It is hard work to be and stay a successful manufacturer that from the start of the manufacturing process has the regulatory compliance process figured out. This is so important, because it can save you a lot of time and money. Because it happens often that we see a product has been developed and finished and then the manufacturer or his authorized representative wants to bring the product into the market, but then looking at the testing and regulatory compliance side of the product and you get non-compliances. This is a huge step back, because it means costly re-testing and maybe reapplying for compliance check. What if all this could have been prevented? If from the start you would have a Compliance Partner besides you that guides you in the right direction in terms of the regulatory part of your product. Please contact us if you need a Compliance Partner. We are happy to help.
So being successful means you need to focus on several issues from the start. Even issues that have nothing to do with your product it self but more on how to prepare your country approval process in the right way.
The path to market access
Taking the above into consideration, you must immediately consider the global differences in how every single country is handling country approval and certification of wireless devices. This topic might feel dull, however it is essential to succeed. Its important to understand that:
- Market access and certification is essential for becoming successful;
- From the first step of your product design, you should have already considered the regulatory part;
- Its important to know how, without too many costs, you could prepare;
Market access and certification is essential for becoming successful
After you have produced your product, it is time to put it into the market. But you might be a bit too late to start now in this end phase to see if your product can be certified in one go. If not complying to the country regulations, that would mean your product is prohibited for marketing. So when you are not taking the country approval and product certification into your business plan, this will eventually result in unexpected time-consuming and financial surprises.
From the first step of your product design, you should have already considered the regulatory part
Best is to start early in the process and know exactly where you want to go. In which countries do you want to market your product. Which regulations do they follow. What about your product, which technologies does your product incorporate, what are the operating frequencies. What is the max output power you should not cross. Is it allowed in the countries you are interested in? What standards and regulations should be followed? What is important to consider in order to pass the compliance testing? What tests should not be forgotten? Starting early with taking into account the regulatory part can save you a lot at the end.
Its important to know how, without too many costs, you could prepare
International product approval does cost money. Placing your product on the market is essential for your success. That’s why successful marketing means you should start as soon as possible with the regulatory conformance process.
- First define your global reach and divide into priorities. Make a list for yourself and determine which countries will be your top priority markets and number them from 1 to the number of countries you would like to market. Usually, the top 5 contains regions as the European Union, United States, Canada, China, Japan. Divide that list into steps. For example, step 1 is countries 1 to 5. Step 2 is countries 5 to 15. And so on.
- Then define clearly which technology applies to your kind of product. Are you going to use Bluetooth, WiFi, Zigbee, NB-IoT, cellular technologies, etc.?
- Will you integrate any module into your product? When you have decided to integrate an off the shelve module (instead of designing your own) then you should define which form factor, software, hardware, programmable, usability etc. will be most appropriate to your defined product.
- Also to consider when integrating a module, do check for which regions the modules have a certificate. Also check the available markings. The more, the better, but at least they should have FCC, CE and the MIC Japan logo. These are the most important markets for module manufacturers.
- Important is to check which conditions apply to the RF module certificate? And does it apply to your situation? The FCC has written an excellent Module Integration Guideline. Its good to consider that at the beginning.
- A great additional tool to use is the FCC database and is open to everyone. It allows you to view already certified products and their grants give a clear overview concerning which kind of technologies or modular approval regulations have been applied. Also, it mentions which type of antenna’s are included in the grant, is the module tested under co-location, co-existence, how Specific Absorption Rate is tested (body-worn or 20 cm distance) and so on. Also all but the confidential documentation are publicly viewable. So you can learn a lot form that. And it will help you find similar products like yours with same technology or operating frequency. In this way you can get a feeling what needs to be done.
Which tests you still will need to perform and the costs involved for marketing your product are still debatable based on the final product, however by being prepared on this level, you have made significant steps to market with success.
What else do I need to consider
There is a lot of work to be done before you can sell your product. However, as you also take the approval process issues in consideration and you are not waiting until the last phase, you are one step closer to success. Should you have any further question, do not hesitate to contact us. We can be your compliance partner and guide you through the whole process.