Achieving FCC compliance and earning the FCC mark is a key step in bringing your electronic device to market. Completing FCC testing and getting the FCC mark confirms that your device is compliant with all of the rules under Title 47 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 15, or the FCC Part 15 rules.
The FCC regularly takes legal action against manufacturers and distributors or non-compliant devices, including fines, cease and desist orders, seizure of equipment, and the removal of non-compliant devices from the market. These fines are regularly in the millions of dollars and can take a significant financial toll on your business. The FCC targets non-compliant businesses of all types, from smaller manufacturers and distributors to large brands. Furthermore, many large-scale marketplaces, such as Amazon, will refuse to stock FCC non-compliant items to protect themselves from legal liability. For this reason, we strongly suggest contacting us to discuss the compliance requirements for your device if you are planning on entering the United States market.
Even in the event the FCC does not directly fine your business or withdraw your device from the market, responding to the threat of legal action from the FCC can be a time-consuming process that often results in significant legal fees for your business.
Below, you can find recent enforcement actions from the FCC against manufacturers and distributors of non-compliant devices:
- Sound Around, Inc. In this 2023 case, the FCC proposed a $1.2 million fine for a company, Sound Around, that repeatedly violated FCC regulations by marketing noncompliant radio frequency models and failing to respond to FCC legal communications.
- Hill & Smith. In November of 2022, the FCC reached a settlement with Hill & Smith, Inc. for $47,600 to resolve an investigation into the company’s alleged violation of equipment marketing rules.
- Rexing, Inc. In March of 2022, the FCC reached a settlement with Rexing Equipment for $75,000 regarding the company’s alleged marketing of dashcam devices that violated the FCC’s rules for electronic equipment.
- HobbyKing. In 2021, the FCC imposed a fine of more than $2.86 million against HobbyKing, a business that sold drone transmitters that failed to receive FCC certification for drone transmitter devices.
To avoid the risk of legal action from the FCC, it’s important to complete FCC testing for your device before bringing it to market. Contact us online or call us at 866-540-5287 to request a quote for testing and compliance for your device, or to ask our experienced engineers about the FCC compliance process.
