Before you make your electronic device available to the public, you need to ensure that it meets a certain set of standards. These standards have been established by two leading organizations: the Federal Communications Commission in the United States and the European Commission in Europe. Depending on where you plan to manufacture or sell your electronic product, you’ll need to familiarize yourself with the rules and regulations for your chosen organization and comply with them.
While the FCC and CE marks share certain similarities, they also differ in a number of notable ways. Here are the main differences between FCC and CE and how you can determine which testing option is a better fit for your needs.
FCC: An Overview
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is an independent government agency in the United States that is overseen by Congress. Its purpose is to regulate interstate and international communications by television, radio, cable, wire and satellite. According to the FCC, all electronic goods that operate at a frequency of 9 kHz are required to undergo testing. The testing process aims to verify that eligible electronic devices adhere to the official FCC Code.
The FCC also seeks to maintain a certain set of standards across all media types and communication channels. At the same time, it aims to protect the interests of businesses and customers alike. As the main authority in the technology sector, the FCC has the primary goal of overseeing all innovation, law and regulation in the communications field.
Products that have the FCC’s seal of approval have undergone rigorous testing. This official certification tells consumers that the electronic device they own is safe to use. In addition, it asserts that the product does not prevent other electronic devices in the same environment from functioning properly.
CE: An Overview
The European Union designated the Conformitè Europëenne (CE) mark as its official emblem for regulating all goods sold in the European Economic Area (EEA). If your product is emblazoned with the CE mark, you’re affirming that the item fulfills the EU’s New Approach Directives. It’s worth noting that these directives don’t just apply to products that are sold within the EU. They are also applicable to goods that are manufactured or sold in the EEA.
Thanks to the widespread nature of the official CE mark, the emblem has become highly recognizable on a global scale, even among those who aren’t familiar with the EEA. All products that have earned the coveted CE seal have successfully fulfilled the following requirements:
- Fulfills all the requirements for the appropriate European product directives
- Fulfills the requirements for the relevant European safety & performance standards
- Meets its purpose and is not at risk of endangering lives or property
By ensuring that these standards are met, the EU helps guarantee a greater degree of safety for goods sold in the EEA.
Choose the Right Testing Option for Your Needs
The CE and FCC seals both serve to validate your product and confirm that it’s safe for public use. By understanding each organization and its official testing regulations, you can make the right decision for your specific needs. Whether you choose to apply for FCC or CE testing, the experts at Compliance Testing can help ensure that you’re fully prepared to submit your product for consideration.
