FCC SDoC: How to Achieve Authorization for Your Device

In the United States, electronic devices need to achieve FCC equipment authorization in order to display the FCC mark and legally enter onto the market.

One way to achieve equipment authorization is via the FCC SDoC, or Supplier’s Declaration of Conformity process. This is a self-declaration process in which, after completing testing for your device, you declare its compliance with the FCC’s electromagnetic compatibility standards. 

The FCC SDoC process allows you to achieve compliance with FCC standards and gain access to the market for your electronic device in less time and at a competitive price. However, it’s not suitable for all electronic devices, particularly those that deliberately emit RF energy.

Below, we’ve explained what the FCC SDoC process is, as well as how the SDoC process can differ from the more stringent FCC certification process.

We’ve also discussed how you can achieve equipment authorization for your device through a Supplier’s Declaration of Conformity, from testing your device is an accredited lab to preparing your Declaration of Conformity and supporting documentation.

Need more help with the testing and SDoC process? Contact us online to ask our engineering and compliance specialists any questions about the FCC authorization process, or to request a free quote for testing and achieving FCC authorization for your electronic device. 

What is an FCC SDoC?

An FCC SDoC, which stands for Supplier’s Declaration of Conformity, is a certification process that’s used to ensure that electronic devices sold in the USA comply with the FCC’s standards for electromagnetic compatibility (EMC).

Electronic devices can cause electromagnetic interference, or EMI. Many devices emit energy, typically in the form of electromagnetic waves. This energy can interfere with the functioning of other devices, causing them to malfunction or stop working.

The FCC’s rules, such as FCC Part 15, exist to ensure that electronic devices do not emit high levels of electromagnetic energy that can cause this interference.

Electronic devices can emit both radiated emissions and conducted emissions. Rules such as FCC Part 15 exist to place restrictions on the total amount of emissions a device can produce while remaining compliant with the FCC’s standards. 

Devices that comply with FCC regulations can receive equipment authorization through one of two procedures.

The Supplier’s Declaration of Conformity process allows a device manufacturer to self-declare that their device complies with FCC Part 15. It’s typically used for devices that are classified by the FCC as unintentional radiators.

These devices emit radio frequency (RF) energy as a byproduct of their operations, but aren’t designed to deliberately use radio frequency energy for communications. 

The FCC SDoC process is simpler and less expensive than the alternative, FCC certification, which is typically used by intentional radiator devices that are designed specifically to use the radio frequency spectrum for communication. 

If your device is classed as an unintentional radiator, using the FCC SDoC process to achieve equipment authorization can help you get the FCC mark and enter onto the market at a lower cost and in less time than the FCC certification process.

FCC SDoC vs. FCC Certification

FCC Certification

• More stringent testing and authorization process.
• Higher costs than SDoC due to more extensive lab testing. 
• Typically used for devices classed as intentional radiators.
• Longer time to testing completion and FCC authorization.

FCC SDoC Procedure

The process for preparing a Supplier’s Declaration of Conformity involves several steps, from determining if your device is eligible for the SDoC procedure to completing testing and adding the FCC mark to your device and/or its packaging.

You can find a basic overview of the FCC SDoC process below:

1. Determine applicability. First, you’ll need to ascertain whether your device falls under the SDoC requirements. This involves reviewing the FCC rules to see if your device is classified as an unintentional radiator, or if it uses a pre-certified module. Not sure if your device is appropriate for the SDoC process? Contact us and our team can assess your device and inform you about the right FCC authorization pathway.
2. Pre-compliance testing. Although it’s not mandatory, pre-compliance testing is a good way to identify potential EMI issues in your device before completing testing in a formal testing lab. This step can save time and resources during the lab testing process.
3. Conduct testing at an accredited lab. Lab testing involves measuring your electronic device’s emissions and immunity. The testing scope and parameters will vary based on your device’s characteristics and intended use.
4. Compile compliance documentation. Before preparing an SDoC, you’ll need to have thorough documentation prepared. Your documentation package should include all lab results for your device, operation instructions and technical specifications.
5. Prepare Supplier’s Declaration of Conformity. After completing testing and compiling your documentation, you’ll prepare a Declaration of Conformity. This document identifies your device and declares that it fully complies with all relevant FCC regulations.
6. Labeling and user manual. Your device and its packaging must carry labeling showing the FCC mark. Additionally, the manual or packaging must contain information about the device’s compliance and the address of the responsible party in the United States.
7. Post-market surveillance. Although not formally required, you should pay attention to any changes in FCC regulations that may occur. You may also need to complete testing again if you make changes to your device’s design or components. 

Contact Us About Testing & FCC Authorization for Your Device

If your device is an unintentional radiator, or if it uses a pre-certified module, you may be able to receive FCC equipment authorization in a shorter amount of time and at a reduced cost through the Supplier’s Declaration of Conformity process. 

As an ANSI-accredited electronics testing lab, we’ve helped hundreds of manufacturers achieve equipment authorization from the FCC and bring their devices to market in the United States.To request a free quote for testing and authorization for your device, or to ask our engineers and regulatory compliance specialists your questions about the testing and compliance process, call us at 866-540-5287 or contact us online.