FCC/CE Testing and Certification for Printers

If you’re developing a printer–whether it’s a wireless label printer, a portable photo printer, or a mobile receipt printer–you’ll need to clear one important hurdle before going to market: FCC and CE certification. Any electronic device, especially those with wireless connectivity or high-speed circuits, must comply with strict regulations in both the U.S. and Europe.

Printers may seem straightforward, but they generate electromagnetic interference (EMI) and often include WiFi, Bluetooth, or other RF communication. Whether you’re creating a compact thermal printer or a full-featured wireless model, compliance testing is mandatory. We help hardware teams, startups, and OEMs like you get certified quickly–so you can stay focused on production and sales.

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Types of Printers We Can Test & Certify

If your printer has electronic components, wireless features, or connects to mobile devices, it likely falls under FCC and CE requirements. Here’s a look at the types of printers we commonly certify:

  • Portable Printer
    Compact printers designed for mobile use often include Bluetooth or WiFi, requiring RF and EMC testing.

  • Thermal Printer
    Whether used for receipts or labels, thermal printers still emit electronic noise and need EMC compliance checks.

  • Bluetooth Printer
    These printers connect wirelessly to smartphones, tablets, or PCs–meaning they must pass RF testing under FCC Part 15 and CE RED.

  • Label Printer
    Desktop or handheld, label printers need EMC testing, and if wireless, they’ll also require radio compliance.

  • Mini Photo Printer
    Popular for on-the-go photo printing, these devices typically rely on Bluetooth or WiFi and need full RF and EMC certification.

  • Mobile Receipt Printer
    Used in retail and hospitality, these printers often combine battery power with wireless communication–bringing both RF and electrical safety requirements.

  • Wireless Printer
    Any printer with WiFi or Bluetooth must comply with RF emission standards, alongside standard EMC and safety directives.

What to Know About FCC & CE Certification for Printers

For devices sold in the U.S., FCC certification applies to both unintentional radiators (like the internal electronics and print heads) and intentional radiators (like Bluetooth or WiFi modules). Most printers fall under FCC Part 15, which governs RF emissions for unlicensed devices. You’ll need to test for:

  • Radiated and conducted emissions

  • Spurious emissions

  • RF compliance for wireless features

For Europe, CE certification is mandatory. Depending on your printer’s design, you’ll need to meet:

  • The EMC Directive for electromagnetic compatibility

  • The Radio Equipment Directive (RED) if your printer includes wireless connectivity

  • The Low Voltage Directive (LVD) for powered devices, especially those with rechargeable batteries or AC adapters

While FCC requires accredited lab testing and possible authorization, CE certification is self-declared–but you’re still fully responsible for compliance and maintaining a detailed technical file.

You’ll typically need:

  • EMC and RF testing

  • Safety evaluations for power supplies and charging circuits

  • Technical documentation (schematics, user manuals, test reports)

  • Proper labeling (FCC ID, CE mark)

  • Retesting if you change wireless modules, hardware, or firmware
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Our Testing & Certification Services

If you sell electronic device(s) online, we can help you with all major EMC certifications, including FCC (USA), CE (European Union), ISED (Canada) and others.

View our full EMC testing and certification list.

 

Contact Us About Your Project

If you’re working on any type of printer–from Bluetooth photo printers to mobile receipt devices–we can help you navigate FCC and CE certification without delays. Our team specializes in wireless and electronic device compliance, making sure you get the approvals you need to launch smoothly in the U.S. and Europe.

There is no fee to talk to our team. During our call, we can provide you with detailed information on the testing process for your device and answer any questions you may have about FCC, CE or other regulatory compliance marks for electronic and wireless devices.

Click here to contact us online, or call us at 866-540-5287 to talk to our FCC/CE certification specialists now.

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