In 2025-2026, the core evolution of FCC regulation is no longer simple standard updates, but a dual closed-loop of "technical compliance + supply chain security." Combining the latest regulatory drafts (January 2026), market practice data, and official developments, this article breaks down SDoC certification’s standard system, scope of application, and supply chain verification key points, helping enterprises build an error-free compliance path and avoid losses due to minor deviations.

I. Core Understanding of FCC SDoC Compliance Certification:

SDoC (Supplier’s Declaration of Conformity) is essentially a "self-compliance declaration for unintentional radiators/specific receiving devices." It has clear rigid requirements for scope of application and compliance logic, with stricter regulatory judgments in 2026:

1. Scope of Eligible Products:

SDoC only covers two types of devices without wireless transmitting functions—this is an unchanging FCC rule:

·Unintentional Radiators: Passively generate electromagnetic radiation during operation with no active transmission, such as power adapters, LED lights, wired keyboards/mice, industrial controllers (without wireless modules), printers, and desktop computer hosts.

·Specific Receiving Devices: Only receive wireless signals without transmitting, such as FM radios, TV receivers, and satellite TV set-top boxes (pure receiving function).

·Explicit Exclusions: All devices with intentional wireless transmission functions (e.g., Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, 5G, LoRa modules), regardless of power level, must apply for FCC ID certification. Even smart light bulbs with only Bluetooth control cannot use the SDoC path. Multiple companies have been fined in 2026 for choosing the wrong certification path.

2. Standard System Boundaries:

SDoC’s core technical standards are based on the ANSI series. In 2026, there are no new core test items, but strict adherence to the latest versions cited by the FCC is required:

·Core Basic Standards: EMC testing must comply with standards such as the ANSI C63.4 series and ANSI C63.10. Among them, ANSI C63.10-2020 and its errata have a mandatory implementation date of October 30, 2025.

·Common Associated Standards: Depending on the product type, it may involve ANSI C63.5 (comprehensive EMC testing), IEC 61000-4-2 (electrostatic discharge testing), etc.

·Key Requirement: The test report must be accompanied by the laboratory’s "Non-Restricted Entity Statement" to confirm it is not on the FCC’s supply chain "Covered List" (Query Link: https://www.fcc.gov/supplychain/covered-list). Otherwise, the report is deemed invalid.

3. Compliance Logic Boundaries:

In 2026, the FCC emphasizes "risk orientation" more. For the same type of product, test requirements vary significantly based on usage scenarios:

·Low-Risk Consumer Devices (e.g., ordinary power adapters): Only basic EMC testing is required.

·Medium-to-High-Risk Industrial Devices (e.g., industrial controllers): Additional electromagnetic immunity testing is required to avoid interference in complex environments.

·High-Sensitivity Scenario Devices (e.g., power adapters used in medical settings): No independent legal classification, but must comply with strict Class B (residential) radiation limits and additional industry standards (e.g., IEC 60601).

  II. 2026 SDoC Certification Test Items:

The core of SDoC compliance in 2026 is building a dual evidence chain of "technical compliance + supply chain security"—both are indispensable. Test items are dynamically matched as "general mandatory + product-specific additional":

1. General Mandatory Items:

These are the basis for the FCC to determine product eligibility. Failure to meet them will result in direct rejection. In 2026, verification will focus on data authenticity and document completeness:

-Core EMC Testing:

·Conducted Emissions Testing (150kHz-30MHz): Measures electromagnetic interference conducted through power lines to avoid interfering with other devices in the power grid. Limits are divided into Class A (industrial) and Class B (residential), with stricter requirements for residential devices.

·Radiated Emissions Testing (30MHz-6GHz): Measures electromagnetic signals emitted into space to avoid interfering with radio communications. For example, LED lights must be tested in an anechoic chamber, with a Class B limit of ≤34dBμV/m (30MHz-1GHz).

-Marking & Document Compliance:

·Product Marking: Must permanently display the phrase "FCC Part 15 Compliant." For small devices, it can be marked in the manual. Markings must be clear and wear-resistant—sticker labels are no longer accepted.

·Document Retention: English technical specifications (including circuit diagrams, BOMs), test reports (including non-restricted statements), and SDoC compliance declarations must be retained by the U.S. Responsible Party for at least 2 years and made available within 48 hours during FCC inspections.

2. Product-Specific Additional Testing:

Product-specific testing is the core of compliance differences. In 2026, the FCC has more specific requirements for industrial devices and module-equipped products:

·Products with Non-Wireless Modules (e.g., LED lights with power modules): Add "module compatibility testing" to verify that module operation does not cause the whole machine’s radiation to exceed limits. A module supplier compliance commitment letter is required.

·Industrial Unintentional Radiators (e.g., PLC controllers): Add electrostatic discharge immunity (±8kV contact discharge) and radio frequency field immunity (3V/m) testing. The test report must indicate that industrial scenarios are simulated.

·Receiving Devices (e.g., FM radios): Add receiving sensitivity and anti-interference capability testing to ensure clear signals without interference from surrounding devices.

·High-Sensitivity Scenario Devices (e.g., power adapters for medical settings): Comply with strict Class B radiation limits and add harmonic current testing to avoid polluting the power grid and affecting other devices.

  III. 2026 SDoC Eligible Product Details:

Classified by "product type + risk level," this section clarifies typical products, test focuses, and 2026 compliance costs—all fees are based on current market prices:

1. Low-Risk Consumer Unintentional Radiators (Most Common, Low Compliance Cost)

·Typical Products: Ordinary power adapters, wired keyboards/mice, LED desk lamps, printers, scanners, power banks.

·Test Focus: Only general mandatory core EMC testing (conducted + radiated emissions).

·2026 New Regulation Impact: A supplier compliance statement for critical components (e.g., power chips) is required to avoid using products from restricted entities.

·Compliance Cycle: 2-3 weeks; Cost: 1,000-3,500 RMB.

2. Medium-Risk Industrial Unintentional Radiators (Detailed Testing, Immunity Verification Required)

·Typical Products: Industrial PLC controllers, industrial power supplies, machine tool control panels, wired industrial sensors.

·Test Focus: General EMC testing + electromagnetic immunity testing + module compatibility testing (for module-equipped products).

·2026 New Regulation Impact: The test report must indicate "industrial scenario adaptation," and testing must simulate factory electromagnetic environments.

·Compliance Cycle: 4-6 weeks; Cost: 2,500-8,000 RMB.

3. Receiving Devices (Receive-Only, Sensitivity Testing Required)

·Typical Products: FM radios, digital TV receivers, satellite TV set-top boxes (pure receiving function).

·Test Focus: General EMC testing + receiving sensitivity testing + anti-interference capability testing.

·2026 New Regulation Impact: Satellite TV set-top boxes require additional antenna compliance certification.

·Compliance Cycle: 3-5 weeks; Cost: 1,500-6,000 RMB.

4. Products Absolutely Ineligible for SDoC (Key Pitfall Avoidance)

·Typical Products: Bluetooth speakers/headphones, Wi-Fi routers, 5G module devices, smart watches (with wireless functions), walkie-talkies, portable Wi-Fi.

·Compliance Path: Must apply for FCC ID certification. Using the SDoC path will result in direct non-compliance.

·Warning Case: A company applied for SDoC certification for Wi-Fi-enabled smart sockets. After the goods were detained, they had to reapply for FCC ID, incurring an additional 20,000 RMB in costs and a 3-month market delay.

FCC SDoC certification has evolved from "technical compliance" to dual compliance of "technology + supply chain." The core of 2026 compliance is "accurate standard matching + in-depth supply chain verification." Enterprises do not need to blindly add test items—they only need to first accurately determine product boundaries, then match test depth based on risk level, and finally strengthen supply chain security barriers. For professional certification consulting services, contact BLUEASIA: +86 13534225140.