorization (Certification or SDoC) before marketing
FCC ID label and marking requirements
RF emission limits per device type (Part 15, 18, 22, 24, etc.)
Testing at accredited laboratories
Technical documentation and test reports
Post-market surveillance and compliance

Who Needs to Comply?

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Any manufacturer, importer, or marketer of electronic devices that intentionally or unintentionally emit radio frequency energy and are sold or used in the United States — including consumer electronics, IoT devices, industrial equipment, and telecommunications gear.

Key Requirements

Equipment Authorization

Obtain FCC Certification through a Telecommunication Certification Body (TCB) or file a Supplier's Declaration of Conformity (SDoC) depending on the device category specified in the applicable FCC rule part.

Testing & Measurement

Conduct RF emissions testing at an FCC-recognized accredited test laboratory. Tests must demonstrate compliance with applicable emission limits, spurious emissions, and conducted/radiated limits.

Labeling & FCC ID

Devices must display the FCC ID (for certified products) or the FCC compliance statement (for SDoC products). E-labeling is permitted for devices with display screens under certain conditions.

Record Retention

Maintain complete test reports, schematics, and technical documentation. Records must be available to the FCC upon request and retained for the period the device is manufactured plus a reasonable period after.

Penalties & Enforcement

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The FCC can impose fines up to $237,268 per violation per day, with a statutory maximum of $2,372,677 for a single act. Marketing non-compliant devices can result in seizure, fines, and injunctions. Recent enforcement actions have included fines exceeding $1.2 million.