Any radio equipment introduced into the Canadian market must first be certified by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (formerly Industry Canada), but certification is not required where the equipment is imported exclusively for demonstration or trial purposes and not for distribution. To be certified, radio equipment must meet the standards and specifications of the Engineering Bureau of Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada or a recognized Certification Body (“CB”). If the radio equipment satisfies the applicable standards and specifications, a Certificate will be issued indicating compliance with applicable standards or specifications for the purposes of section 21(1)(b) and (c) of the Radiocommunication Regulations.
According to Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, “Certification of equipment for use in Canada guarantees that:
- The equipment meets the technical requirements under Canada’s Radiocommunication Regulations. Certified equipment also meets the regulations of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) of which Canada is a member.
- The requirements and standards for specific types of equipment are the same for all manufacturers and importers of radio apparatus.
- The use of spectrum efficient radio devices is encouraged. Greater efficiency in spectrum use allows a greater number of Canadians to benefit from radiocommunication services.”
Radio equipment for which certification must be obtained is set out in Category I Equipment Standards List, which includes broadcasting transmitters, portable radio transmitters, digital scanner receivers, cellular phones, remote car alarms and starters, garage door openers and wireless computer links. Category II Equipment, i.e. electronic transformers or ballasts, alarm keypads, intelligent battery chargers, satellite TV receivers, VCR‘s and computers, is not required to be certified though it must meet certain technical standards.
As part of the certification testing process of a radio device, attention is given to the following:
- the radio frequency and RF output power;
- the radio frequency circuitry;
- functional capabilities; and
- a test report.
Recently, a client inquired regarding whether it was required to individually certify each model of its radio device, in this case a smart watch. The answer is that Industry Canada permits “family certification” of multiple models if they are electrically identical and provided that each model is assigned a unique model number by the manufacturer. However, if the devices are not “electrically identical”, each device must be certified individually.
If you are applying to certify a radio device in Canada and need more information, click here for Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada’s Radio Equipment Certification Procedure – RSP-100 or give us a call or send us an email.
Don’t forget that each application must include 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. This is a service we provide for companies based in the United States, Europe, Asia and elsewhere.
If you have any questions or would like more information regarding the Radio Equipment Certification Procedure , call or email Koby Smutylo at 613 869 5440 or koby@lawyercorporation.ca.
