Certification FAQ: 16 Direct Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

Which certification is required to export electronics to the United States?

Products need FCC authorisation: an SDoC for unintentional radiators or an FCC ID for products containing a radio transmitter. Retailers and insurers also generally require an NRTL safety mark such as UL or ETL. Batteries shipped separately require UN 38.3 transport testing.

Which certification is required to export electronics to the European Union?

CE marking, which for most electronics means the EMC Directive and Low Voltage Directive, plus the Radio Equipment Directive for wireless products, RoHS for restricted substances and, since 1 August 2025, the EN 18031 cybersecurity requirements for connected radio equipment.

Is China CCC certification mandatory for imported products?

CCC is mandatory only for product categories in the compulsory catalogue. Products outside the catalogue do not need CCC, but wireless devices sold in China need SRRC type approval regardless of CCC status.

How much does FCC certification cost?

Cost depends on whether you need an SDoC or an FCC ID, the number of radio technologies and bands, the number of models, and whether retesting is needed. Emissions-only SDoC projects are the least expensive; multi-radio FCC ID projects the most. Request a quote with your product specification.

How much does CE marking cost?

Cost depends on the number of directives in scope, product complexity, the number of models and whether a Notified Body is involved. An EMC plus LVD project is the common baseline; adding RED and the EN 18031 cybersecurity documentation increases scope.

How long does certification take?

EMC testing 3–5 working days, RoHS 5–7 working days, FCC SDoC 1–2 weeks, FCC ID 3–4 weeks, CE marking 3–5 weeks, UN 38.3 3–4 weeks, IEC 62133 4–6 weeks, SRRC roughly two months, and UL or CCC with factory inspection 6–8 weeks or more.

Can I use one test report for multiple markets?

Partly. Test data is largely portable, but each market requires its own report format, national deviations and local applicant information. The efficient approach is one test campaign designed to feed all target markets.

Do I need UN 38.3 to ship lithium batteries?

Yes. UN 38.3 testing is a precondition for transporting lithium cells and batteries by air, sea, road or rail, and a UN 38.3 Test Summary must be available from the manufacturer or distributor.

What is EN 18031?

EN 18031 is the harmonised standard supporting the cybersecurity, privacy and fraud-protection requirements that became applicable to radio equipment in the EU from 1 August 2025. It affects Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and IoT devices and requires documented design measures, kept in the technical file.

Does a pre-certified wireless module remove all testing?

No. The module grant covers the transmitter, but the host product still needs unintentional radiator emissions testing, and may need RF exposure evaluation and RED cybersecurity documentation depending on market and installation.

What documents are needed to start a project?

Typically: product specification, block diagram and schematics, bill of materials, user manual, photos and label artwork, plus production-representative samples. For wireless projects, the module grant number, antenna specification and target markets.

How long are certification reports valid?

Most test reports have no formal expiry, but they must remain representative of the product. Changes to hardware, firmware affecting RF or safety, or to the applicable standards should trigger re-evaluation, and many buyers ask for reports dated within the last two years.

Do you support factory inspections for UL and CCC?

Yes. We prepare factories for initial inspection and surveillance audits, covering production line testing, equipment calibration and critical component traceability.

Can you help if my product already failed a test elsewhere?

Yes. Send the failing report and we will review the measurements, identify the root cause and propose practical remediation, then retest only the affected items.

What is the difference between FCC SDoC and FCC ID?

SDoC is a supplier's declaration supported by a test report, with no filing to the FCC and no ID issued. FCC ID is issued by a Telecommunication Certification Body after filing, and must appear on the product label. Any product with an intentional radio transmitter requires an FCC ID.

Which markets do you certify for?

Primarily the United States (FCC, UL/ETL), the European Union (CE, RoHS, REACH), China (CCC, SRRC, GB standards), and also Japan (PSE/MIC), Korea (KC) and other Asia-Pacific markets through partner arrangements.