Post-Market Surveillance Requirements for a Telecommunications Certification Body (TCB)
Understand TCB post-market surveillance requirements with ACB Inc. Learn what manufacturers must do to comply with FCC, ISED, and ISO certification standards.
You may have received a request to send your product or device to ACB Inc., or an affiliated laboratory, for auditing. If so, this page is designed to help explain the TCB surveillance program and guide you through the audit process.
What Are the Post-Market Surveillance Requirements for a TCB?
As a designated Telecommunications Certification Body (TCB), ACB Inc. is required to perform post-market surveillance on 5% of all certifications issued annually. This mandate is outlined in the following regulatory frameworks:
These post-certification audits ensure that devices available on the market continue to meet all applicable regulatory requirements for:
- RF exposure
- Emissions
- Labeling
- Marketing
- Packaging
- User documentation
- Software configuration
Device Selection and SAR Testing Under Post-Market Surveillance Programs
Surveillance Breakdown
- 5% of certified devices must be reviewed annually
- 1% of those devices must undergo SAR (Specific Absorption Rate) testing
- Selected samples are tested based on device type and regulatory scope
These post-market surveillance requirements for a Telecommunications Certification Body help ensure certified products maintain full regulatory compliance throughout their time on the market.
Manufacturer Responsibilities for Compliance with TCB Surveillance Requirements
If your device has been selected for surveillance, you are required to:
- Submit a fully operational product sample
- Include all support equipment, including:
- Cables and connectors
- Laptops with necessary software pre-installed
- Any additional components required for operation
- Ensure conducted samples are configured with a standard SMA connector for RF output testing
How to Prepare Your Device for TCB Post-Certification Testing
Avoid Delays and Extra Costs
To expedite the testing process and minimize the risk of delays or re-testing fees, all submitted equipment must be fully configured and functional upon arrival at the testing lab. Missing accessories, incorrect setup, or lack of documentation can lead to additional laboratory configuration expenses.
Be Prepared for a TCB Surveillance Audit
Each manufacturer must be ready to provide samples at any time upon request from ACB, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), or ISED Canada. Maintaining properly labeled and documented samples is an important part of ongoing regulatory compliance.
Learn More About Post-Market Surveillance from FCC and ISED Canada
For more detailed guidance directly from the regulatory bodies, refer to the following resources:
Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
- Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
FCC KDB #610077 – Surveillance requirements and procedures
Manufacturer Requirements – Equipment submissions and recordkeeping - ISED Canada
RSP-100, Section 6.2 – Post-certification audits and quality control
Contact ACB About TCB Post-Market Surveillance Requirements
If you have questions about the post-market surveillance requirements for a Telecommunications Certification Body, our team at ACB Inc. is here to support you every step of the way.
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