FCC, frequently asked questions
FCC · Pillar
Eighteen questions that come up in FCC projects, organised in six themes: conformity regimes, modules and antennas, modifications, market and marketplaces, comparison with other certifications, post-market.
Conformity regimes
Section titled “Conformity regimes”What's the difference between SDoC and Certification?
Section titled “What's the difference between SDoC and Certification?”SDoC (self-declaration) applies to unintentional emitters (Part 15 Subpart B, digital equipment), no FCC ID, internal file kept by manufacturer.
Certification applies to intentional emitters (Wi-Fi, BLE, cellular): FCC ID assigned by TCB, file published in EAS.
What is a TCB?
Section titled “What is a TCB?”A Telecommunication Certification Body is a private body accredited by the FCC to issue certifications. It validates the file, assigns the FCC ID, and publishes the authorisation in EAS. Since 2015 TCBs process all certification applications, the FCC no longer grants directly.
How to obtain a Grantee Code?
Section titled “How to obtain a Grantee Code?”Online application on the FCC website, fee $35 (2025 schedule), assignment within a few business days. The Grantee Code identifies the certificate holder (3 or 5 alphanumeric characters). One application per entity, valid for life.
Does my product need a US Agent for Service?
Section titled “Does my product need a US Agent for Service?”Yes if the manufacturer is established outside the US. The agent must be reachable and accept legal service of process for FCC matters. Without US Agent, the FCC ID is no longer assigned since 2023.
Modules and antennas
Section titled “Modules and antennas”Can I reuse an FCC-certified Wi-Fi module in my final product?
Section titled “Can I reuse an FCC-certified Wi-Fi module in my final product?”Yes, under modular approval (Single Modular Transmitter). The integrator affixes a "Contains FCC ID, module FCC ID" label. Conditions to respect, approved antenna, ground plane, isolation distance (see KDB 996369).
What happens if I change antenna on my certified product?
Section titled “What happens if I change antenna on my certified product?”- Equivalent or lesser gain → Class II Permissive Change (simplified TCB filing, $2,000-$6,000).
- Higher gain or different characteristics → new certification application with a new FCC ID.
Modifications after certification
Section titled “Modifications after certification”What are the three types of Permissive Changes?
Section titled “What are the three types of Permissive Changes?”- C1PC, modifications that do not degrade the characteristics reported at certification. No filing.
- C2PC, modifications that degrade reported performance while remaining compliant. Simplified TCB filing.
- C3PC, software changes on a Software Defined Radio (SDR) altering RF parameters outside the approved grant. Substantial hardware changes (band, modulation, architecture) require a new certification instead.
What to do in case of non-compliance discovered after market placement?
Section titled “What to do in case of non-compliance discovered after market placement?”Voluntary recall procedure to coordinate with FCC and TCB. Includes marketing suspension, consumer communication, distribution stock withdrawal. Time and cost are multiplied 5-10x versus correct initial certification.
Market and marketplaces
Section titled “Market and marketplaces”How does FCC work for marketplaces?
Section titled “How does FCC work for marketplaces?”Since 2024, the FCC has stepped up enforcement against Amazon, eBay, etc. with letters to major retailers and campaigns that removed millions of non-compliant listings. Platforms require an FCC ID for radio products as a listing policy.
What happens for online sales without FCC ID?
Section titled “What happens for online sales without FCC ID?”Products emitting radio waves without FCC ID violate 47 CFR. Possible sanctions:
- Fines of about $25,000 per day of continuing violation, capped near $190,000 per act (2025 amounts, adjusted annually)
- Cease and desist order
- Mandatory recall
- Cooperation with CBP (Customs and Border Protection) to block imports
Comparison with other certifications
Section titled “Comparison with other certifications”Can my CE product be sold in the US?
Section titled “Can my CE product be sold in the US?”No. CE marking is not recognised in the US. Separate FCC certification is required with distinct tests (different limits, see FCC Parts and Tests).
Does FCC recognise European tests?
Section titled “Does FCC recognise European tests?”Partially, via MRA (Mutual Recognition Agreement). An MRA-designated lab can produce reports usable in the US. But with different limits, tests often must be redone with correct ANSI methods.
Does my product need an FCC ID if I only sell in Canada?
Section titled “Does my product need an FCC ID if I only sell in Canada?”No, Canada uses IC (Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada) with its own RSS system. But many products are certified FCC + IC in parallel as tests are similar.
What about cellular modules?
Section titled “What about cellular modules?”Cellular modules (Quectel, u-blox, Sierra Wireless, etc.) are typically certified FCC + PTCRB. FCC certification covers Parts 22, 24, 27 by bands. PTCRB adds acceptance by North American mobile operators.
Post-market and cybersecurity
Section titled “Post-market and cybersecurity”What cybersecurity is required by FCC?
Section titled “What cybersecurity is required by FCC?”No equivalent to European RED 3.3 in 2026. The voluntary US Cyber Trust Mark program (rules adopted by the FCC in 2024) is still being rolled out, with no regulatory obligation. Cellular products remain subject to 3GPP operator security requirements.
How long must I retain the FCC file?
Section titled “How long must I retain the FCC file?”47 CFR 2.938 requires at least one year after marketing is permanently discontinued for certification records (two years for SDoC records); keeping them for the product's whole commercial life is good practice. The file includes test reports (even intermediate), photos, schemas, and Permissive Change history.
What is e-label?
Section titled “What is e-label?”Electronic display of FCC ID via menu accessible in ≤ 3 steps from main product menu. Admitted since 2014 for products with screen. Conditions documented in KDB 784748. A physical label remains mandatory on packaging.
See also
Section titled “See also”- Change management for FCC Class II Permissive: C1PC, C2PC and C3PC rules in depth.
- Component substitution rules: BOM swap decision tree against the FCC ID grant.
- CMMC and UK Cyber Essentials: defense cyber baselines that the FCC does not enforce directly.
- MIL-STD-461 and MIL-STD-464 defense EMC: when a US defense buyer asks for more than Part 15.
- MFi (Made for iPhone) certification: ecosystem layer added on top of FCC for Apple accessories.
Sources & references
- 47 CFR Part 15 , FCC www.ecfr.gov/current/title-47/chapter-I/subchapter-A/part-15
- FCC OET Knowledge Database , FCC apps.fcc.gov/oetcf/kdb/index.cfm