Certification Questions
Q: What supporting forms are needed for each type of approval or certification?
A: Many forms such as the “Form 731” for FCC and “application form” for IC can be found on our documents page. For guidance or questions regarding complex projects, contact your regional ACB representative.
Q: How long does the typical approval or certification process take?
A: If the project contains all required reports, forms, photos and documentation the certification process is faster. However, should any part of the project require additional info or clarification, ACB will request the information and the clients response time to correct and/or address any issues will have an impact on the total project time.
Q: Why does ACB sometimes ask for more information? Why does ACB ask questions about my application and/or exhibit files?
A: For your protection. We want to ensure that your application will have no problems with the regulatory agencies like the FCC and IC. These agencies do enforce their rules (For example, see Equipment Marketing Violations at the FCC site). They have the power to audit devices, issue fines and dismiss applications. ACB wants to work with you and be sure the application you submit is correct from the start to avoid those product approval hassles.
Q: What is the difference between CE Marking to the RE Directive (RED) and Product Certification?
A: Certification of wireless devices refers to the acceptance of technical characteristics and administrative processes by the country regulator or certification body. This acceptance (approval) is provided by some form of external review and/or assessment under the authority of the spectrum regulator. In the US that would be the FCC; and in Canada that would be ISEDC. By contrast, the RE Directive is a Declaration of Conformity approach; whereby the product authorization is under the responsibility of the manufacturer.
Q: Why is CE Marking to the RE Directive (RED) not considered to be a Certification?
A: CE marking to the RED is not a certification authorization, primarily because the confirmation or acceptance of the technical characteristics and administrative file is not done by the spectrum regulators, or a certification body but is declared solely under the responsibility of the manufacturer placing the wireless device on the EU market. While the manufacturer may require or request a review and EU Type Examination Certificate by a Notified Body, the responsibility for final Declaration of Conformity to the RED remains with the product manufacturer.
Q: Does the RED become Certification if I have an EU Type Examination Certificate?
A: No, final product authorization remains through a Declaration of Conformity. In some cases, it is mandatory for a manufacturer to obtain an EU Type Examination Certificate from a Notified Body. In some cases, the EU Type Examination Certificate is requested by the manufacturer for reasons of procedure, confidence, marketing, checking the work of the test lab, or other reasons relevant to that manufacturer. In all cases, the EU Type Examination Certificate is provided to the product manufacturer for inclusion in their Technical Documentation and part of the process leading to the manufacturer’s final Declaration of Conformity.
More information about the certification process
Documents and Memos
