For manufacturers of non-wireless electronic products, understanding FCC SDoC (Supplier’s Declaration of Conformity) certification standards is essential to achieve compliant access to the United States market.
The FCC SDoC process ensures that your product meets electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) requirements under Part 15B and related rules — confirming that it neither causes nor is affected by harmful interference.
As of October 2025, new security-related laboratory qualification rules have become mandatory, directly impacting how you select testing partners.
FCC SDoC applies only to electronic products without wireless transmission functions.
If your device contains Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or other RF modules, you must apply instead for FCC ID certification.
| Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Home Appliances | Rice cookers, microwave ovens, vacuum cleaners, electric fans |
| IT Equipment | Computer monitors, printers, wired keyboards/mice, power adapters |
| Lighting Equipment | LED bulbs, fluorescent ballasts |
| Industrial Equipment | Motors, inverters, frequency converters |
| Standard | Scope | Key Focus |
|---|---|---|
| FCC Part 15 Subpart B | Unintentional radiators (most general electronics) | Electromagnetic interference limits for devices without RF functions |
| FCC Part 18 | Industrial, Scientific, and Medical (ISM) equipment | Controls radiated and conducted emissions from high-energy devices such as microwave ovens and laser machines |
The heart of FCC SDoC certification is Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) testing, which ensures that your product neither disrupts other devices nor is easily disturbed by them.
| Test Item | Core Purpose & Description |
|---|---|
| Conducted Emission | Measures interference transmitted to the AC power line; ensures the device does not “pollute” the power grid. |
| Radiated Emission | Measures electromagnetic energy radiated through the air; ensures the device does not interfere with nearby radio or communication signals. |
| Harmonic Current | Evaluates current waveform distortion caused when the device draws power; important for grid stability and efficiency, especially for higher-power appliances. |
A new FCC rule introduced under the Equipment Authorization Program Security Framework (effective September 8, 2025) directly affects laboratory eligibility for FCC testing — including SDoC programs.
| Dimension | Core Content | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Objective | To prevent entities controlled by certain foreign governments or security-risk organizations from participating in U.S. equipment certification programs. | Effective Sept 8, 2025 |
| Prohibited Entities | Those listed on the FCC “Covered List” (e.g., Huawei, ZTE affiliates), the U.S. Department of Commerce “Entity List”, or entities owned ≥ 10 % by a foreign adversary (e.g., China, Russia). | Laboratories had to file compliance declarations by Oct 6, 2025 |
| Ownership Disclosure | All laboratories must publicly disclose any shareholders owning ≥ 5 %. | Ongoing |
| Impact on Manufacturers | If a test report is issued by a prohibited or non-compliant lab, the report will be invalid, and your product cannot legally enter the U.S. market. | Immediate effect |
✅ Action Required: Before starting SDoC testing, confirm your chosen laboratory is FCC-recognized, has completed the required ownership disclosure, and is not listed under any restricted entity category.
Send your product to an FCC-accredited EMC laboratory. After successful testing, collect:
Test report (FCC Part 15B or Part 18)
Circuit diagrams and product photos
User manual with compliance statements
After testing, the U.S. Responsible Party (manufacturer, importer, or authorized representative) must sign the SDoC document.
Unlike FCC ID certification, SDoC does not require FCC pre-approval — it is a self-declaration of compliance backed by valid test data.
Per FCC regulations:
Retain all technical documents (reports, schematics, SDoC, etc.) for at least 10 years after production ends.
These may be requested at any time during FCC market surveillance or customs inspections.
FCC SDoC no longer requires the FCC logo on the product.
However, it is recommended to include a simple compliance statement in the user manual or on the label, such as:
“This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.”
✅ Laboratory Eligibility Is Now Critical: Only FCC-recognized and security-cleared labs can issue valid SDoC reports.
✅ Document Retention for 10 Years: Maintain all reports and declarations for audit readiness.
✅ No FCC Logo Needed: Compliance statement text is sufficient for most products.
✅ Self-Declaration = Legal Responsibility: The manufacturer or importer bears full liability for ongoing compliance.
At Blue Asia Technology (Shenzhen), we help manufacturers and importers worldwide achieve U.S. market access through precise compliance support.
Our services include:
Full EMC testing (FCC Part 15 & 18)
SDoC documentation & U.S. Responsible Party support
Laboratory qualification verification (per 2025 FCC security rules)
Risk assessment and market surveillance consulting
king.guo@cblueasia.com
+86 135 3422 5140
Want to confirm your product’s compliance under the new 2025 rules?
Request a Free Consultation →
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