If you’ve manufactured an electronic device, you’ll need to complete FCC testing and achieve compliance of full FCC certification in order to sell your device in the United States.

FCC certification gives you access to the American market and demonstrates that your device complies with regulations such as FCC Part 15, which is designed to prevent electrical devices from causing disruptions and electromagnetic interference (EMI).

Although FCC certification is accepted in the United States, it isn’t sufficient for selling a device in Canada. Canada has its own regulatory body and standards for electronics, meaning you will need to comply with these standards in order to market your device in Canada.

Below, we’ve discussed what Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) is, as well as how ISED’s regulations for electronics serve a similar purpose to FCC Part 15 in the United States.

We’ve also explained how you can achieve compliance with Canada’s ISED regulations to gain access to the Canadian market for your device. 

If you need help with electronics testing and compliance for Canada or the United States, reach out to our team of compliance experts online or call us at 866-540-5287. We can provide advice on testing and compliance, or a free quote for achieving compliance for your device.

Is FCC Certification Accepted in Canada for Electronics?

Simply put, no. Although FCC certification is sufficient for an electronic device to go on sale in the United States, it does not apply in Canada. As such, even if your device has gone through lab testing and achieved FCC certification in the USA, it can not be legally sold in Canada.

Canada has its own set of regulations and standards for electronic devices. Like in the United States, these regulations and standards primarily focus on ensuring that electronic devices are electromagnetically compatible with one another.

In simpler terms, this means that devices need to demonstrate that they meet legal standards for electromagnetic emissions (radio frequency energy emitted from the device) and immunity (the ability to continue functioning without being affected by emissions from other devices). 

Although the United States and Canada have different EMC regulations and standards, there are significant similarities between laws in the two countries.

This means that if your device has passed FCC testing and achieved FCC certification in the United States, achieving compliance with ISED in Canada is generally a fairly straightforward process. 

Canada EMC Standards & Regulations

In Canada, the key regulatory body responsible for oversight of electrical devices is Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED). Prior to 2015, ISED was called “Industry Canada,” or IC. 

Much like the FCC in the United States, ISED sets electromagnetic compatibility standards for electronic devices. These standards are largely similar to those in the United States, meaning it’s often possible to achieve compliance for FCC and ISED in a single round of lab tests. 

As an accredited electronics testing lab, we offer testing for ISED standards. You can view the full list of ISED standards for which we offer testing and compliance services on our Accredited Lab Scope page. 

How to Achieve EMC Compliance in Canada

Identify the Applicable Standards

The first step in achieving ISED compliance for your device is to identify the relevant standards that apply. For many devices, this likely includes ICES-003 — Canada’s main standard for EMC compliance. Depending on your device’s type and function, other standards may also apply.

Not sure which ISED standards apply to your device? Contact us and our engineers can inform you about the specific Canadian standards for which you’ll need to achieve compliance. 

Complete Lab Testing for Your Device

Like with FCC compliance in the United States, you’ll need to complete lab testing to verify that your device meets the performance requirements set by ISED.

Testing needs to be carried out by an accredited laboratory that’s recognized by ISED. Our test lab can complete ISED testing for your project, ensure that your device meets all standards and prepare complete, thorough lab reports.

Note that some testing results used for FCC compliance in the United States may also be used for ISED compliance in Canada. If you’ve already completed FCC testing for your product, you can talk to our engineers about your specific ISED testing requirements. 

Prepare Documentation and Labeling

After passing the necessary tests, you’ll need to compile a technical dossier that contains your test reports and technical documentation. You’ll also need to complete your product labeling in compliance with ISED’s requirements.

Our team can assist you with the process of document preparation, product labeling and ISED certification/registration. 

Certification or ISED Registration 

Some devices may need to apply for certification or registration with ISED. Our engineers and compliance specialists can inform you about the needs for your product based on its intended purpose, design, components and other factors.

Contact Us About FCC, ISED or CE Electrical Compliance

FCC compliance and/or certification is not accepted for electronic devices in Canada. However, the process of achieving compliance with ISED, which is Canada’s FCC equivalent, is relatively straightforward, particularly for devices that already have FCC or CE compliance. 

As an accredited testing lab, we can complete ISED testing for your device and help you legally access the Canadian market.

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