FCC SDoC New Regulations for Non-Wireless Electronic Products (2025 Update)

2025-10-16

1️⃣ Introduction: Why FCC SDoC Certification Matters in 2025

The FCC Supplier’s Declaration of Conformity (SDoC) is the essential compliance pathway for non-wireless electronic products entering the U.S. market. It ensures that your devices meet electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) requirements and can legally be sold in the United States.


As of late 2025, the FCC has introduced a new security regulation affecting all testing laboratories participating in its Equipment Authorization Program — a major shift that manufacturers must understand before choosing a lab.



2️⃣ 2025 Core Update: “Equipment Authorization Program Security” Regulation

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) now requires all laboratories and certification bodies involved in the Equipment Authorization Program to undergo a security background review.

This policy aims to strengthen the integrity and safety of U.S. communication supply chains.

Regulation DimensionCore Content & ImpactKey Timeline
Prohibition ObjectivePrevent foreign-controlled or high-risk entities from participating in U.S. equipment certification to protect national and supply-chain security.Effective September 8, 2025
Prohibited Entity ScopeIncludes all companies listed on the FCC “Covered List,” U.S. Department of Commerce Entity List, or entities with ≥10% ownership/control by “foreign adversary” governments (e.g., China, Russia).Labs required to submit no-affiliation declarations by October 6, 2025
Ownership DisclosureAll FCC-recognized labs must disclose ownership of any entity holding ≥5% voting or equity rights.Filing deadline: December 5, 2025

 What This Means for You

When selecting a test laboratory for FCC SDoC, you must:

  • Verify that the lab is not listed under any prohibited entity list.

  • Ensure the lab has submitted its ownership declaration to the FCC.
    Failure to do so means your test reports may be rejected, blocking U.S. market entry.



3️⃣ FCC SDoC Certification Basics

The Supplier’s Declaration of Conformity (SDoC) applies to all non-wireless electronic products—devices that do not include intentional radio transmitters.

✅ Applicable Product Categories

  • Household Appliances: Microwaves, refrigerators, washing machines

  • IT Equipment: Monitors, wired keyboards, wired printers

  • Lighting Products: LED bulbs, ballasts, power supplies

  • Adapters & Industrial Equipment: AC/DC converters, industrial controllers

✅ Core Testing Requirements

SDoC focuses primarily on Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC).
Main test items include:

  • Conducted Emissions (power line interference)

  • Radiated Emissions (electromagnetic radiation)

  • Harmonic & Flicker Testing (power quality compliance)

All testing follows FCC Part 15B standards.



4️⃣ Standard FCC SDoC Process Overview

Visual flow suggestion: Confirm Standards → Laboratory Testing → Declaration Signing → Documentation Retention → Market Compliance

① Confirm Applicable Standards

Identify applicable FCC Part 15B clauses and product categories.

② Laboratory Testing

Send samples to a qualified FCC-recognized EMC laboratory for testing.

③ Sign the Supplier’s Declaration of Conformity

The U.S. Responsible Party (manufacturer, importer, or distributor) signs the SDoC form.

④ Documentation Retention

Keep all records — test reports, schematics, user manuals, and the signed SDoC — for 10 years after production stops.

⑤ Post-Market Surveillance

Ensure continuous compliance; the FCC may audit or request verification at any time.



5️⃣ Key Deadlines for Laboratories (and Why They Matter to You)

RequirementDeadlineImpact on Manufacturers
No-affiliation declarationOct 6, 2025Labs failing to file cannot issue valid FCC test reports
Ownership transparency reportDec 5, 2025Ensures labs are not controlled by restricted foreign entities
Security compliance verificationContinuous (2026 onward)FCC will revoke listings of non-compliant labs

If your testing partner fails these steps, your product certification may become invalid.



6️⃣ Compliance Risks & Penalties

Selling or importing non-certified products into the U.S. can result in:

  • Customs detention or rejection

  • Fines up to $16,000 per violation (per model or shipment)

  • Removal from major e-commerce platforms (e.g., Amazon, Walmart)

  • Civil or criminal liability for false SDoC declarations



7️⃣ Cost & Optimization Strategies

✅ 1. Choose Verified Labs

Only partner with labs that:

  • Publicly state compliance with the FCC’s 2025 Equipment Authorization Program Security rule, and

  • Are not on the Covered List or Entity List.

✅ 2. Leverage Multi-Market Reports

If exporting to Canada, reuse FCC EMC reports for ISED Canada IC certification, minimizing retesting costs.

✅ 3. Keep Documentation Organized

Maintain technical files digitally for at least 10 years and ensure the U.S. Responsible Party can be reached by the FCC.



8️⃣ Summary: How Blue Asia Technology Can Help

Blue Asia Technology (Shenzhen) provides complete FCC SDoC testing and certification consulting for non-wireless electronic products.

Our services include:

  • EMC testing (FCC Part 15B compliance)

  • Supplier’s Declaration of Conformity (SDoC) preparation

  • Laboratory compliance verification (ensuring test reports remain valid under new FCC 2025 rules)

  • Cross-market integration (FCC + ISED Canada + CE + UKCA)

king.guo@cblueasia.com |  +86 135 3422 5140


9️⃣ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. Which products need FCC SDoC certification?
→ All non-wireless electronic devices such as IT equipment, home appliances, and LED lighting.

Q2. What is the biggest 2025 change?
→ The FCC now audits laboratories for ownership and foreign influence under the new “Equipment Authorization Program Security” rule.

Q3. Do wireless products use SDoC?
→ No. Wireless products must follow FCC Certification via a Telecommunication Certification Body (TCB).

Q4. How long does SDoC take?
→ Typical testing + documentation can be completed in 2–4 weeks for standard devices.

Q5. Can one test report cover both FCC and IC (Canada)?
→ Yes — in most EMC test setups, FCC Part 15B and ISED ICES-003 are harmonized.


 Call to Action

Want to confirm if your product meets the FCC SDoC 2025 security requirements?
Blue Asia’s experts can help you verify lab eligibility, avoid compliance pitfalls, and speed up approvals.

Request an FCC SDoC 2025 Consultation → /contact
king.guo@cblueasia.com |  +86 135 3422 5140