In Canada, all electronic and wireless devices must comply with the Innovation, Science and Economic Development (ISED) regulations—commonly known as IC Certification (formerly “Industry Canada”).
As of 2025, the IC system uses two primary models depending on whether your product contains wireless transmission capability.
| Certification Model | Applies To | Core Requirements & Labeling |
|---|---|---|
| IC-ID (Certification) | Devices with wireless functions (e.g., Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, cellular, drone, RFID). | Requires RF & EMC testing through an ISED-accredited laboratory. Approved devices receive a unique IC-ID format: IC: XXXXX-YYYYYYYYYYY. |
| IC-SDoC (Supplier’s Declaration of Conformity) | Non-radio products (e.g., power supplies, home appliances, wired IT equipment, LED lamps). | Manufacturer performs EMC compliance testing and issues a self-declaration (SDoC). Label includes advisory marking such as CAN ICES-3(B)/NMB-3(B) or equivalent. |
The documentation structure under ISED remains rigorous and bilingual (English/French). Below is a complete list for a compliant submission:
Application Form (ISED format)
Canadian Local Representative Authorization Letter (mandatory for foreign applicants)
Product Photos (external, internal, label location)
User Manual (EN/FR bilingual)
Circuit diagrams and PCB layout
Product specifications (operating frequency, modulation, power, antenna type)
RF Technical Description & Antenna Specification (for radio products)
SAR Report if applicable (for body-worn or handheld devices)
EMC / RF Test Reports from an ISED-accredited laboratory
3–5 functional samples for testing and verification
Tip: For global market entry, harmonize test setups with FCC Part 15 and CE RED to reduce duplication.
A standard certification cycle for IC-ID devices takes several weeks depending on lab capacity and product complexity.
Step-by-Step Process:
Preparation: Document collection, classification, and test plan confirmation
Testing: EMC & RF performance testing (plus SAR if needed)
Review & Certification:
For IC-ID: Certification issued by a TCB (Telecom Certification Body) recognized by ISED.
For IC-SDoC: Manufacturer keeps test reports and issues a self-declaration without TCB review.
Average timeframe: 4–8 weeks (wireless) | 2–4 weeks (non-wireless)
Unlike CE or FCC marks, Canada’s IC Certification does not “expire”, but the registration validity is tied to the product’s technical consistency and database listing.
IC-ID registration validity: 5 years
Must be renewed in ISED’s system before expiration to keep database visibility.
IC-SDoC: No formal expiry, but compliance must be maintained indefinitely.
Certification becomes invalid if:
There are design changes affecting RF/EMC performance (e.g., antenna, PCB, shielding).
New ISED standards or test limits are released, and the product is not updated.
Tip: Always re-test after hardware or firmware modifications that impact emissions.
Even after certification, ISED requires annual reporting and market compliance maintenance to ensure sustained conformity.
Submit the previous year’s sales data (including “zero” reports)
Deadline: January 31 every year
Report through ISED’s online portal
Retain at least one certified sample in Canada for potential ISED audit
Keep all certification documentation and test reports for a minimum of 5 years
Failure to cooperate during surveillance may result in certification suspension or market recall.
Proper labeling ensures traceability and avoids customs delays.
IC: 1234A-5678901Model: WFX100Made in China
CAN ICES-3(B)/NMB-3(B)
The label must be durable, legible, and placed on both the device and packaging. Electronic labeling (e-label) is accepted under certain conditions.
To reduce certification costs and speed up Canadian market entry:
Plan early — Align IC, FCC, and CE standards during the R&D phase.
Reuse test data — Where test scopes overlap (e.g., 2.4 GHz BT/Wi-Fi), share EMC results across regions.
Select an experienced ISED-accredited lab — Faster turnaround and lower re-test risk.
Appoint a professional Local Representative — Ensures seamless ISED communication and annual reporting compliance.
Blue Asia helps international brands manage IC-ID and IC-SDoC certification under one integrated process.
At Blue Asia Technology, we assist global manufacturers with end-to-end ISED (Canada) EMC and wireless certification.
Our support includes:
CA IC-ID & IC-SDoC certification management
RF/EMC/SAR testing coordination
Canadian local representative authorization
Annual compliance reporting assistance
Global documentation harmonization (FCC, CE, KC, MIC)
king.guo@cblueasia.com
+86 135 3422 5140
Whether you’re launching a Wi-Fi 6E router, smart home device, or industrial IoT sensor, we can help ensure your product meets all ISED requirements efficiently.
Request a Free IC Certification Assessment →
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