When it comes to U.S. FCC certification, most people’s first thought is: “Oh, that’s a necessary test for exporting products to the U.S.” This understanding is not wrong, but it’s incomplete. If you only regard FCC certification as a customs clearance “ticket”, you are likely to run aground amid the increasingly complex compliance wave after 2025. Today, we’ll delve into the full picture behind this “ticket” — it’s not just about market access, but also national security reviews, ongoing compliance, and supply chain security.
The FCC (Federal Communications Commission) is the highest regulatory authority for communications in the United States. Its core mission has long gone beyond simple Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) testing, extending to safeguarding the security of national communication networks and supply chains.
Understanding this is crucial, as it directly determines the fundamental change in FCC certification logic after 2025: technical compliance is the foundation, while political and supply chain security reviews have become an inseparable precondition.
II. FCC Federal Communications Certification Path Options
FCC certification is not a one-size-fits-all model. Based on whether the product has wireless functionality, it is divided into two main paths. Choosing the wrong path means all prior investments may be wasted.
1. FCC SDoC: “Fast Track” for Ordinary Electronic Products
·Core Feature: Supplier’s Declaration of Conformity (SDoC). Manufacturers or importers conduct tests themselves (or entrust laboratories), confirm compliance with standards, and sign a declaration document.
·Applicable Products: All electronic and electrical products without wireless transmission functions. Typical examples include: small home appliances, lamps, power adapters, ordinary industrial equipment, etc.
·Core Test: Primarily Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) testing.
2. FCC ID: “Unique Identification Card” for Wireless Products
·Core Feature: Mandatory third-party certification. A globally unique FCC ID number must be issued by an FCC-recognized Telecommunication Certification Body (TCB).
·Applicable Products: All wireless devices intentionally generating radio frequency energy. Including mobile phones, Wi-Fi/Bluetooth devices, smart wearables, IoT modules, etc.
·Core Tests: In addition to EMC, more complex tests such as Radio Frequency (RF) performance, bandwidth, and transmission power are required. Some devices used close to the human body also need Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) evaluation.
III. Key 2025-2026 FCC Federal Communications Certification Updates
This is the biggest challenge and variable facing enterprises today. Recent regulatory updates have completely changed the boundaries of the game.
1. Laboratory and Institution Security Ban (Effective)
In 2025, the FCC issued new rules to enhance the security of the Equipment Authorization Program, which officially took effect on September 8, 2025. The regulation clearly states:
·Prohibition on Involvement by Controlled Entities: Testing laboratories, certification bodies (TCBs), and accreditation bodies directly or indirectly owned or controlled by 10% or more by entities on the so-called “Covered List” will no longer be recognized by the FCC.
·Mandatory Ownership Disclosure: Relevant institutions must report information on owners holding 5% or more of the shares.
Impact on Enterprises: When selecting testing laboratories and certification bodies, strict background checks must be conducted to confirm they are not within the scope of this ban. Otherwise, the test reports and certificates issued by them will not be accepted by the FCC, leading to certification failure.
2. 100% Hearing Aid Compatibility (HAC) Requirement Timeline
For wireless handheld devices (such as mobile phones) sold in the U.S. market, the FCC has updated the mandatory timeline for achieving 100% compatibility with hearing aids:
·December 14, 2026: A key watershed. After this date, newly certified or modified products must meet the more comprehensive 100% HAC requirements in terms of acoustic coupling, radio frequency interference, and inductive coupling (T-Coil).
·Bluetooth Protocol Transition Period: From December 14, 2026 to December 13, 2028, devices can use proprietary or universal Bluetooth protocols to meet partial compatibility requirements; after December 13, 2028, only universal Bluetooth protocols based on low power consumption are allowed.
IV. FCC Federal Communications Certification Process Breakdown
Understanding the process is essential to managing time and expectations. A complete FCC ID certification is a systematic project involving collaboration between enterprises, laboratories, and TCBs.
1. Preparations and Qualification Acquisition (1-2 Weeks)
This is the key to laying the foundation for compliance, far more than just filling out forms.
·Register Enterprise Identity: Apply for an FRN (FCC Registration Number) in the FCC CORES system, which is the unique identifier for the enterprise with the FCC.
·Obtain Grantee Code: First-time applicants need to pay to obtain a unique Grantee Code, which will serve as the prefix for all your product FCC IDs.
·Prepare Technical Documents: Including product block diagrams, circuit schematics, detailed technical specifications, draft user manuals (must include FCC warning statements), etc.
2. Sample Testing (Core Phase, 2-4 Weeks or Longer)
·Send the prepared samples (often including “fixed-frequency prototypes”) to an authorized laboratory that meets the new rule requirements for testing. Test items depend on the product type, usually including radio frequency parameters, spectrum masks, out-of-band emissions, EMC, and SAR (if applicable).
3. TCB Review and Certification Issuance (2-4 Weeks)
·After the laboratory issues the test report, submit it together with all technical documents to an FCC-recognized TCB for review. Once approved, the TCB will formally issue a certification certificate with a unique FCC ID.
4. Market Launch and Post-Compliance
·Proper Labeling: After obtaining the FCC ID, the product must clearly and permanently display the ID (format example: ABCDE-1234567). Note: Products with FCC ID certification shall not display the traditional FCC mark.
·Designate U.S. Agent: Manufacturers must appoint an agent within the United States to handle communications with the FCC.
·Maintain Compliance: Any design changes that may affect radio frequency characteristics or safety may require re-evaluation or testing.
Today’s FCC certification has evolved into a comprehensive compliance system integrating technology, regulations, and geopolitics. It is no longer a simple “test” at the end of product development, but a strategic consideration that needs to run through the entire process of product planning, design, production, and even supply chain management.
BLUEASIA Technology: +86 13534225140 provides professional certification consulting services.
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