The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has introduced major updates in 2025 for the FCC ID certification of radio and wireless equipment.
These updates focus primarily on:
Stricter security reviews of laboratory qualifications
Upgraded technical standards for specific device categories such as Wi-Fi 6E, VLP, and wearable electronics
Improved SAR testing accuracy
For manufacturers exporting to the U.S., understanding and adapting to these new rules is essential to avoid compliance risks and certification delays.
The following table summarizes the key new FCC rules effective in 2025.
| Regulation Dimension | Core Content & Impact |
|---|---|
| Laboratory Security New Rules (Most Important) | • Objective: Prevent entities controlled by foreign governments or threat actors from participating in FCC certification. • Prohibited Entities: Companies on the Covered List (e.g., Huawei, ZTE affiliates), U.S. Commerce Entity List, or those owned (≥10%) by governments/entities from adversarial nations (e.g., China, Russia). • Ownership Reporting: Requires all labs and certification bodies to disclose ownership stakes ≥5%. • Effective Date: September 8, 2025. |
| Human Exposure Safety (SAR) | • Effective March 31, 2025. • Mandatory use of KDB 447498 D01 V07, increasing SAR testing accuracy by 30% for wearable devices, smartphones, and tablets. |
| Very Low Power (VLP) Devices | • Effective May 12, 2025. • Expanded frequency operation from portions of 6GHz to the entire 6GHz band (U-NII-5 to U-NII-8) for phones, routers, and tablets supporting VLP communication. |
| Wi-Fi 6E Devices | • Devices using 6GHz must comply with updated spectrum mask requirements under FCC Part 15E. • Must support Dynamic Frequency Selection (DFS) to avoid interference. |
FCC certification remains a mandatory market access requirement under the Communications Act, covering all radio and electronic devices entering the U.S. market.
| Mode | Applicable Products | Test Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| FCC SDoC | Non-wireless devices (e.g., lamps, small appliances, monitors) | EMC testing only |
| FCC ID | Wireless devices (e.g., Bluetooth earphones, Wi-Fi routers, smartphones) | RF + EMC + SAR testing |
| Step | Task Description | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| 1️⃣ FRN Registration | Register a Federal Registration Number and apply for Grantee Code (~$70 fee). | 1 week |
| 2️⃣ Testing | Conduct EMC, RF, and SAR testing at an FCC-accredited lab (must comply with 2025 security rule). | 2–4 weeks |
| 3️⃣ TCB Review | Submit reports and documents to a Telecommunication Certification Body (TCB). ⚡ AI-assisted review system may shorten review time. | 1–2 weeks |
| 4️⃣ Certificate Issuance | Receive FCC ID certificate and authorize labeling. | 1 week |
⏱️ Total Duration: Typically 4–8 weeks.
Starting 2025, AI-enhanced TCB reviews can reduce total time to 3–5 weeks for compliant submissions.
Facing the new regulatory environment, manufacturers should strengthen both supplier selection and internal compliance systems.
Below are recommended strategies to stay compliant and minimize delays.
This is the most critical step in 2025.
Verify that your testing lab is not listed on the FCC’s prohibited entity list.
Request an official compliance declaration from the laboratory confirming it meets the Equipment Authorization Security Program requirements.
Using an unqualified lab can invalidate your test report, leading to wasted cost and certification rejection.
For 5G Devices:
Meet FCC Part 30 cybersecurity protocol requirements, including TLS 1.3 encryption support.
For Wearables & Smartphones:
Ensure SAR testing complies with KDB 447498 D01 V07 (2025).
For Wi-Fi 6E Devices:
Adapt your RF design to satisfy DFS and spectrum mask rules.
For VLP Devices:
Utilize the expanded 6GHz U-NII-5–8 bands early in your R&D phase.
Conduct Pre-Testing Early:
Over 80% of devices require modifications during formal testing. Pre-tests or GAP analyses help identify EMC or RF design flaws early.
Ensure Accurate Technical Documentation:
Include block diagrams, circuit schematics, and a user manual with the FCC warning statement.
Plan Timeline and Budget:
Allocate 4–8 weeks for standard projects; add 1–2 weeks for high-complexity 5G or multi-band devices.
Using Non-Compliant Labs:
Reports from prohibited or unregistered laboratories are invalid under the 2025 rule.
Incomplete SAR Testing:
Devices used ≤20cm from the body must have KDB 447498 D01 V07 test results.
Missing U.S. Agent Authorization:
All non-U.S. companies must appoint a U.S. Responsible Party for FCC correspondence.
Incorrect Labeling:
Ensure the product displays FCC ID: XXXX-XXXXXXX clearly and permanently.
✔ Shorter Certification Timeline (AI-assisted TCB reviews reduce delays)
✔ Lower Cost from Avoiding Retests (pre-testing catches issues early)
✔ Guaranteed Market Access (compliance ensures customs clearance and retailer acceptance)
✔ Future-Proof Design (aligned with SAR, VLP, and Wi-Fi 6E updates)
At Blue Asia Technology (Shenzhen), we help global electronics manufacturers navigate the complex 2025 FCC regulatory landscape with confidence.
Our services include:
Full-scope FCC ID testing (RF, EMC, SAR, Safety)
Laboratory compliance under 2025 security rule
Multi-market certification coordination (FCC + ISED + CE + RCM + KC)
Technical documentation preparation and TCB submission support
Avoid compliance risks and costly delays — let our experts help you prepare your products for smooth U.S. market access.
Get a Free FCC Compliance Assessment →
king.guo@cblueasia.com
+86 135 3422 5140
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