USA

To sell electronic/wireless products within the United States of America, products must be certified in reference to the relevant legislation under FCC, OSHA, CPSC, DoE, and other Federal and state law requirements.

Suppliers must ensure compliance with customs regulations to avoid possible fines and customs blockages. This article will touch base on the most common Federal & state law requirements you need to understand to to enter America’s market successfully:

• FCC – EMC – Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive
• FCC – Radio Certification
• OSHA – Product Safety in reference to UL-Standards
• CPSC – Consumers commission
• Sustainability – Federal & states law general overview

Manufacturers and their supply chain are legally liable to follow the relevant legislation subjected to their product’s intent of use and technology.

FCC Regulates

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulates all Electronics and Wireless products in all 50 states and other USA territories. Any Electronic device must be in Compliance with FCC regulations, and any Intentional radiators must have FCC ID. The main FCC requirements are:

EMC

All electric devices or installations influence each other when interconnected or close to each other, e.g., interference between TV sets, GSM handsets, radios, and nearby washing machines or electrical power lines. The purpose of electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) is to keep all those side effects under reasonable control, ensuring compatibility and safety. FCC EMC rules refer only to Radiated & Conducted emissions.

Radio

In order to sell radio equipment, it is necessary to obtain FCC radio certification.

Any intentional radiator should be tested and submitted for a TCB review ( the party responsible by the FCC to review the request and submit the product under the FCC Website with his own FCC ID).

The process includes the following:

• Testing – In-band and out-of-band Radio tests, i.e., Bandedge, Mask, PSD, Peak gain, Spurious, etc.
• Grantee Code and FRN under FCC in order to establish an account and issue FCC ID
• File submission – 20+ items for TCB review, depending on the type of certification.
• TCB review

SAR – Specific Absorption Rate

Whenever the radio device is used as a portable device with a distance < 20cm from the user, then SAR tests need to be determined. In any other case, a SAR assessment will be needed.

Whenever using the already certified module, it’s the host manufacturer’s responsibility to verify that the integration in the final host device meets FCC Grantee limitations such as RF Exposure, multi-transmitters procedure, and so on.

The host manufacturers should keep records and declare under the SDoC procedure that he is in compliance with all requirements.

The SDoC should include details of the company’s local representative within the USA, as well as the signing company, as it is a legal liability.

See the explanation of the SDoC procedure:

FCC – Supplier Declaration of Conformity (SDoC) – Regulation Summary>>

https://www.fcc.gov/general/equipment-authorization-procedures

Product Safety – UL Standards

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is an agency of the United States Department of Labor.

OSHA’s Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL) Program recognizes private sector organizations to perform certification for certain products.

 To ensure that they meet the requirements of both the construction and general industry OSHA electrical standards. 

Each NRTL has a scope of test standards that they recognize, and each NRTL uses its own unique registered certification mark(s) to designate product conformance to the applicable product safety test standards. 

After certifying a product, the NRTL authorizes the manufacturer to apply a registered certification mark to the product.

Suppose the certification is done under the NRTL program. In that case, this mark signifies that the NRTL tested and certified the product and complies with the requirements of one or more appropriate product safety test standards. Current List of NRTLs >> Link

Most OSHA standards are based on UL standards. Therefore, it’s important to distinguish between UL lab, which is one entity among other NRTLs, and UL-STD ( Standards). UL-STD ensures that electrical equipment within certain voltage limits provides a high level of protection for the user. Obtaining the NRTL mark required first and quarterly factory inspections.

Sustainability, Environmental & Recycling Directives:

CPSC

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) protects the public from unreasonable risks of injury or death associated with the use of thousands of consumer products. CPSCs ensure the safety of consumer products – such as toys, cribs, power tools, cigarette lighters, and household chemicals.

California Proposition 65

Proposition 65 requires businesses to provide warnings to Californians about significant exposures to chemicals that cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.These chemicals may be in the products Californians purchase, in their homes or workplaces, or released into the environment. Proposition 65 requires businesses to provide Californians with information about chemicals that may cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.

Proposition 65 requires California to publish a list of chemicals known to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm. This list, which must be updated at least once a year, has grown to include approximately 900 chemicals since it was first published in 1987. 

State law requires any person suing “in the public interest” to enforce Proposition 65 and notify the Attorney General of the lawsuit and outcome of the case. Link to Enforcement reporting >>

There are also other State laws, such as NJAC 13: 1E-99.94, which should be evaluated per State.

Why choose 360Compliance for Product Certification for the United States of America?

Navigating the complexities of USA product certifications can be challenging. Consulting with 360 Compliance can ensure a smooth and compliant entry into the American market, boosting your chances of success.

By understanding and adhering to the relevant product certification and type approval requirements, you can access the vast potential of the US market while ensuring the safety and quality of your products.

Here’s why 360 Compliance stands out as your ideal partner for USA product certification:

• One-stop solution: 360 Compliance takes care of everything from initial assessments to final certification, eliminating the need to manage multiple vendors or navigate complex paperwork.
• Competitive pricing: 360 Compliance offers transparent and competitive pricing, ensuring you get the best value for your investment.
• Efficient approach: Their streamlined process minimizes unnecessary delays and rework, saving you time and money.
• Ongoing support: They offer ongoing support and guidance even after certification, ensuring you stay up-to-date with evolving regulations and maintain compliance.