The FCC does not only monitor the quality of electronic products; it also monitors the content which use these products as a medium such as video games and television programs. In 1972, an American comedian called George Carlin incurred the wrath of the Morality in Media (now National Center on Sexual Exploitation) non-profit group that complained to the FCC about Carlin’s use of dirty words at an inappropriate time of day (approximately 2pm) in his monologue “7 Dirty Words”. The FCC brought this case before the US Supreme Court against Pacifica Foundation, the company that aired the Carlin recording, and the Supreme Court ruled, in 1978, that the routine was “indecent but not obscene”. The Supreme Court allotted the authority to prohibit indecent material during hours wherein children could be among the audience as well as broad leeway as to determine what constituted indecency depending on the context to the FCC. Even today, the FCC can levy sanctions against indecent broadcasts with fines of up to half of $1 million dollars.

The FCC is an independent federal agency overseen by the United States Congress that is in charge of overseeing, executing, and enforcing intelligence laws and regulations throughout the United States. They have the authority to ensure that manufacturers’ electrical equipment does not interfere with other equipment or harm customers as per Title 47 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR).

An FCC mark / test report is a declaration that an electronic product has been tested to meet FCC requirements. The presence of an FCC mark does not mean that the electrical product is benign or resilient. It basically ensures that it complies with RF regulations. An FCC test does not mean that the device was made in a manner specified by the FCC. The FCC approval / logo signifies that the electronic system complies with FCC emission rules and regulations and has been verified to meet FCC requirements.

Depending on intended use and type of wireless technology a device uses, FCC has different rules and standards that are applicable FCC 15 Un-intentional / intentional radiator devices fall under Verification, Declaration of Conformity and Certification requirements.

Clients who intend on selling electronics in the United States must satisfy the FCC’s specifications. There are two electronic classes: Class A and Class B. Class A devices are mainly used in manufacturing, business, and workplace settings. Electronics in Class B are consumer electronic devices and have more stringent limits. We are an accredited laboratory that offers independent FCC testing services to assist clients in selling their products faster, allowing them to maximise gross revenue and market potential.

Radio frequency conformity is required in the majority of worldwide markets, including the European Union, the United Kingdom, the United States, New Zealand, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Japan.

If you import wireless devices or integrate wireless devices into your goods, you must follow the rules of your intended markets. Radio frequency monitoring can also detect issues early, allowing our clients to prevent expensive rework and gain rapid entry to foreign markets.

For FCC Certification steps are as follows:
1. The client must obtain a free FCC Registration Number (FRN)
2. The client must use their FRN to register with FCC
3. Contact Megalab to analyze, test, and complete a test report on your item.
4. A telecommunication certification body (TCB) will review the test documentation and issue certification to the client on behalf of the FCC.
5. The TCB will send the client a Grant Equipment Authorization
6. The client can then legally market/sell their product in the United States.

If you are ready to improve your consumer base and sell/distribute electronic devices with radio frequency emissions in the United States, Megalab can help you achieve domestic market access by offering advice on FCC regulations. Instead of an FCC testing centre or a TCB, we are a third-party consultancy firm. As we have the experience with FCC regulations as well as relationships with TCBs, we are fully capable of assisting you with FCC testing and certification.