United States

FCC rules for electronics: SDoC, FCC ID and importing into the US

Electronics sold in the US need FCC authorisation: digital devices without radios use the Supplier’s Declaration of Conformity after Part 15B emissions testing, and anything with a transmitter needs FCC certification (an FCC ID) through a Telecommunication Certification Body. Importers also handle CPSC certificates, customs entry and state rules such as California’s.

Last reviewed 27 October 2026 · A planning guide, not legal or certification advice.

Check your exact product

Roadblock lists every step that applies to what you’re launching, for each market, in order.

Try: “A Wi-Fi security camera made in Shenzhen, sold in the US”

SDoC or FCC ID

Digital electronics are “unintentional radiators”. They’re tested for emissions to FCC Part 15 Subpart B (Class B for home use), then the Supplier’s Declaration of Conformity is issued by a US-based responsible party, with the FCC compliance statement in the manual or on the product. Anything with a transmitter (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, cellular) needs FCC certification through a Telecommunication Certification Body, an RF exposure evaluation, a grantee code and an FCC ID label. A pre-certified module can be reused if you follow its grant conditions.

Check your parts first

The FCC won’t authorise equipment from companies on its Covered List (for example Huawei, ZTE, Hikvision, Dahua, DJI and Autel), and online marketplaces must remove it. Check radio modules and cameras in your bill of materials before you design them in. Test labs and certification bodies owned by “foreign adversary” countries are no longer recognised, so choose your lab with care.

Security and state rules

California (SB-327) and Oregon require connected devices to have reasonable security features, such as a unique password per device. California’s Proposition 65 requires warnings for listed chemicals above safe harbour levels for businesses with 10 or more employees, and some products must be listed in California’s appliance efficiency database before sale there.

Importing

Use a licensed customs broker, a customs bond and an Importer Security Filing for ocean freight. The importer of record certifies CPSC compliance where a CPSC rule applies (General Certificate of Conformity), checks FCC authorisation and pays duties, including Section 301 tariffs on many Chinese goods. Lithium batteries need a UN 38.3 test summary before they can be shipped.

Steps, time and cost

Planning ranges from Roadblock’s register (A$, excluding your own staff time). Which steps apply depends on the product; run an analysis for yours.

StepMarketTypical timeTypical cost
Check the FCC Covered ListUS1–2 wkA$0–1,000
FCC Part 15 Subpart B testing and SDoCUS2–4 wkA$1,500–4,000
FCC equipment certification (FCC ID)US4–8 wkA$5,000–15,000
State IoT security lawsUS2–6 wkA$2,000–20,000
CPSC General Certificate of ConformityUS1–3 wkA$0–1,000
California Proposition 65US1–3 wkA$500–3,000
UN 38.3 lithium battery transport testsAll markets3–6 wkA$3,000–10,000
Importing into the United StatesUS1–3 wkA$300–2,000

Questions

Does my product need an FCC ID?

Only if it contains a transmitter such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or cellular. Digital devices without radios use the Supplier’s Declaration of Conformity after Part 15B testing.

Can I use a pre-certified Wi-Fi module?

Yes. If you follow the module’s grant conditions (antenna, placement, labelling), you can rely on its FCC ID, but the finished product still needs Part 15B emissions testing and the module’s ID shown on the label.

How long does FCC certification take?

Usually 4 to 8 weeks including testing and the TCB grant. SDoC-only products take 2 to 4 weeks.

How much does FCC certification cost?

Roughly A$5,000 to A$15,000 per radio for certification, and A$1,500 to A$4,000 for Part 15B testing for an SDoC.

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