[Home](/)/[Resources](/resources)/FCC Equipment Authorization USFCC Compliance # FCC Equipment Authorization FCC equipment authorization is mandatory for electronic devices that emit radio frequency energy. Understanding whether your product requires Certification, Supplier's Declaration of Conformity (SDoC), or Verification is critical for legal market entry in the United States. Copy Link[Share on WhatsApp](https://wa.me/?text=https%3A%2F%2Fkrono-labs.com%2Fguides%2Ffcc-equipment-authorization) At a glance Authorization types 3 Process steps 6 FAQs 5 ## Types of FCC authorization ### FCC Certification Most rigorous authorization type. Requires FCC-recognized TCB (Telecommunication Certification Body) review and FCC grant of equipment authorization before marketing. Applies to: intentional radiators, Part 15 devices with higher power, certain medical devices, and products with no applicable FCC rule part or novel technology. Timeline: 4-8 weeks including testing and TCB review Cost: $5,000-25,000 including testing and TCB fees ### Supplier's Declaration of Conformity (SDoC) Self-declaration process where the manufacturer takes responsibility for compliance. No FCC or TCB review required before marketing, but must maintain test documentation. Applies to: Part 15 unintentional radiators, computers, peripherals, low-power intentional radiators under specific conditions, and devices with well-established compliance paths. Timeline: 2-4 weeks for testing only Cost: $2,000-10,000 for testing only ### Verification Least formal process for very low-risk devices. Manufacturer performs self-testing and maintains records, but no formal declaration is filed with FCC. Applies to: Limited to specific low-risk Part 15 devices like TV receivers, FM receivers, and certain consumer electronics with minimal RF emissions. Timeline: 1-2 weeks for self-testing Cost: $1,000-5,000 for in-house or lab testing ## FCC authorization process steps 01 Determine authorization type Identify whether your product requires Certification, SDoC, or Verification based on FCC rule parts, power levels, and device category. Check FCC's KDB (Knowledge Database) for guidance. 02 Select an accredited lab Choose an FCC-recognized accredited laboratory for testing. For Certification, you'll also need a TCB. For SDoC, the lab must be ISO/IEC 17025 accredited. 03 Perform required testing Complete RF emissions testing, RF exposure evaluation (SAR assessment if applicable), and any other required tests per the applicable FCC rule part. 04 Compile documentation Prepare test reports, user manual, photos, block diagrams, schematics, and other required technical documentation. For SDoC, create the compliance information statement. 05 Submit and obtain authorization For Certification: Submit through TCB to FCC. For SDoC: File the compliance statement with FCC and maintain records. For Verification: Maintain records on-site. 06 Label and place on market Apply FCC label to device, include FCC ID in user manual and on packaging (for Certification), and ensure all labeling requirements are met before commercial distribution. ## Common compliance mistakes Choosing the wrong authorization type - Certification vs SDoC has serious legal implications Not performing RF exposure assessment when required - SAR testing is mandatory for many wireless devices Using non-accredited labs - FCC requires specific accreditations for test reports to be valid Incomplete documentation - missing schematics, block diagrams, or user manual content causes delays Incorrect FCC ID format or placement - labeling violations can lead to product recalls Not maintaining records for required retention period - FCC can request documentation years later ## Frequently asked questions ### How do I know if my product needs FCC Certification or SDoC? The determination depends on your device's FCC rule part classification, power output, and whether it's an intentional or unintentional radiator. Intentional radiators (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, cellular) typically require Certification. Unintentional radiators (computers, peripherals) often qualify for SDoC. Check FCC's KDB publication 996369 D01 and the specific rule part for your device type. ### Can I use my CE test reports for FCC authorization? Generally no. FCC testing follows different methods and limits than CE. Some test data may be transferable if the lab performed both CE and FCC testing simultaneously, but you'll typically need FCC-specific test reports. Work with a lab that understands both requirements to minimize duplicate testing. ### What is the difference between an FCC ID and Grantee Code? The Grantee Code is a 3-5 character identifier assigned to your company by the FCC. The FCC ID is the complete identifier consisting of Grantee Code + Product Code (e.g., B4Z-12345). You need a Grantee Code before you can obtain FCC IDs for your products. ### How long does FCC authorization take? SDoC can be completed in 2-4 weeks once testing is done, as there's no FCC review. Certification typically takes 4-8 weeks including TCB review and FCC grant processing. Planning for 8-12 weeks total is realistic for Certification projects. ### Do I need a US agent for FCC authorization? For foreign applicants, yes. You need a US-based contact person or agent who can receive FCC correspondence. This can be an employee of a US subsidiary, a US distributor, or a commercial compliance service provider. **Disclaimer:** This guide is for educational purposes based on official FCC sources. FCC requirements change and device-specific determinations require careful analysis. Always verify current requirements with FCC resources or qualified compliance professionals. ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ US roadmap for your product Every standard, document, and test that applies โ€” free, no account required. See your free roadmap[ Want an expert to take your product through ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ US compliance for you? One consultant from Krono's compliance team takes your product from requirements to legal sale, with a fixed quote before any work starts. See compliance services](/services) Learn this properly In-depth course that teaches the full process, not just this one answer. [Start the course โ€” $149](/courses/02-fcc-authorization-for-hardware-startups)[Prefer to read? Get the book โ€” $24.99](/books/02-fcc-authorization-for-hardware-startups) Related guides * [US Market Compliance OverviewComprehensive overview of US regulatory landscape: FCC, FDA, CPSC, EPA, OSHA, DOE, FTC requirements for market entry.](/guides/us-market-compliance-overview) * [US Consumer Electronics ComplianceComplete guide to US consumer electronics compliance.](/guides/us-consumer-electronics-compliance) * [US IoT Devices ComplianceComplete guide to US IoT devices compliance.](/guides/us-iot-devices-compliance) * [US LED Lighting ComplianceComplete guide to US LED lighting compliance.](/guides/us-led-lighting-compliance) * [FCC Part 15 Class B Emission LimitsFCC Part 15 Class B limits from 47 CFR 15.107 and 15.109, the exact 15.105 manual statement, 15.19 label text and theโ€ฆ](/guides/us-fcc-part-15-class-b) * [FCC ID Label RequirementsThe rules under 47 CFR Part 2 Subpart J and Part 15 for displaying an FCC ID: physical label content and legibility, the e-labeling option, placement on modular transmitters and host devices, and the violations that draw enforcement.](/guides/us-fcc-id-label-requirements)