ISED certification guide

The responsible authority for wireless device approval in Canada is Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED). The roles and responsibilities of the FCB are similar to the TCB in the USA and the technical requirements are similar although there are a few areas with significant differences. All certified products are published in the Radio Equipment List (REL).

A few important differences between USA and Canada are:

  • Documents are submitted to ISED but they are not publicly available on the REL unless specifically requested by a user. It is therefore important to always request for confidentiality during the certification process.
  • Contrary to the USA the Hardware Version Identification Number (HVIN) is a mandatory requirement on the label in Canada. Furthermore, no approval is included in the REL without a Product Marketing Name (PMN).
  • An approval is not possible without a local representative (LR). The local representative must have a valid registration at ISED Canada.

Further information provided by ISED:

ISED test labs

For testing of Category I devices the testing facility must be registered at ISED and accredited according to ISO/IEC 17025.

Search for registered wireless test sites via: https://sms-sgs.ic.gc.ca/equipmentSearch/searchWirelessTestSites?execution=e1s1&lang=en_CA

Canada certification process

Radio, Telecommunications Terminal Equipment (TTE) and all other electronic (digital) devices must comply with the Canadian standards. Radio Equipment usually requires Certification, whereas Terminal Equipment requires Registration. A local person or company (legal entity) within Canada is required for certification. Each Company seeking Certification (the applicant), the manufacturer of the equipment, the local representative (legal Canadian entity), Testlab and Certification Body must be registered with ISED and have a Company Number prior to Certification.

Radio certification:

Radio Equipment in Canada must comply with the Radio Standard Specifications (RSS), whereas the standards are categorized in Category I and II. Category I equipment requires Certification by a recognized Certification Body. Category II Equipment does not require Certification but the manufacturer or importer must ensure compliance with the appropriate standard(s).

Radio Equipment has been divided in different Types of Radio Equipment by ISED, where some of the Radio Equipment is License Exempt . Testing is generally required for intentional and unintentional (conducted and radiated) emissions, and if applicable, also for Dynamic Frquency Selection (DFS), Specific Absorbtion Rate (SAR), and Hearing Aid Compatibility (HAC). When applying for Certification, the ITU designation code(s) must be determined according to the TRC-43 specification. Certified Radio Equipment must be labelled with model number and proper IC ID and will be published on the ISED website in the Radio Equipment List (REL)

Terminal equipment:

Terminal Equipment in Canada must comply with ISED DC-01 procedure. Terminal Equipment Registration is based on a DoC procedure (self declaration). The technical specifications for terminal equipment is set out in CS-03. Approved Terminal Equipment must be labelled with model number and proper IC ID and will be published on the ISED website in the Terminal Equipment List (TEL)

EMC:

Electronic Equipment in Canada must comply with the EMC and other requirements as specified in the Canadian Interference Causing Equipmnet Standards (IECS). For example, ITE equipment (digital apparatus) must comply with ICES-003 and labelled with: “This Class  [*]  digital apparatus complies with ICES-003″ and “Cet appareil numerique de la clase  [*]  est conforme a la norme NMB-003 du Canada”, where [*] refers to the applicable emissions, either Class A or B.

Broadcast equipment:

Broadcast Equipment must comply with the Broadcasting Equipment Technical Standards (BETS), of which some are Broadcasting Certificate Exempt Radio Apparatus.

Canadian Company Number

Canada requires a Company Number (CN) assignment, just like the FCC Grantee Code assignment. Unlike the FCC, Industry Canada does not charge a fee for this registration. This number will be the Prefix of your IC number. The Company Number (CN) is assigned to a specific applicant at a specific address. This 5 character number is specific to your company and stays with the company as long as it is in business selling wireless devices. Once you have a Company Number, you are not required to apply for another one, unless you have multiple addresses. This number is transferable from product to product.

If your company does not have a Canadian Company Number, you must register your company with Industry Canada and then apply for a Canadian Company Number. You can register here. This Company number is also required by the Canadian Representative. The company number will be sent to you via email.

Certification types in Canada include:

  1. New Single product Certification
  2. Product Family Certification
    • The enclosure and general appearance of all product versions in a family shall be identical except for enclosure color and/or minor external cosmetic differences.
    • The variants are identical and have differences which are subject to class 1 – III permissive changes
    • Two or more versions of a product with two or more PCB designs with different bands/technologies within identical enclosures are not permitted within a product family
    • Two or more versions of a product with one PCB design with different bands/technologies enabled by software are permitted within a product family
    • Exemptions:
      • Base telephone unit with a wireless handset. Generally one certification number and one HVIN will be required for both radio certification and terminal registration.
      • Exceptionally the base telephone unit can share the same ISED certification number with the handset but each of them must have a unique HVIN. Two or more identical handsets may have the same HVIN.
      • Dissimilar products like baby monitors or speaker systems can no longer share the same certification number.
  3. Modifications to Existing Certification Service:
    • C1PC – Modifications that do not affect RF Characteristics – No report to ISED unless PMN or HVIN changes
    • C2PC – Modifications that affect RF characteristics but not beyond the requirements established in the original certification
    • C3PC – Firmware modifications that affect RF characteristics or to enable new frequency bands without hardware modification
    • C4PC – Integration of a certified module into a new host which results in changes to original RF emissions and/or RF exposure evaluation.
  4. Multiple Listing of Certification Service (Change in ID):
    • Existing certificate holder or another entity may request a new ISED certification number
    • Selected HVIN, PMN and or FVIN in the new application may be identical or different from existing certification, provided the applicant has never obtained certification for the selected HVIN, PMN and FVIN combination in the previous application.
  5. Transfer of certification:
    1. Full Transfer (Company Takeover)
      • New company takes over all of the responsibilities associated with all existing certifications from the existing certificate holder
      • New company provides signed letter from current certificate holder, authorizing ISED to transfer certificate ownership from current holder to new applicant and change the file information to reflect the new holder‘s information
      • HVIN and ISED remain unchanged
    2. Partial Transfer (Product Line Takeover)
      • Company takes over one or more product lines, but not all of the product lines of the other company
      • New company assumes all of the responsibilities associated with all existing certifications from the existing certificate holder
      • Either retain all certified products associated with other company or assign new ISED certificate numbers to all transferred product lines
      • New company provides signed letter from existing holder to change the file information to reflect new certificate holder‘s information

ISED required exhibits

The documents required for certification are listed in Annex C of RSP 100 Issue 11.

Similar like USA, however the following additional documents are needed for Canada:

  • Canadian RSP 100 Annex A – Application letter
  • Canadian RSP100 Annex B – Test report cover sheet
  • Agreement between Approval holder and Canadian Contact – Canadian Representative letter
  • Canadian RSS 102 Annex A/B or C – RF Exposure Data

See full list below:

  • Cover Letter
  • Application form RSP-100 appendix A
  • Application form RSP-100 appendix B
  • RF exposure declaration
  • Letter of authorization
  • Confidentiality Request
  • Canadian Representative letter
  • External photographs
  • Internal photographs
  • Test setup photos
  • Label sample with IC ID
  • Block Diagrams
  • Circuit diagrams
  • Operational description
  • User manual
  • Test report(s)
  • SAR test report or MPE calculation report
  • Modular approval

The Canadian application filing shall also contain additional information such as:

  • HVIN: Hardware Version Identification Number
  • PMN: Product Marketing Name
  • FVIN: Firmware Version Identification Number
  • HMN: Host Marketing Name

Further explanation on the required exhibits

IC ID and model number

Every radio apparatus certified for marketing and use in Canada shall bear a permanent label on which is indelibly displayed the model number and Industry Canada certification number of the equipment model.

When you read an IC number, the FIRST 5 characters or prefix are always your Canadian Company Number, assigned by Industry Canada. The suffix is determined by the applicant and may include up to 11 characters. The characters are limited to capital letters (A-Z), digits (0-9). There MUST be a hyphen inserted between the Company Number and the suffix, but no other symbols are allowed.

Example of IC ID format:

IC: XXXXX-YYYYYY

In the above example the XXXXX = the five character Canadian Company Number assigned by the Indus­try Canada; –YYYYYY = the suffix created by the applicant.

The model number is assigned by the applicant and shall be unique to each model of radio apparatus under that applicant’s responsibility. The model number shall be displayed on the label preceded by the text:

“Model:” or “M/N:”.

Example of Model Number format:

Model: ABCDEF or M/N: ABCDEF

If there is more than one model number for the product, each model number will need to be filed with Industry Canada. There is an additional change for each model number after the first model. Any changes to the product in the future will need to be done to both models.

IC agent authorization letter

This letter must be prepared on the applicant company letterhead and signed by the authorized signatory listed with ISED for the company. This letter grants permission to appointed individuals to act as agents in submitting the filing paperwork for a designated period of time.

IC confidentiality letter

This letter must be prepared on the applicant company letterhead and signed by the authorized signatory listed with ISED for the company. A special request letter must be submitted to ISED for confidentiality to be granted to certain exhibits. Unlike the FCC, ISED does not distinguish between Short Term and Permanent Con­fidentiality. Any request for confidentiality will be held permanently confidential.

Canadian representative letter

Per Industry Canada document RSP-100, Section 2.1: “The applicant must provide, in writing, the identity of a representative in Canada who is capable of responding to enquiries and who can provide post-certification audit samples at no charge to Industry Canada.”

A “Company Representative” must be provided as a point of contact for Industry Canada. If your company resides in Canada, you may use your own contact information. This representative may an employee, agent, sales representative, or distributor and the address provided must be a Canadian Address.

The Canadian Representative must be registered with Industry Canada and have a valid ‘Company Number’. A Canadian Representative Agreement Letter must be completed on the Canadian Representative’s company letterhead and signed by the authorized signatory on file with Industry Canada.

Test reports

The following contents must be clearly stated in the test report:

  • FCC registration number (accredited test lab with FCC)
  • What kind of device
  • According to which rule parts it was tested
  • Which measurement methods were used
  • Information about the antenna
  • List of used test equipment and associated calibration information
  • Uncertainties

It is important that the documentation of the product and the data in the test report are consistent.

Operational description

A brief description of the circuit functions of the device along with a statement describing how the device operates; to include a description of the ground system and antenna, if any, used with the device. In general you could add the following information:

  • Operating frequencies
  • Technical description of the block diagram
  • Presentation of all technologies used
  • Modulation techniques
  • Temperature and voltage ranges
  • Supported bandwidths and data rate
  • Antenna information
  • Number of Channels
  • Power levels

Block diagram

The block diagram should contain:

  • frequency of all oscillators in the transmitter portion of the device.
  • The signal path and frequency shall be indicated at each block.
  • The tuning range(s) and intermediate frequency(ies) shall be indicated at each block.
  • All the connections must be shown.

Schematics

Schematics and description for ALL circuitry and devices provided for determining and stabilizing frequency, for suppression of spurious radiation, for limiting modulation, and for limiting power. Please ensure that the components and component values are legible on the schematics. If the radio/product has more than one PC board, be sure to title each page. Please provide as ONE legible PDF document.

Test setup photos

Test setup photos must show peripheral or accessory devices connected or installed at time of testing and a brief description of these peripherals and accessories shall be included with test report.

Parts list

Parts list for the radio device, listing all components and/or identifying the source of OEM modules.

Label artwork and label location

A photo or drawing showing the identification label clearly (you must be able to see the IC ID number), and the label location on the device. The label cannot be located on a removable part, such as a battery cover. These may be submitted as one document demonstrating both, or two separate documents. Information to be included on the label:

  • The term “IC:” must be included prior to the XXX-YYY and all must be contained on one line and legible (it is recommended that the type be 6-point or larger).
  • Also mandatory on the label to mention the term “Model:” or “M/N:” before the model number. Because its mandatory to define a product designation or model name.

The ISED certification label consists of a Company Number (CN) and the Unique Product Number (UPN). The manufacturer chooses the UPN himself, but the CN is specified by ISED. The label must be visibly affixed to the product and possibly also to the packaging. Alternatively, the label can also be displayed electronically. However, special requirements must be met, which are explained in the RSP 100.

In addition, regarding the label material and method of permanent attachment to the product should be supplied, i.e. the label must not be paper, and the ink and label material must be a quality and type that must last the life of the device.

External Photos

External photos shall show the overall appearance, the antenna used with the device (if any), and the controls available to the user.

Internal Photos

A sufficient number of photos shall show top and bottom of each circuit board, both with and without shields. If components are covered by an insulator, provide a photo with the cover on, and one with the cover removed.

Think about the following to show in the pics:

  • Approximate size
  • Visible features (buttons, displays, antennas, ..)
  • Battery or AC powered
  • Hand-held (portable or mobile)
  • Internal construction

User manual

The user manual provides proof that the product filing is ready for the market and the purchaser of the product has written notification of the current rules. Manual should include information on how to install or use the product. The key component to the user manual is the compliance statements regarding modifications, labelling and RF exposure. These statements also vary depending upon if the device is Mobile or Portable.

Canadian filing – user manual statements

In ADDITION to the FCC required statements, if you are filing for a Canadian Grant, the following Canadian statements need to be added to your User Manual.

Please note: All statements must be in BOTH English and French.

Section 8.4 of RSS-GEN

This device complies with Industry Canada licence-exempt RSS standard(s). Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.
Le présent appareil est conforme aux CNR d’Industrie Canada applicables aux appareils radio exempts de licence. L’exploitation est autorisée aux deux conditions suivantes : (1) l’appareil ne doit pas produire de brouillage, et (2) l’utilisateur de l’appareil doit accepter tout brouillage radioélectrique subi, même si le brouillage est susceptible d’en compromettre le fonctionnement

Please also note that the applicant is responsible for providing proper instructions to the user of the radio device, and any usage restrictions, including limits of exposure durations. The user manual shall provide installation and operation instructions, as well as any special usage conditions, to ensure compliance with SAR and/or RF field strength limits. For instance, compliance distance shall be clearly stated in the user manual.

The user manual of devices intended for controlled use shall also include information relating to the operating characteristics of the device; the operating instructions to ensure compliance with SAR and/or RF field strength limits; information on the installation and operation of accessories to ensure compliance with SAR and/or RF field strength limits; and contact information where the user can obtain Canadian information on RF exposure and compliance. Other related information may also be included.

More information may be found in RSS-102 which may be down loaded at http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/smt-gst.nsf/eng/sf01904.html and Canada’s Safety Code 6 which more information may be obtained at http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ewh-semt/pubs/radiation/radio_guide-lignes_direct-eng.php.

Modular devices

In addition to the standard radio filing paperwork, modular devices require additional documentation and user manual statements in order to receive approval with ISED.

ISED Modular Approval Checklist:

The eight technical criteria are very similar to the FCC 15.212. A cover letter will need to be provided to Industry Canada showing the radio meetings the requirements of

RSS-GEN Section 7.3. LSR will provide a checklist letter template if applicable.

IC labeling requirements for a module

If your radio is filed as a Module, and the Module is used inside of a case that prevents the end user from viewing the ID Numbers, then an additional/separate ID Label must be applied to the outside of the case for viewing. The outside label should then contain the following information:

Include IC ID number if the module is certified in Canada.

 “Contains IC: (insert your IC #)”

Modular devices – user manual statements

In addition to the statements for Mobile/Portable applications and Industry Canada, the following informa­tion also needs to be mentioned in the User Manual for modules.

OEM Responsibilities to comply with Industry Canada Regulations:

The (your product name) Module has been certified for integration into products only by OEM integrators under the following conditions:

1. The antenna(s) must be installed such that a minimum separation distance of 20 cm is maintained between the radiator (antenna) and all persons at all times.
2. The transmitter module must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter.

As long as the two conditions above are met, further transmitter testing will not be required. However, the OEM in­tegrator is still responsible for testing their end-product for any additional compliance requirements required with this module installed (for example, digital device emissions, PC peripheral requirements, etc.).

IMPORTANT NOTE: In the event that these conditions cannot be met (for certain configurations or co-location with another transmitter), then the Industry Canada authorization is no longer considered valid and the IC Certification Number cannot be used on the final product. In these circumstances, the OEM integrator will be responsible for re-evaluating the end product (including the transmitter) and obtaining a separate Industry Canada authorization.

End product labeling

The (your product name) Module is labeled with its own IC Certification Number. If the IC Certification Number is not visible when the module is installed inside another device, then the outside of the device into which the module is installed must also display a label referring to the enclosed module. In that case, the final end product must be labeled in a visible area with the following:

“Contains IC: (insert your IC #)”

The OEM of the (your product name) Module must only use the approved antenna(s) listed above, which have been certified with this module. The OEM integrator has to be aware not to provide information to the end user regarding how to install or remove this RF module or change RF related parameters in the user manual of the end product.

The user manual for the end product must also include the following information in a prominent location:

“To comply Industry Canada RF radiation exposure limits for general population, the antenna(s) used for this transmitter must be installed such that a minimum separation distance of 20 cm is maintained between the radiator (antenna) and all persons at all times and must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter.”

ISED post market surveillance

Please bear in mind that you will need to keep at least one sample of your certified product in the case your product gets selected for post market surveillance by ISED.

Failure to provide a sample, if requested by the ISED, may result in your product unlisted from the REL list.

Please take notice of the following issues for ISED certifications

Please note that as per RSS-Gen, all instruments used during testing shall be included in the equipment list of your test report.  This includes passive devices that have an influence on the final measured values, i.e. attenuators, splitter, directional couplers and cables.

As per RSS-Gen Issue 5, Annex A, clause (14)(b), the power settings used and the firmware number for the device under test shall be included in the test report.

As per RSS-Gen Issue 5, Annex A, clause (14)©, a description of the firmware or software used to operate the device under test shall be included in the test report.

As per RSS-102, Issue 5 Annex E, the RF Exposure Technical Brief shall include “tissue dielectric parameters measured at the low, middle and high frequency of each operating frequency range of the test device”.

As referenced in section 2.2 of RSS-102, “equipment calibrations” is required as part of the RF Exposure Technical Brief. All equipment used in the SAR evaluations, including System Check and dielectric verification must be provided in the equipment list to demonstrate compliance to RSS-102. This would include, but not limited to signal generators, amplifiers directional couplers, power meters and power sensors, filters and attenuators used during System Check, and the dielectric probe kit used to verify tissue simulating liquid, if applicable.

ISED links: