ISED Certification Services for Radio Frequency Devices in Canada
Innovation, Science and Economic Development (ISED) Canada, previously known as Industry Canada, regulates the radio spectrum for all transmitters operating in Canada. ISED’s role includes overseeing the certification process for radio frequency devices, ensuring compliance with Canadian regulatory standards.
Since 2003, ACB has been providing ISED Certification Services, helping manufacturers globally navigate the certification requirements to access the Canadian market. We specialize in facilitating the approval of wireless devices and transmitters to ensure compliance with ISED’s standards, often combining ISED certification with FCC Certification to provide a comprehensive and cost-effective solution for North American market access.
What is ISED Certification?
ISED regulates the operation of all radio transmitters in Canada. To market and sell radio-frequency devices in Canada, manufacturers must comply with ISED’s Radio Standards Specifications (RSS), which lay out the technical requirements for radio transmitters. RSS-GEN is the equivalent of the FCC’s CFR Title 47 Part 2 and serves as the foundational guideline for certification procedures.
In this regard, the ACB certification process for ISED closely mirrors the FCC Certification requirements, including the submission of essential documentation such as:
- Application forms
- Letters of Agency
- Test Reports
- Schematics and Block Diagrams
- Attestation Forms
- User Manuals and Warning Statements (depending on the device)
- SAR Reports (if applicable)
Why is ISED Certification Important?
Before any radio-frequency device can be marketed or sold in Canada, it must appear on the Radio Equipment List (REL). This list, similar to the FCC’s Equipment Authorization System, is a publicly accessible registry that contains information on certified radio transmitters in Canada. The certification number (known as the IC Number) is issued by ISED and allows the product to be listed on the REL.
Key information recorded in the REL includes:
- Occupied Bandwidth and Emission Type: The bandwidth and emission types are described in accordance with ITU standards.
- Power: The RF power output, expressed in various units such as Peak Envelope Power (PEP) or carrier power, depending on the emission type.
- Frequency Range: The frequency range indicates the low and high-frequency limits of operation. Devices may be certified to operate on specific frequencies, with limits expressed in Hertz.
ISED Certification Process with ACB
- Pre-Certification Testing
We assist in pre-certifying your devices, ensuring that they meet all the necessary technical and administrative requirements before the official certification submission. - Submission of Required Documentation
ACB helps you compile and submit all required documents, including test reports, user manuals, and attestation forms, ensuring complete and accurate submissions. - Certification and REL Listing
Once your device has passed the testing and documentation process, ACB helps you secure the IC Number and ensure the device appears on the Radio Equipment List (REL). - Post-Certification Support
After certification, ACB continues to offer support for any future updates or renewals, ensuring ongoing compliance with Canadian regulatory standards.
Key ISED Standards and Documents
- RSS-GEN: Radio Standards Specifications covering certification procedures and technical standards.
- ISO 17065: A standard that ensures the accreditation of certification bodies like ACB.
- REL: The Radio Equipment List where certified devices are registered.
Get Started with ISED Certification for Radio Frequency Devices Today
Ready to certify your wireless device for the Canadian market? Contact ACB to begin the certification process and ensure your product meets all ISED standards for compliance.
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External Resources for ISED Certification for Radio Frequency Devices
- ISED Radio Equipment List (REL) – Official list of certified radio equipment in Canada.
- ISED RSS-GEN Specifications – Detailed specifications of the Radio Standards Specifications (RSS-GEN).
- ISO 17065 Accreditation – Learn more about the ISO 17065 standard for certification bodies.
- Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Equipment Authorization System – Similar to Canada’s REL, this system lists all approved devices in the United States.
- FCC Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Title 47 Part 2 – Reference for U.S. regulations on radio transmitters that align with ISED’s RSS-GEN.
- Prior to marketing or selling a radio transmitter in Canada, the device must firm appear on the REL. This is a master list that can be viewed here:Â https://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/ceb-bhst.nsf/eng/h_tt00020.html
- This web site is similar to the FCC’s Equipment Authorization System (https://apps.fcc.gov/oetcf/eas/index.cfm) wherein device information can be located for all current approved radio transmitters.
- Download common forms for ISED Canada
- All holders of ISED Canada certificates must provide the identity of a representative in Canada who is capable of responding to inquiries and who can provide post-certification audit samples at no charge to Industry Canada. For more information, contact Canadian Certification Consulting, Inc
- Browse all ACB Services
