Understanding Canada’s IC EMC Mandatory Certification is crucial for manufacturers and importers of electronic products. This guide outlines the 2025 standards, test items, and labeling requirements to help plan certification efficiently.
Managed by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED), IC certification has two main paths depending on whether a device has wireless functionality.
| Certification Model | Applies To | Core Requirements & Labeling |
|---|---|---|
| IC-ID (Certification) | Devices with wireless functions (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi routers, smartphones, drones, cellular devices) | RF & EMC testing. Reports reviewed by ISED-accredited lab (or TCB). Unique IC-ID issued: IC:XXXXX-YYYYYYYYYYY, permanently marked on product (min. 1 mm height). |
| IC-SDOC (Supplier's Declaration of Conformity) | Non-radio electronic products (power adapters, lamps, wired peripherals, appliances) | Must meet relevant EMC standards. Manufacturer/importer performs testing and retains DoC & test reports. Advisory label required: CAN ICES-3 (B)/NMB-3(B). |
The core test standards and items vary depending on device type. Proper planning ensures compliance and smooth market access.
| Test Category | Core Focus | Primary Standards / References |
|---|---|---|
| RF Performance | Frequency range, output power, frequency stability, modulation, occupied bandwidth, spurious emissions, adjacent channel power | RSS-247 (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth) RSS-210 (Short-range devices, e.g., RFID) RSS-Gen (General requirements) RSS-130/139 (Cellular 4G/5G) |
| EMC | Electromagnetic disturbance emissions (Conducted & Radiated) | ICES-003 (Information Technology Equipment) ICES-005 (Lighting Equipment) |
| Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) | RF energy absorption rate for body-worn devices (phones, earphones) | Canadian limit: 2.0 W/kg (aligned with EU) |
RF Testing ("Legal Transmission")
Verifies that radio parameters comply with licensed Canadian limits.
Spurious emissions are strictly controlled to prevent interference.
EMC Testing ("Harmonious Coexistence")
Ensures devices operate correctly without disrupting other electronics.
Focused on limiting electromagnetic interference (EMI).
Labeling Requirements
Wireless devices: Permanent IC-ID marking on the device.
Non-wireless devices: Advisory IC-SDOC label.
Planning Tip
Early identification of test standards and labeling requirements reduces rework and ensures smooth market entry.
Ensuring IC EMC compliance can be complex. For professional certification consulting, testing services, and lab support:
Contact BLUEASIA: +86 135 3422 5140
Email: king.guo@cblueasia.com
Q1: What is the difference between IC-ID and IC-SDOC?
✅ IC-ID applies to wireless devices with RF testing; IC-SDOC is for non-radio products meeting EMC standards.
Q2: How should IC-ID be labeled?
IC-ID must be permanently marked on the product in the format IC:XXXXX-YYYYYYYYYYY with at least 1 mm font height.
Q3: Do I need SAR testing for my device?
Only for body-worn devices like phones or earphones. The Canadian SAR limit is 2.0 W/kg.
Q4: Can test reports from other countries be used?
ISED-accredited lab reports may be leveraged if aligned with Canadian standards, potentially saving time and cost.
Related News
