FCC Gives Details on RF Device Importing Requirements
The Federal Communications Commission recently posted some guidance on the use of the Suppliers Declaration of Conformity by radio frequency device importers. The April 5 guidance from the FCC Office of Engineering and Technology details the SDoC procedures created last year when the agency ended Form 740 filing requirements (see 1711010011).
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An SDoC isn't required at entry, but must be available through the "responsible party" when requested by the FCC. "The responsible party is typically one of the following: the manufacturer, the assembler (if the equipment is assembled from individual component parts), or the importer (if the equipment is imported), the FCC" said. The agency's rules require "that no radio frequency device may be imported into the U.S. unless the importer or ultimate consignee, or their designated broker, determines that the device meets one or more of the conditions for entry."
Under the new procedures, equipment that does not contain a radio transmitter and contains only digital circuitry – such as computer peripherals, microwave ovens, industrial, scientific and medical equipment, switching power supplies, LED light bulbs, radio receivers, and TV interface devices – is subject to approval using the SDoC procedure with an option to use the certification procedures. Equipment that contains both unintentional radiators like digitial logic circuitry within an end product that also includes intentional radiators like radio transmitters, "the unintentional radiator portion can be generally authorized under either SDoC or certification while the intentional radiators ... contained in the equipment is typically required to be certified," the FCC said.
Retailers and manufacturers may reach an agreement "with the responsible party (manufacturer, assembler, or importer) to assume the liabilities of guaranteeing compliance of the equipment and become the new responsible party for the purposes of the Commission’s rules," the FCC said. The guidance also provides an example of an SDoC format, though no specific format is required. The FCC also released a set of Frequently Asked Questions on the SDoC.