To legally sell non-wireless electronic products in the U.S. market, manufacturers must comply with the FCC SDoC (Supplier’s Declaration of Conformity) requirements.
This process ensures that the product meets the Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) standards outlined in FCC Part 15B — confirming that it neither causes nor suffers from harmful interference.
As of October 2025, the new FCC laboratory security rule has come into force, adding a mandatory qualification check for all testing laboratories — a crucial factor in ensuring your certification’s validity.
The complete SDoC process can be divided into four main stages, from preparation to post-market compliance.
This is the starting point of the certification process — ensuring your product qualifies and preparing the necessary documentation.
✅ Confirm Product Scope:
FCC SDoC applies only to devices without wireless transmission functions.
Typical applicable products include:
Home Appliances: Microwave ovens, refrigerators, electric fans
IT Equipment: Monitors, wired keyboards/mice, printers, power adapters
Lighting Products: LED bulbs, ballasts
Industrial Equipment: Motors, inverters
Prepare Technical Documents:
Product manual (must include the FCC compliance statement)
Circuit schematics
Internal and external photos
Product label and nameplate design
Tip: Verify at this stage that your product does not contain Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or RF modules — these require FCC ID certification, not SDoC.
This stage verifies the product’s compliance with EMC standards.
Core Test Items:
| Test Type | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Conducted Emission | Measures interference through power cables to ensure clean energy usage. |
| Radiated Emission | Tests electromagnetic waves emitted during operation to prevent signal interference. |
| Harmonic Current | Evaluates current waveform distortion, essential for high-power devices. |
A critical change in 2025 is the FCC Equipment Authorization Program Security Rule, effective September 8, 2025.
According to this rule:
You must not use laboratories associated with prohibited entities (e.g., those on the “Covered List” such as Huawei or ZTE affiliates).
Labs must disclose any ownership of ≥5% and cannot be controlled (≥10%) by foreign adversary entities (e.g., China, Russia).
Only reports from FCC-recognized and compliant labs are valid.
✅ Action Required: Before testing, always request the laboratory’s FCC compliance declaration. Using a non-compliant lab will invalidate your test report and block U.S. market entry.
Once the product passes EMC testing:
The U.S. Responsible Party (manufacturer, importer, or authorized representative) must sign the Supplier’s Declaration of Conformity (SDoC).
There is no need to submit documents to the FCC or wait for formal approval — it’s a self-declaration system, but all records must be truthful and verifiable.
Note: The U.S. Responsible Party must have a U.S. address and be reachable for FCC communication.
After certification, long-term compliance is just as important.
Document Retention: Keep all technical files (test reports, schematics, manuals, and the signed SDoC) for at least 10 years after production stops.
Market Surveillance: The FCC conducts random audits — you may be required to submit documents for review.
Product Labeling: The FCC logo is no longer mandatory, but you should include a compliance statement such as:
“This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.”
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Standard Timeline | 2–4 weeks (under smooth circumstances) |
| Extended Timeline | Add 1–2 weeks if re-testing or rectification is needed |
| Typical Cost Range | $140 – $490 USD (approx. ¥1,000–¥3,500 RMB), depending on product complexity |
| Key Cost Drivers | Testing complexity, lab location, document preparation, and sample rework |
Optimization Tip: Choose a qualified, local FCC-recognized lab to control costs while ensuring global acceptance of results.
Selling Without Certification:
Products sold without FCC SDoC certification are considered non-compliant and may face:
U.S. Customs detention
Amazon or retailer delisting
Civil penalties and fines
Misinterpreting CE and FCC Standards:
Passing EU CE EMC testing does not equal FCC compliance.
The U.S. and EU use different EMC measurement methods and limits — FCC testing is mandatory for U.S. entry.
✅ New Laboratory Rules: Only use FCC-compliant, security-cleared labs.
✅ Shorter Process: Certification can be completed within 2–4 weeks.
✅ Low Cost: Ideal for small or medium-sized manufacturers entering the U.S. market.
✅ Document Retention: Keep all records for 10 years to ensure ongoing compliance.
At Blue Asia Technology (Shenzhen), we help manufacturers and importers achieve fast, compliant FCC SDoC certification with full transparency and expert support.
Our services include:
EMC Testing (FCC Part 15 & 18)
U.S. Responsible Party support
Laboratory qualification verification (per 2025 rules)
Compliance documentation and labeling guidance
king.guo@cblueasia.com
+86 135 3422 5140
Ready to confirm your product’s compliance under the new 2025 FCC rules?
Request a Free Consultation →
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