United States · Electronics

FCC Certification in the United States

A practical guide to FCC Certification for electronics sold in the United States: who it applies to, what to prepare, and the mistakes that cause rejection.

Who needs it

Electronic devices that can emit radio frequency energy; Wireless and connected products sold in the US

Authority

Federal Communications Commission (FCC)

Legal basis

FCC Rules, 47 CFR Part 15 and Part 18

Local representative

A US-based responsible party is required for authorization

Timeline

Before marketing; authorization must be in place first

Cost

Testing and certification fees vary by device and lab

If you do not comply

Enforcement action, product seizure, and marketplace removal

Who needs this

Electronic devices that can emit radio frequency energy
Wireless and connected products sold in the US

Documents you need

Test reports from an accredited lab
Equipment authorization records
Label and user manual statements

Compliance checklist

Tick each item as you collect it. Saved in this browser only.

Test reports from an accredited lab
Equipment authorization records
Label and user manual statements

How to comply

Classify the device under the FCC rules
Test against the applicable standards
Use SDoC or certification as required
Label the device correctly

Brief for your lab or agent

Copy this into an email, then edit the product and channel.

Request: FCC Certification — United States
Product category: Electronics
Authority: Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
Legal basis: FCC Rules, 47 CFR Part 15 and Part 18

Documents we already have:
  1. Test reports from an accredited lab
  2. Equipment authorization records
  3. Label and user manual statements

Questions:
  1. Does our product fall under FCC Certification in the United States?
  2. Which test standards or evidence do you accept?
  3. What is the current fee and lead time?
  4. Is a local representative required, and can you act as one?

Cost and timeline

Before marketing; authorization must be in place first.

Testing and certification fees vary by device and lab.

Common rejection reasons

Wrong authorization route used
Test reports from a non-accredited lab
Required label statements missing

Registration, notification, or certification is not the same as approval. Keep the technical file current and make sure the label, listing, and submitted data match.