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ISED Canada radio certification: RSS-Gen 6, REL, labels

ISED Canada radio certification means testing a product against RSS-Gen and the band standards (RSS-247 for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, the cellular RSS standards, RSS-102 for RF exposure) in an ISED-recognised laboratory, having a recognised certification body issue the certificate, and getting the model onto the Radio Equipment List (REL) before it is sold. The rule book changed in 2025 and 2026: RSS-Gen issue 6 was published on July 30, 2026 and amended on September 15, 2026, RSS-247 issue 4 became mandatory on January 24, 2026, and RSS-102 issue 6 replaced the old supplementary procedures with a family of companion standards. This page is built from those texts, section by section, with the numbers they actually contain.

TL;DR:

  • A typical Wi-Fi + Bluetooth + LTE file combines RSS-Gen issue 6, RSS-247 issue 4, the cellular RSS for each band, and RSS-102 issue 6. ICES-003 applies to the digital part only when it does more than run the radio (RSS-Gen section 4.6).
  • Category I = certification required, REL listing before sale. Category II = certification-exempt, but compliance and a retained test report are still required. Licence-exempt does not mean Category II: RSS-247 equipment is licence-exempt and Category I.
  • Testing for Category I must be done by an ISED-recognised laboratory (required since March 15, 2019, per the ISED regulatory process page), and the test report may not be dated more than 12 months before the application (RSS-Gen section 3.4.1).
  • Notices in the user manual must be in English and French (RSS-Gen section 9.3.1, RSP-100 section 7).

The first thing a Canadian file needs is the right edition of each document. These are the issues in force on October 7, 2026, with the transition rule each text sets for itself.

DocumentCurrent issuePublishedTransition (both issues accepted until)
RSS-GenIssue 6, Amendment 1July 30, 2026; amended September 15, 2026One year after publication, so until July 30, 2027 (section 3.1)
RSS-247Issue 4July 24, 2025Six months, so until January 24, 2026 (section 2.1)
RSS-102Issue 6December 15, 2023Twelve months, so until December 15, 2024 (section 1.2)
RSS-102 SPR documents (SPR-001 to SPR-004, SPR-APD)RescindedAugust 2025Replaced by RSS-102.SAR.MEAS, .NS.MEAS, .IPD.MEAS and the .SIM procedures
ICES-003Issue 7October 15, 2020Until October 15, 2021 (section 2.1)
ICES-GenIssue 2February 23, 2024One year after publication (section 3.1.2)
RSP-100Issue 12August 2019In force on publication
REC-CBIssue 2June 25, 2024Replaces issue 1 of October 21, 2021
TRC-49 (fees)Issue 9July 2023Fee Order published July 4, 2023

After a transition ends, products still manufactured, imported, distributed, leased, offered for sale or sold must comply with the new issue. An existing REL listing does not need to be refiled as long as the product is not modified and complies with the latest edition (RSS-Gen section 3.4.1).

The preface of issue 6 lists the changes. Those that matter for a product file:

  • a new section 3.5 on licensing, stating that every radio apparatus, receivers included, needs a licence under section 4(1) of the Radiocommunication Act unless exempted under section 15 of the Radiocommunication Regulations;
  • more detail on REL listing for Category I (section 3.4.1), including the deferred listing date;
  • test site validation to ANSI/USEMCSC C63.25.1 and C63.25.2, with each radiated test dated at most three years after the last successful site validation (section 3.8.2), and calibration intervals of at most three years (section 3.8.3);
  • unwanted emission measurements extended up to 750 GHz (section 5.5.2);
  • stand-alone receivers and passive RFID tags moved to RSS-310;
  • QR code labels allowed (section 9.4.2) and the label allowed in the user manual or on the packaging for very small devices (section 9.4.3);
  • clarified e-labelling (annex B). Amendment 1 only touched section 7.5 (cable-locating equipment at 101.4 kHz).

RSS-Gen section 3.3: radio apparatus must comply with both RSS-Gen and the RSS for its technology and band; where they differ, the specific RSS takes precedence. The RSS-102 family applies to all of them.

StandardScope (as titled by ISED)Category
RSS-GenGeneral requirements for licensed and licence-exempt radio apparatusApplies to both
RSS-247DTS, frequency hopping and LE-LAN devices: 902-928 MHz, 2400-2483.5 MHz, 5150-5350 MHz, 5470-5895 MHz (BLE, Wi-Fi)I (section 2.2), licence-exempt (section 2.3)
RSS-248RLAN devices in 5925-7125 MHzI
RSS-210Licence-exempt radio apparatus (all frequency bands): Category I equipmentI
RSS-310Licence-exempt radio apparatus: Category II equipmentII
RSS-130617-652, 663-698, 698-756 and 777-787 MHz (600 and 700 MHz bands)I
RSS-132Cellular 824-849 MHz and 869-894 MHzI
RSS-133PCS 1850-1915 MHz and 1930-1995 MHzI
RSS-139AWS 1710-1780 MHz and 2110-2200 MHzI
RSS-102RF exposure, all frequency bands, Category I and Category IIApplies to both

ICES standards cover interference-causing equipment, that is, equipment other than radio apparatus. ICES-003 issue 7 covers information technology equipment, and ICES-Gen issue 2 sets the general rules for all ICES standards.

For a radio product, RSS-Gen section 4.6 decides whether ICES-003 must also be verified. Subassemblies that are interference-causing equipment and exist only to make the radio work do not need ICES verification (they stay active during the RSS tests). If they add other functions, the ICES standard applies too; RSS-Gen gives a cellphone as the example. In both cases the radio apparatus does not need the ICES label.

For a non-radio product, or a host that integrates an already certified module, ICES-003 section 1.4 applies: the ICES-003 report then shows compliance with the host requirements of RSP-100 and RSS-Gen, including RSS-102 and the host label.

The classes are defined by ICES-Gen, not borrowed from the FCC. Class A is equipment "highly unlikely to be used in a residential environment, including a home business", judged on price, marketing and advertising methodology and functional design. Class B is equipment "that cannot be classified as Class A". The ICES label is itself the Supplier's Declaration of Conformity (ICES-Gen section 6.3.1), and since issue 2 it is a generic text, "CAN ICES (A) / NMB (A)" or "CAN ICES (B) / NMB (B)", with no ICES number required (section 6.3.3). Older labels such as "CAN ICES-3(B)/NMB-3(B)" remain valid.

Category I and Category II: a certification test, not a licensing test

Section titled “Category I and Category II: a certification test, not a licensing test”

RSS-Gen issue 6 section 3.4 splits radio apparatus by whether certification is required. Licensing is a separate axis, handled in section 3.5, and the two cross freely.

Category I (RSS-Gen 3.4.1)Category II (RSS-Gen 3.4.2)
Legal basisSubsections 4(2) of the Radiocommunication Act and 21(1) of the Radiocommunication RegulationsSubsection 21(5) of the Radiocommunication Regulations
CertificationTAC from the ISED Certification and Engineering Bureau, or certificate from a recognised CBExempt, no TAC, no certificate
Test laboratoryMust be recognised by ISED (section 3.8.1)Recognition not required
REL listingMandatory before sale or leaseNone
Conformity schemeCertification (RSP-100)Supplier's Declaration of Conformity (ICES-Gen section 3.3)
EvidenceTest report not older than 12 months at applicationTest report kept as long as the model is marketed, supplied to ISED on request
Typical examplesWi-Fi and Bluetooth (RSS-247), 6 GHz RLAN (RSS-248), cellular (RSS-130 to RSS-139), RSS-210 devicesRSS-310 devices

The trap is the word "licence-exempt". RSS-247 section 2.3 makes Wi-Fi and Bluetooth equipment exempt from licensing, and section 2.2 of the same standard classifies it as Category I. Reading licence-exempt as Category II is how a product ships uncertified.

A Category II host that integrates certified Category I modules does not usually need its own certification; RSS-Gen section 3.4.2 sends the reader to RSP-100 to check. RSP-100 section 8.2 sets one firm exception: a handheld or wearable host (a phone, a smartwatch) needs host certification unless it contains a single transmitter module whose SAR is exempt or below 0.4 W/kg; with several modules, host certification is always required.

Apparatus used only for research, development, demonstration or marketability assessment are exempt from certification and labelling, may need a developmental licence, and must not be sold, leased or offered for sale (RSS-Gen section 3.9).

The sequence below follows RSP-100 issue 12, RSS-Gen issue 6 and REC-CB issue 2.

  1. Scoping. List every RSS for the technologies and bands, RSS-102, and decide whether ICES-003 applies to the digital part (RSS-Gen section 4.6). Decide module or host certification (RSP-100 section 8).
  2. Recognised laboratory. Category I testing must be done by a laboratory recognised by ISED and listed on the Wireless Device Testing Laboratories site (RSS-Gen section 3.8.1); the report must carry the laboratory ISED company number and its CABID (section 8.2).
  3. Testing and report. The report contents are listed in RSS-Gen section 8.2: PMN, HVIN, FVIN and HMN as applicable, every RSS and its edition, measurement uncertainty, antenna list, test equipment and calibration due dates. For RF exposure, RSS-102 section 4.4 requires the RF exposure technical brief cover sheet (annex A), or a signed declaration (annex B) when the device meets the exemption limits.
  4. Choose a certification body. CBs must be recognised by ISED and have every applicable standard in their scope (RSS-Gen section 3.7). Under REC-CB, a CB is accredited to ISO/IEC 17065 and is located in Canada or in an MRA partner territory; a foreign CB is put forward by its designating authority.
  5. Canadian representative. If the applicant address is not in Canada, the signed Application and Agreement for Certification Services (RSP-100 form A) names a Canadian representative, who answers ISED enquiries and provides audit samples at no charge to ISED (RSP-100 section 4.1).
  6. File. Application cover letter, test reports with the test report cover sheet (form B), the documents of the checklist (form C), and the Modular Approval Attestation (form D) for a module (RSP-100 sections 4.2 and 8.2).
  7. Certification and REL. The CB certifies and submits the file to ISED, which records the model in the REL. The model may not be manufactured, imported, distributed, leased, offered for sale or sold before it is listed; with an approved deferred listing date it may be manufactured, imported and distributed, but not sold or leased (RSS-Gen section 3.4.1). The PMN is required at certification; the deferred listing is the way to keep it confidential for a while (RSP-100 section 9.1).
  8. Labelling and notices. See the labelling section below.
  9. Life of the product. Changes are filed under the permissive change classes, and ISED and the CB run post-certification audits, with samples supplied at the certificate holder expense (RSP-100 section 12.2).

For the durations set by the texts, see Certification timeline.

TRC-49 issue 9 sets the Certification and Engineering Bureau fees. These are the base amounts in the circular; the Service Fees Act requires an annual adjustment to the April consumer price index, so the current amounts are on the ISED fees page (TRC-49 section 5).

ServiceBase fee (TRC-49 issue 9)
Certification by ISED itself (TAC, review and REL listing), per applicationCAD 4,000
Registration of a CB-certified radio product (ISED review and REL listing), per applicationCAD 750
Amendment of a CB-recertified product in the RELCAD 375
Recertification work by ISED (multiple listing, family, transfer, reassessment)CAD 160 per person-hour, minimum 2 hours (administrative) or 8 hours (technical)

The CB charges its own fees on top; TRC-49 does not set them.

The ISED certification number and the label

Section titled “The ISED certification number and the label”

RSS-Gen section 9.4.4.1 fixes the format: IC: XXXXX-YYYYYYYYYYY.

PartRule
"IC:"Indicates an ISED certification number; not part of the number
CN (company number)Assigned by ISED; five numeric characters (for example 20001). Older CNs have up to five digits followed by a letter (21A, 15589J)
UPN (unique product number)Assigned by the applicant, up to eleven characters, A-Z and 0-9 only
WildcardsNot permitted in the certification number or the HVIN
HVINOn the label, with or without a prefix ("HVIN:", "Model#", "M/N:", "P/N:")
PMNOn the label, or on the packaging or in the product literature
FVINMust be displayed or stored electronically when it is the only difference between versions of a family
Host with modulesModule number visible, or "Contains IC: XXXXX-YYYYYYYYYYY" (or contient, contains/contient) on the host, plus the HMN (section 9.4.4.2)

Where the label can go:

  • On each unit, permanently affixed and legible, or as an e-label under annex B (section 9.4.1).
  • As a QR code on the product, if the code contains the label itself (not a link), reads in generic QR apps and the manual points to it (section 9.4.2).
  • In the user manual and on the packaging for equipment whose largest dimension is 2.5 cm or less, without prior approval; above 2.5 cm only with written approval from the Certification and Engineering Bureau (section 9.4.3).
  • Allowed on products with an integrated screen; without a screen, through an audio message (bilingual English and French) or through a connected external device if that connection is mandatory for using the product (B.1).
  • Instructions to reach the e-label go in the manual, packaging or a product web page (B.2.1); access must not need special codes or accessories such as a SIM card, and must take no more than three steps from the product main menu (B.2.2).
  • A physical label on the packaging is required at import, distribution and sale (B.3).
  • The information must be programmed by the responsible party and not be modifiable by the user (B.4).
  • All notices required by RSS-Gen and the specific RSS, in both English and French (RSS-Gen section 9.3.1). If the manual is not supplied with the product, it must be available free of charge online for as long as the model is marketed, with access instructions on each unit, for example on the packaging.
  • Licence-exempt apparatus: the two-condition notice of section 9.3.2.1 ("This device contains licence-exempt transmitter(s)/receiver(s) that comply with [the] licence-exempt RSS(s)", with its French text), in the manual, on the device, or both. It applies to licence-exempt Category I equipment such as RSS-247 devices.
  • Detachable antennas: the notice of section 9.3.2.2 followed by the list of permitted antenna types, maximum gain in dBi and impedance.
  • RF exposure: RSS-102 section 4.5.1 requires the compliance separation distance to be stated in a prominent place in the manual.
  • If the notices exist in only one language at certification, the applicant gives a written declaration that both languages will be present when the product is sold (RSP-100 section 7).

RSS-102 issue 6 adopts Health Canada Safety Code 6 (section 5.1). It applies to Category I and Category II apparatus. SAR evaluation is required when the separation distance is 20 cm or less; above 20 cm the field reference level (FRL) evaluation applies (section 3.1).

SAR basic restrictions, 100 kHz to 6 GHz (table 3):

Body regionGeneral public (W/kg)Controlled use (W/kg)Averaging mass
Whole body0.080.4Whole body
Head, neck and trunk1.681 g
Limbs42010 g

Output power at or below which a device is exempt from routine SAR evaluation (table 11, mW, tune-up tolerance included):

Frequency (MHz)≤ 5 mm10 mm15 mm20 mm25 mm30 mm35 mm40 mm45 mm> 50 mm
≤ 30045116139163189216246280319362
450327187104124147175208248296
835213241547296129172228298
190061018335792138194257323
24503716325689128170209245
3500261529507294114134158
580015132332415474102128

How to read it (section 6.3): interpolate linearly between frequencies; between distances either interpolate or use the smaller distance. Multiply by 2.5 for limb-worn devices (10 g) and by 5 for controlled-use devices. Implanted medical devices are exempt only at 1 mW or less. Exemption is not exemption from the limits, and the SAR of exempted transmitters still counts in the total exposure ratio (section 6.1). Practical consequence: a Bluetooth radio at 2.45 GHz worn against the body (5 mm) is exempt only up to 3 mW.

Issue 6 also added nerve stimulation and absorbed power density exemption limits, hand SAR and APD for voice calls, sensor validation, and folded in the RSS-216 wireless power transfer exposure rules (preface). The companion procedures RSS-102.SAR.MEAS, RSS-102.NS.MEAS, RSS-102.IPD.MEAS and their simulation counterparts replaced SPR-001 to SPR-004 and SPR-APD, rescinded in August 2025. The order of precedence for test methods is RSS-102, then the IEC and IEEE standards it cites, then accepted procedures such as FCC KDBs (section 2.2).

See SAR procedures for the measurement standards and FCC tests for the US side.

Modifying a certified product: C1PC to C4PC

Section titled “Modifying a certified product: C1PC to C4PC”

RSP-100 issue 12, section 10, defines four permissive change classes. RSS-Gen issue 6 section 4.2 adds that a modified apparatus can be a new model, in which case the original certificate and REL listing no longer cover it; examples include internal circuit or firmware changes, an antenna not listed in the original file and manual, or an external amplifier on licence-exempt equipment.

ClassWhat it coversNotice to ISED
C1PCNo change to fundamental RF characteristics, no degradation of unwanted emissions, no significant physical change; also co-located stand-alone modules used beyond 20 cm with a sum of MPE ratios below 1.0Not required, unless HVIN or PMN changes
C2PCHardware changes affecting fundamental RF characteristics or unwanted emissions while still meeting the RSS; significant physical change; any PMN or HVIN change. New bands by hardware change are not allowedRequired, with test reports
C3PCFirmware changes affecting RF characteristics, or enabling bands without hardware changeRequired, with a new unique FVIN
C4PCA certified module (MA or LMA) integrated into a new host that changes reported emissions or RF exposureRequired, with the HMN and the exposure evaluation in the new host

RSP-100 section 11 also requires every service application to comply with the latest issue of the standards; when no new test is needed, a statement of compliance with the latest issue is filed instead. Other services: multiple listing (a new certification number based on an existing certification, with the original holder authorisation) and full or partial transfer of certifications.

ItemFCC (United States)ISED (Canada)
Rules47 CFR Parts 2, 15, 22, 24, 27 and othersRSS-Gen plus the specific RSS standards, RSP-100
Digital partPart 15 Subpart BICES-003 issue 7 with ICES-Gen issue 2, only when RSS-Gen section 4.6 says so
IdentifierFCC IDIC: CN-UPN
Who certifiesTCBRecognised CB or the Certification and Engineering Bureau
Public databaseEquipment Authorization SystemRadio Equipment List
Modification classesClass I, II and III permissive changesC1PC to C4PC
RF exposure47 CFR 1.1307 and 1.1310, KDB 447498RSS-102 issue 6 and companion standards

The two certifications stay separate: an FCC ID does not put a product on the REL. Under the Canada-US arrangement (APEC-TEL MRA), ISED recognises testing laboratories and certification bodies designated by the US side, so one laboratory and one CB can handle both files, but each country issues its own certificate. ISED describes MRAs as the mutual acceptance of "test reports and certification" between partners. For a broader comparison, see ISED vs FCC and EU-US dual certification.

Common claim (including earlier versions of this page)What the text says
"Category II means licence-exempt" or "all licence-exempt devices go through a CB"Category is about certification only. RSS-247 equipment is licence-exempt and Category I (RSS-247 sections 2.2 and 2.3); RSS-310 equipment is Category II and not certified (RSS-Gen section 3.4.2).
"Category I means licensed bands, and Category II ends in a declaration issued by a CB"Category II is exempt from certification: no CB, no REL listing, a Supplier's Declaration of Conformity (RSS-Gen section 3.4.2, ICES-Gen section 3.3).
"The licence-exempt statement is for Category II devices under RSS-247"RSS-247 devices are Category I. The RSS-Gen section 9.3.2.1 notice applies to licence-exempt apparatus, whatever the category.
"A Canadian representative is only needed for Category I or licensed equipment"RSP-100 section 4.1 requires one for every certification applicant whose address is not in Canada. Category II equipment is not certified at all.
"The IC number is IC: XXXX-YYYY, with a 4-character company code"RSS-Gen section 9.4.4.1: five-digit CN (older ones: up to five digits plus a letter) and a UPN of up to eleven characters, A-Z and 0-9 only.
"Canada has a single Class II Permissive Change, like the FCC"RSP-100 section 10 defines four classes, C1PC to C4PC, with different notice rules.
"The ICES label must quote the ICES number, for example CAN ICES-003(B)"Since ICES-Gen issue 2 (2024), the generic "CAN ICES (B) / NMB (B)" is enough; old labels stay valid (section 6.3.3).
"Every radio product also needs a separate ICES-003 report"Not when the digital subassemblies only serve the radio (RSS-Gen section 4.6). They must be active during the RSS tests.
"An e-label needs a secondary physical label on the product with access instructions, reachable in fewer than three steps from the home screen"Annex B.3 requires a physical label on the packaging at import, distribution and sale. Access instructions go in the manual, packaging or a product web page (B.2.1). Access must take no more than three steps from the product main menu (B.2.2).
"English-only manuals are tolerated for B2B products"No such exception in RSS-Gen or RSP-100: notices are required in both languages (RSS-Gen section 9.3.1, RSP-100 section 7).
"RSS-130 covers 698-960 MHz and 1710-2200 MHz"RSS-130 covers 617-652, 663-698, 698-756 and 777-787 MHz. AWS 1710-1780 / 2110-2200 MHz is RSS-139; 824-894 MHz is RSS-132.
"RSS-247 issue 3 / RSS-Gen issue 5 / RSS-102 issue 5 are current"RSS-247 issue 4 (mandatory January 24, 2026), RSS-Gen issue 6 (July 30, 2026, issue 5 accepted until July 30, 2027), RSS-102 issue 6 (mandatory December 15, 2024).
"About 80% of FCC tests can be reused"No ISED text gives such a figure. RSS-Gen section 8.2 requires the report to cover each RSS and its edition, and the laboratory must be ISED-recognised.

For technical terms (CB, TCB, MRA, SAR, REL, TAC, e-label), see the glossary. For the US context, see FCC pillar, FCC scope, FCC tests and FCC technical file. For the cellular operator dimension, which is separate from ISED equipment certification, see PTCRB. For the US emission classes, see CE vs FCC EMC; for radiated and conducted emissions background, see the glossary. Manufacturer attestation documents such as the RSS-102 annex B declaration are part of the file.

Sources & references

  1. RSS-Gen, issue 6 (July 30, 2026, Amendment 1 September 15, 2026): General Requirements for Compliance of Radio Apparatus, ISED Canada ised-isde.canada.ca/site/spectrum-management-telecommunications/en/devices-and-equipment/radio-equipment-standards/radio-standards-specifications-rss/rss-gen-general-requirements-compliance-radio-apparatus
  2. RSP-100, issue 12 (August 2019): Certification of Radio Apparatus and Broadcasting Equipment, ISED Canada ised-isde.canada.ca/site/spectrum-management-telecommunications/en/devices-and-equipment/radio-standards-procedures-rsp/rsp-100-certification-radio-apparatus-and-broadcasting-equipment
  3. RSS-247, issue 4 (July 24, 2025): DTS, FHS and LE-LAN devices in 902-928, 2400-2483.5, 5150-5350 and 5470-5895 MHz, ISED Canada ised-isde.canada.ca/site/spectrum-management-telecommunications/en/devices-and-equipment/radio-equipment-standards/radio-standards-specifications-rss/rss-247-digital-transmission-systems-dtss-frequency-hopping-systems-fhss-and-licence-exempt-local
  4. RSS-102, issue 6 (December 15, 2023): RF Exposure Compliance of Radiocommunication Apparatus (All Frequency Bands), ISED Canada ised-isde.canada.ca/site/spectrum-management-telecommunications/en/devices-and-equipment/radio-equipment-standards/radio-standards-specifications-rss/rss-102-radio-frequency-rf-exposure-compliance-radiocommunication-apparatus-all-frequency-bands
  5. Radio Standards Specifications index (RSS-102 companion standards, rescinded SPR documents), ISED Canada ised-isde.canada.ca/site/spectrum-management-telecommunications/en/devices-and-equipment/radio-equipment-standards/radio-standards-specifications-rss
  6. ICES-003, issue 7 (October 15, 2020): Information Technology Equipment (including Digital Apparatus), ISED Canada ised-isde.canada.ca/site/spectrum-management-telecommunications/en/devices-and-equipment/interference-causing-equipment-standards-ices/ices-003-information-technology-equipment-including-digital-apparatus
  7. ICES-Gen, issue 2 (February 23, 2024): General Requirements for Compliance of Interference-Causing Equipment, ISED Canada ised-isde.canada.ca/site/spectrum-management-telecommunications/en/devices-and-equipment/interference-causing-equipment-standards-ices/ices-gen-general-requirements-compliance-interference-causing-equipment
  8. REC-CB, issue 2 (June 25, 2024): Recognition Procedure and Requirements for Certification Bodies, ISED Canada ised-isde.canada.ca/site/spectrum-management-telecommunications/en/devices-and-equipment/procedures-conformity-assessment-bodies/rec-cb-recognition-procedure-and-requirements-certification-bodies
  9. TRC-49, issue 9 (July 2023): Telecommunications and Radio Equipment Service Fees of the Certification and Engineering Bureau, ISED Canada ised-isde.canada.ca/site/spectrum-management-telecommunications/en/devices-and-equipment/telecom-regulation-circulars-trc/trc-49-telecommunications-and-radio-equipment-service-fees-certification-and-engineering-bureau
  10. Telecommunications Equipment Regulatory Process (conformity assessment schemes and MRAs), ISED Canada ised-isde.canada.ca/site/mutual-recognition-agreements/en/telecommunications-equipment-regulatory-process
  11. RSS-130: Equipment Operating in the Frequency Bands 617-652 MHz, 663-698 MHz, 698-756 MHz and 777-787 MHz, ISED Canada ised-isde.canada.ca/site/spectrum-management-telecommunications/en/devices-and-equipment/radio-equipment-standards/radio-standards-specifications-rss/rss-130-equipment-operating-frequency-bands-617-652-mhz-663-698-mhz-698-756-mhz-and-777-787-mhz
  12. RSS-139: Advanced Wireless Services Equipment Operating in the Bands 1710-1780 MHz and 2110-2200 MHz, ISED Canada ised-isde.canada.ca/site/spectrum-management-telecommunications/en/devices-and-equipment/radio-equipment-standards/radio-standards-specifications-rss/rss-139-advanced-wireless-services-equipment-operating-bands-1710-1780-mhz-and-2110-2200-mhz
  13. RSS-210: Licence-exempt Radio Apparatus (All Frequency Bands): Category I Equipment, ISED Canada ised-isde.canada.ca/site/spectrum-management-telecommunications/en/official-publications/standards/radio-equipment-standards/licence-exempt-radio-apparatus-standards-list/rss-210-licence-exempt-radio-apparatus-all-frequency-bands-category-i-equipment
  14. RSS-248: Radio Local Area Network (RLAN) Devices Operating in the 5925-7125 MHz Band, ISED Canada ised-isde.canada.ca/site/spectrum-management-telecommunications/en/devices-and-equipment/radio-equipment-standards/radio-standards-specifications-rss/rss-248-radio-local-area-network-rlan-devices-operating-5925-7125-mhz-band
  15. ISED Certification and Engineering Bureau (Radio Equipment List, recognised CBs and laboratories), ISED Canada ised-isde.canada.ca/site/certification-engineering-bureau/en
  16. ISED Spectrum Management and Telecommunications, ISED Canada ised-isde.canada.ca/site/spectrum-management-telecommunications

Frequently asked questions

ISED, IC, Industry Canada: are these the same authority?
Yes. Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) is the department formerly named Industry Canada. Certification numbers still carry the "IC:" prefix: RSS-Gen issue 6, section 9.4.4.1, states that "IC:" indicates an ISED certification number but is not part of the number itself.
Is an FCC test report enough to obtain ISED certification?
Not on its own. Under the Canada-US mutual recognition arrangement, ISED recognises test laboratories and certification bodies designated by the US authority, so one campaign can feed both files. But the Canadian file must show compliance with the RSS standards (RSS-Gen section 8.2 lists the report contents, including the ISED company number and CABID of the recognised laboratory), and the product needs its own ISED certification number and a Radio Equipment List (REL) entry before sale.
What is the difference between Category I and Category II?
It is a certification test, not a licensing test. RSS-Gen issue 6, section 3.4.1: Category I apparatus need a technical acceptance certificate (TAC) from the ISED Certification and Engineering Bureau or a certificate from a recognised certification body, and must be on the REL before sale. Section 3.4.2: Category II apparatus are exempt from certification but must still comply, and the test report must be kept and supplied on request. Licensing is a separate question (section 3.5). Wi-Fi and Bluetooth under RSS-247 are licence-exempt and still Category I (RSS-247 sections 2.2 and 2.3).
Which RSS standards apply to a Wi-Fi + BLE + LTE product?
RSS-Gen for the general requirements, RSS-247 for 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Wi-Fi and Bluetooth (RSS-248 if it also uses 5925-7125 MHz), the cellular RSS for each LTE band (RSS-130 for 617-787 MHz, RSS-132 for 824-894 MHz, RSS-133 for PCS 1850-1995 MHz, RSS-139 for AWS 1710-1780 / 2110-2200 MHz), and RSS-102 for RF exposure. ICES-003 covers the digital part unless it only serves the radio (RSS-Gen section 4.6).
Does a manufacturer outside Canada need a Canadian representative?
Yes, for any certification. RSP-100 issue 12, section 4.1: a Canadian representative is required when the applicant address is not in Canada. It is named in the signed Application and Agreement for Certification Services (form A), answers all ISED enquiries about the product and supplies audit samples at no charge to ISED. Category II apparatus are not certified, so this procedure does not apply to them.
How are modifications to an ISED-certified product handled?
RSP-100 section 10 defines four classes. C1PC: no change to fundamental RF characteristics, no notice to ISED unless the HVIN or PMN changes. C2PC: hardware changes affecting RF characteristics, or any change of PMN or HVIN, notice required. C3PC: firmware changes affecting RF, notice required and a new FVIN. C4PC: a certified module integrated into a new host that changes the reported emissions or RF exposure, notice required with the HMN.
Is RSS-102 equivalent to the FCC rules for RF exposure?
No. RSS-102 issue 6 adopts Health Canada Safety Code 6. The localised SAR limit for the general public is 1.6 W/kg over 1 g for head, neck and trunk and 4 W/kg over 10 g for limbs, but the exemption from routine SAR evaluation uses the Canadian table 11 (for example 3 mW at 2450 MHz and 5 mm), and the procedures are now the RSS-102.SAR.MEAS and companion standards. Issue 6 became mandatory on December 15, 2024.
Where can I verify that a product is listed by ISED?
In the Radio Equipment List (REL), reached from the Certification and Engineering Bureau pages. RSS-Gen section 3.4.1 forbids manufacturing, importing, distributing, leasing, offering for sale or selling a Category I apparatus that is not listed. An approved deferred listing allows manufacture, import and distribution, but not sale or lease before the listing appears.