FCC certification for the American market
Get your FCC certificate with DEKRA
FCC stands for Federal Communications Commission, a U.S. government agency that regulates the use of radio frequencies and telecommunications. An FCC mark is required when trading in the American market. DEKRA experts are able to test your products and review the necessary documents. If everything complies with FCC regulations, DEKRA will issue an FCC certificate. This page explains the entire process.
The FCC was established by the United States to reduce radio frequency interference (RF) between electronic devices. Most electronic products, whether they have
wireless functionalities
or not, must comply with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) guidelines before being marketed in the United States. Even if products contain an already approved radio module, the entire final product must still comply with FCC regulations. Obtaining FCC certification is not only a legal requirement but also offers several significant benefits for manufacturers, which is stated below.
Benefits of FCC certification
- Reliability and safety: FCC-certified devices meet strict standards, ensuring higher reliability and safety in use. This is crucial for consumers increasingly relying on smart technologies in their daily lives.
- Access to the American market: FCC certification is an essential step for manufacturers wanting to introduce their products to the American market. Without this certification, products cannot be legally sold in the United States.
- Consumer trust: Products with FCC certification foster consumer trust, as they meet stringent quality and safety standards.
- Prevention of interference: Complying with FCC standards prevents smart devices from causing interference with other devices and systems, essential for ensuring a stable wireless communication environment.
Smart products and FCC certification
In our current society, where we increasingly use 'smart' technology, FCC certification is crucial for introducing these products to the American market. Smart devices such as smartphones, smartwatches, smart thermostats, and other IoT (Internet of Things) devices extensively use wireless communication to function seamlessly and interact with other devices. However, this wireless communication brings several challenges and responsibilities, especially regarding electromagnetic compatibility and spectrum management.
The Federal Communications Commission imposes strict requirements on electronic and wireless products to ensure these devices do not cause harmful interference with other electronic devices and communication systems.
Different categories
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) divides its rules and regulations into different sections, known as 'parts,' to effectively regulate various types of electronic and wireless devices. Some key parts include:
- Part 15
- Part 22
- Part 24
- Part 90
- Part 95
This is one of the most common and well-known sections, regulating unlicensed devices such as Wi-Fi routers, Bluetooth devices, and other consumer electronics.
Of these sections, Part 15 is the most common as it covers a wide range of consumer electronics used daily by millions of people. Part 15 devices must meet strict emission limits to prevent interference with other devices and communication services, which is essential for the reliability and safety of wireless communication in our daily lives.
