If you’re developing or importing an electronic device, one of the most critical steps in bringing it to market is ensuring your device complies with all relevant regulations.

In Canada, this includes Innovation, Science and Economic Development (ICES) rules, such as ICES-003. This standard, which is required for computers and other digital devices, verifies that your device operates within the limits for radio frequency (RF) emissions.

As specialists in electronic device testing, we can help you test your device and get compliance with ICES-003, allowing you to legally enter the Canadian market.

To ask our engineers a question or request a quote for testing your device, contact us online or call us at 866-540-5287.

You can also find out more about ICES-003, including what ICES-003 is and how this regulation affects electronic devices, using our guide below.  

What is ICES-003?

ICES-003 stands for Interference-Causing Equipment Standard 003. This regulation establishes limits for radio frequency emissions from information technology equipment (ITE), including PCs and other computers, printers and digital apparatus (devices that contain computers). 

The goal of ICES-003 is to prevent emissions from these devices from causing interference with TVs, radios and other devices that use the radio frequency spectrum.

When devices produce RF emissions, they can affect the function of other devices that operate in their shared area. For example, a device that emits radio frequency energy may stop a radio from receiving the correct signal, or cause poor reception for a TV. 

In some cases, radio frequency interference can cause devices to produce inaccurate readings or measurements, or potentially cause safety issues.

Similar to the FCC Part 15 rules in the United States, ICES-003 exists to ensure that computer equipment and digital apparatus devices sold in Canada only produce small, tolerable levels of radio frequency energy.

Several types of emissions can be produced by electronic devices. Common types of emissions that are monitored during testing and compliance include radiated emissions, which radiate from a device, and conducted emissions, which can travel via power and signal lines. 

Understanding ICES-003 is critical if you wish to enter the Canadian market with your device, as it sets the benchmark for the level of electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) your product needs to meet. 

EMC refers to your device’s ability to operate in its environment without causing interference, or being affected by interference from other devices. 

ICES-003 and Canadian Market Access

Like other countries and common markets, Canada has strict regulations in place to protect the quality of its electromagnetic space. ICES-003 is one of several requirements that devices must comply with to access the Canadian market. 

As an electronic device manufacturer or importer, ensuring your device complies with ICES-003 is mandatory for gaining Canadian market access.

How to Achieve ICES-003 Compliance

Achieving compliance with ICES-003 involves several steps, from designing your device using compliant materials and practices to completing testing in an accredited lab and preparing the documentation you need for formal compliance.

Often, these steps can be completed at the same time as FCC testing and CE testing for your device, allowing you to save time and money while going to market. 

• Understand the ICES-003 standard. The first step is to understand ICES-003 and its requirements. The ICES-003 standard is detailed and technical, so we suggest talking with our team to see how it may affect your product’s components and design.
• Design your device with compliance in mind. Once you’re familiar with ICES-003, take steps to incorporate EMC considerations into your device. This generally means using correct components, shielding and designing circuits to minimize RF emissions.
• Complete pre-testing for your device. Before undergoing formal testing in a device testing lab, you may wish to complete informal pre-testing to spot any potential issues with your device and make revisions to its design.
• Test your device in an accredited lab. Once you’re confident in your device’s EMC compliance, you’ll need to complete formal testing with an accredited lab. As an ANSI accredited testing lab, we can test your device to verify compliance with ICES-003.
• Prepare documentation for your device. Following testing, you will need to prepare documentation for ICES compliance, including any certificates and lab testing results provided by our lab. Our team can assist you in preparing documentation.
• Label your device. Before entering the market, you’ll need to ensure that your device displays ICES and all other relevant compliance marks. This labeling is mandatory for customs and market surveillance authorities.
• Maintain compliance. If you make changes to your device’s design or components, it may need to complete testing again. Our team can answer your questions about future compliance and re-testing for ICES-003 and other standards. 

Not sure where to start with ICES-003 compliance? Contact us to ask our team of compliance specialists and engineers your questions about achieving ICES-003 compliance and Canadian market access for your device. 

Talk to Our Team About ICES-003 Testing & Compliance

Achieving compliance with ICES-003 is a vital step in bringing your electronic device to market in Canada. As specialists in electronic device testing and regulatory compliance, we can assist you with testing your device and achieving ICES-003 compliance.

To request a quote for testing your device, or to ask our engineers and compliance specialists any questions about ICES-003 compliance, contact us online or call us at 866-540-5287.