LED Lighting

Products with LED lighting are subject to FCC rules to ensure that devices do not cause harmful interference to radiocommunications services.  LED lighting devices are subject to the Part 15 rules for unintentional radiators, and are subject to the “Verification” equipment authorization procedure, while LED lighting devices with RF remote control are subject to the Part 15 rules and the “Certification” equipment authorization procedure.

LED lighting is used for a device that has the primary function of generating light by electrically powering semiconductor materials. Such light generation is commonly intended for general illumination, and also includes other applications such as traffic signaling, roadway lighting, manufacturing processes, agriculture, etc. According to the FCC rules, LED lighting devices intentionally generate RF energy via electronic power conversion or digital circuitry, but are not intended to radiate RF energy by radiation or induction, and thus they are classified as unintentional radiators.

Bluetooth, WiFi, cellular

If you’re designing, manufacturing, or marketing a device for the US market that communicates wirelessly – using Bluetooth, WiFi, cellular, or any other RF technology – or that contains a processor, that device is subject to the FCC’s equipment authorization rules.

The FCC regulates interstate and international communications by radio, television, wire, satellite, and cable in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories. An independent U.S. government agency overseen by Congress, the Commission is the federal agency responsible for implementing and enforcing America’s communications laws and regulations.  The FCC’s rules and regulations are in Title 47 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR).  Refer to the following link for Rules & Regulations for Title 47: https://www.fcc.gov/wireless/bureau-divisions/technologies-systems-and-innovation-division/rules-regulations-title-47

Since 1996, the FCC has required that all wireless communications devices sold in the United States meet its minimum guidelines for safe human exposure to radiofrequency (RF) energy.  These guidelines specify exposure limits for hand-held wireless devices in terms of the Specific Absorption Rate (SAR). The SAR is a measure of the rate at that RF energy is absorbed by the body. For exposure to RF energy from wireless devices, the allowable FCC SAR limit is 1.6 watts per kilogram (W/kg), as averaged over one gram of tissue.  All wireless devices sold in the US go through a formal FCC approval process to ensure that they do not exceed the maximum allowable SAR level when operating at the device’s highest possible power level. If the FCC learns that a device does not conform with the test report upon which FCC approval is based – in essence, if the device in stores is not the device the FCC approved – the FCC can withdraw its approval and pursue enforcement action against the appropriate party.

The Commission has two different approval procedures for equipment authorization – Certification and Supplier’s Declaration of Conformity (SDoC). The required procedure depends on the type of equipment being authorized as specified in the applicable rule part. In some instances, a device may have different functions resulting in the device being subject to more than one type of approval procedure.

Reference Guide to applying for FCC Equipment Authorization provided for information purpose only from DEKRA Testing and Certification:  FCC_ISED Certification Guide

Steps to Obtain an FCC Equipment Authorization

The following steps summarize the process to obtain the required equipment authorization for your product (device):

Step 1 – Determine FCC Rules that Apply

• • Determine if the device is a Radio Frequency (RF) device subject to the FCC rules.
  • Determine all applicable technical and administrative rules that apply to the device requiring equipment authorization.
  • The technical requirements are generally specified in the applicable FCC rule parts and the administrative rules are specified in 47 CFR part 2, subpart J

Step 2 – Equipment Authorization Procedures

If a device is subject to FCC rules, determine the specific type of equipment authorization that applies to the device.  Become familiar with all the basic marketing, equipment authorization, and importation rules. In some instances, a device may have different functions resulting in the device being subject to more than one type of approval procedure.

• Determine the applicable equipment authorization procedure for your device.
  • Supplier’s Declaration of Conformity (SDoC)
  • Certification

Step 3 – Compliance Testing

Perform the required tests to ensure the device complies with the applicable technical requirements (as determined in step 1).

The qualifications of the testing laboratory used to demonstrate compliance is based on the approval procedure you are required to use (as determined in step 2):

• Supplier’s Declaration of Conformity (SDoC)
  Equipment approved using SDoC is required to be tested, however, it is not necessary to use an FCC-recognized accredited testing laboratory. However, as a minimum, the testing laboratory used is required to maintain a record of the measurement facilities as specified in Section 2.948 and a record of the measurements made as specified in Section 2.938.
  • Certification
    Equipment approved under the Certification procedure is required to be tested by an FCC-recognized accredited testing laboratory. [For a list of currently FCC-recognized accredited testing laboratories see https://apps.fcc.gov/oetcf/eas/reports/TestFirmSearch.cfm]

Step 4 – Approval

After the testing is complete and your device is found to be in compliance, finalize the approval process based on the applicable approval procedure:

sort bySuppliers Declaration of Conformity (SDoC)

• The responsible party, as specified in the rules, warrants that each unit of equipment complies with the applicable FCC rules.
• The responsible party maintains all of the required documentation demonstrating compliance with the applicable FCC rules.
• The responsible party prepares a compliance information statement to be supplied with the product at the time of marketing.
• sort byCertification
  • The responsible party, typically the manufacturer, obtains an FCC Registration Number (FRN) for a device requiring Certification. The FRN is a 10-digit number used to identify the individual or organization doing business with the FCC. The same FRN will be used for future approvals.
  • After obtaining an FRN, the responsible party obtains a Grantee Code from the Commission by applying at the Grantee Registration website.  A grantee code is required the first time a party applies for certification and can be used for all future approvals.
  • The responsible party files with a Telecommunication Certification Body (TCB) an application for a grant of certification.  An application for equipment authorization requires submission of information about the product, as listed in Section 2.1033. The applicant must submit the required information to a TCB for review as part of the certification process. [For a list of FCC recognized TCBs see https://apps.fcc.gov/oetcf/tcb/reports/TCBSearch.cfm]
  • The TCB reviews all of the supporting information and the evaluation results to determine if the product complies with the FCC requirements.
  • Once the TCB makes a decision to certify the product the supporting information is uploaded to the FCC Equipment Authorization Electronic System (EAS) – Database.
  • A grant of certification is issued by the TCB on the FCC Equipment Authorization Electronic System (EAS) – Database.

Step 5 – Label/Manual/Record Retention

• Label the product and provide the required customer information.
• For more information see Labeling Guidelines – KDB Publication 784748.

• Maintain all documentation as part of the responsibility for the retention of records and ensure that the manufactured products are in compliance.
• Section 2.938 – Requirements for the retention of records of equipment subject to FCC approval.

Step 6 – Manufacture/Import/Market

• When importing products into the United States, follow the FCC importation requirements.
• Importation – Frequently Asked Questions.
• Marketing of radiofrequency devices prior to equipment authorization.