If you plan to sell wireless or radio-frequency products in the United States, FCC ID certification is mandatory. It verifies that your equipment complies with FCC technical, safety, and electromagnetic regulations under Part 15 and other applicable sections.
In 2025, new security and laboratory qualification rules were added, tightening requirements on authorized test bodies and increasing scrutiny of product compliance. Understanding the process and timeline helps avoid costly delays and re-testing.
The FCC ID certification process consists of five core stages, from registration to post-market maintenance.
Visual Flow (recommended for site graphic):
1. Preparation → 2. Sample Testing → 3. Report Submission & TCB Review → 4. Certificate Issuance → 5. Rectification & Re-testing (if needed) → 6. Post-Market Surveillance
This phase establishes your company’s FCC registration and documentation.
Register FCC FRN (FCC Registration Number):
A 10-digit identifier created in the FCC CORES system.
Apply for a Grantee Code:
A one-time unique prefix used for all your future FCC IDs (cost ≈ $70 USD).
Prepare Technical Documents:
Include circuit diagrams, block diagrams, RF descriptions, BOM, and a user manual in English that contains the required FCC warning statement.
This is the core compliance stage and must be completed in an FCC-accredited laboratory.
Lab Selection:
Ensure the lab is accredited and not on the FCC’s prohibited-entity list, per the 2025 Equipment Authorization Security Program.
Test Items Include:
RF Performance: transmit power, frequency stability, occupied bandwidth, spurious emissions.
EMC Tests: conducted and radiated emissions.
SAR (Exposure Safety): for body-worn devices (≤ 1.6 W/kg).
Test Duration: 10–20 business days on average, depending on product complexity.
Once testing passes, the laboratory submits results to a Telecommunication Certification Body (TCB).
TCB Review: The TCB verifies compliance, validates documentation, and issues an FCC ID Certificate upon approval.
If Deficiencies Exist: TCB will request rectifications or additional tests before approval.
After passing TCB review, you receive your official FCC ID Certificate.
Label Requirement:
Products must display “FCC ID: XXX-XXXXXXX” clearly and permanently on the housing or packaging.
U.S. Local Representative:
Non-U.S. manufacturers must appoint a U.S. Responsible Party to handle FCC communications.
Public Database Entry:
The certificate and test reports are uploaded to the FCC Equipment Authorization System (EAS).
Compliance does not end at approval.
Manufacturers must:
Retain technical documentation and test reports for ≥ 5 years after production ends.
Monitor regulatory updates and apply for re-testing if hardware or antenna design changes.
Cooperate with FCC market surveillance audits.
| Process Stage | Estimated Duration | Typical Cost (RMB / USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Preparation | 1–2 weeks | ¥ 500 – ¥ 1,000 (≈ $70 – $140) |
| Sample Testing | 2–4 weeks | ¥ 5,000 – ¥ 15,000 (≈ $700 – $2,100) |
| TCB Review & Certification | 1–2 weeks | Included in service package |
| Application & Registration Fee | – | ≈ $70 (one-time Grantee Code) |
| Agency / Document Service Fee | – | ¥ 1,000 – ¥ 5,000 (≈ $140 – $700) |
Total Timeline: 4 – 8 weeks under normal circumstances.
Expedited Path: With close coordination between lab and TCB, some projects complete in 3–4 weeks.
Since September 8 2025, the FCC forbids use of testing labs linked to foreign governments or “Covered List” entities.
Always confirm your lab’s FCC authorization and security declaration before testing.
FCC technical requirements (e.g., SAR accuracy or Part 15 updates) change regularly.
Manufacturers must maintain ongoing compliance to avoid market delays or recall risks.
Hardware or antenna changes require partial or full re-testing.
Failing to update the certificate may lead to enforcement action.
✅ Choose Accredited Labs: Select ISO/IEC 17025 and FCC-listed facilities to ensure valid test data.
✅ Conduct Pre-testing: Early internal EMC/RF checks can catch design issues before formal submission.
✅ Keep Documentation Organized: Use a digital archive for reports, drawings, and certificates for fast retrieval.
✅ Bundle Certifications: Plan simultaneous testing for FCC + IC (Canada) + CE (Europe) to save time and cost.
Selling uncertified or falsely declared products in the U.S. can lead to:
Customs detention and import bans
Fines up to $16,000 per violation (per model or shipment)
Removal from e-commerce platforms (Amazon, Walmart, etc.)
Civil liability and loss of corporate reputation
Blue Asia Technology (Shenzhen) is an ISO/IEC 17025-accredited testing laboratory offering end-to-end FCC ID certification services for wireless and radio equipment.
Our expertise covers:
Full FCC ID testing (RF / EMC / SAR / Safety)
Telecommunication Certification Body (TCB) liaison and submission
Cybersecurity and lab compliance advisory (2025 security rule ready)
Multi-market approvals (FCC + CE + ISED + RCM + KC)
king.guo@cblueasia.com | +86 135 3422 5140
Q1. How long does FCC ID certification take?
→ Usually 4–8 weeks; expedited options can complete in 3–4 weeks.
Q2. Do I need a U.S. agent for FCC ID?
→ Yes, non-U.S. manufacturers must appoint a U.S. responsible party.
Q3. Does FCC ID expire?
→ No fixed validity period, but must remain compliant with current FCC standards.
Q4. What is the cost range?
→ Typically ¥ 5,000 – ¥ 15,000 RMB (≈ $700 – $2,100 USD), depending on device complexity.
Q5. What happens if my lab is on the prohibited list?
→ The FCC will reject your test report, and the certificate application cannot proceed.
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