FCC certification for electronics: FCC ID or SDoC for US exports

Electronic products that emit radio-frequency energy need FCC equipment authorization before they are sold in the United States. The FCC uses two procedures: Certification, with a grant from a Telecommunication Certification Body (TCB) and an FCC ID, for most wireless devices, and the Supplier's Declaration of Conformity (SDoC) for most other electronics. Choosing the right one decides your testing, paperwork and label.

Checked against official sources: 2026-10

At a glance

RegulatorThe FCC Office of Engineering and Technology administers two equipment authorization procedures

CertificationFor most intentional radiators, such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth devices, and some unintentional radiators

Who grants itA Telecommunication Certification Body (TCB)

Certification testingBy an FCC-recognized accredited test lab (47 CFR 2.948)

SDoCFor most unintentional radiators; the responsible party ensures compliance without applying to a TCB

SDoC testingAn FCC-recognized lab is not compulsory, but a test report must be provided if the FCC asks

FCC IDGrantee code plus product code, shown with the words "FCC ID" and legible

LabelsCertified devices carry the compliance statement of 47 CFR 15.19; SDoC devices show trade name and model, FCC logo optional

Certification or SDoC?

Intentional radiators deliberately transmit radio signals: Wi-Fi and Bluetooth products, wireless microphones, cordless telephones and similar devices. Most of them, and some unintentional radiators, need Certification: the product is tested by an FCC-recognized accredited laboratory and a Telecommunication Certification Body (TCB) issues the grant, which is linked to an FCC ID. Certification is the most rigorous procedure.

Unintentional radiators produce radio-frequency energy only as a by-product, like many digital devices without a radio. Most of them use the Supplier's Declaration of Conformity (SDoC): the responsible party makes sure the product complies and keeps the test report, but does not apply to a TCB. An FCC-recognized lab is not compulsory for SDoC testing, but the report must be provided if the FCC requests it.

FCC ID and labels

FCC ID: a grantee code that identifies the applicant plus a product code chosen by the grantee.
The label must include the words "FCC ID" and be legible.
Certified devices carry the compliance statement required by 47 CFR 15.19.
SDoC devices show the trade name and a type or model number; the FCC logo is optional.
Keep the grant, test reports and user manual statements consistent with the label.

What exporters prepare

If your product has any radio module, plan for Certification and an FCC ID before your US buyer lists it. For products without a radio, prepare SDoC test reports and the label information. US importers commonly ask suppliers for the FCC ID or the SDoC test report before they accept the product.

Step by step

Decide whether your product is an intentional radiator (with a radio) or an unintentional radiator.
For wireless products, test at an FCC-recognized accredited lab and apply for Certification through a TCB.
Obtain or confirm your grantee code and choose the product code for the FCC ID.
For other electronics, test for SDoC and keep the report ready for the FCC.
Put the FCC ID or SDoC information and the required statement on the label and in the manual.
Send your US buyer the grant or the SDoC report with the product's model number.

Documents you usually need

FCC grant of equipment authorization (Certification)
Test report from an FCC-recognized lab
SDoC compliance information and test report
Label and user manual statements
Product specification with model number

Common problems and how to avoid them

A US buyer asks for the FCC ID of a Bluetooth speaker.

What to do: Bluetooth devices are intentional radiators that normally need Certification through a TCB, which links the product to an FCC ID.

A product without a radio was sent to a TCB.

What to do: Most unintentional radiators can use SDoC, which does not require a TCB application; keep the test report instead.

The label shows only a number without "FCC ID".

What to do: The FCC ID must include the term "FCC ID" and be legible.

The FCC requests an SDoC test report.

What to do: The responsible party must provide it; keep the report even if the lab was not FCC-recognized.

Sources

FCC certification guide: an overview (March 2023) Compliance Gate

Rules change often. This note is practical guidance based on the sources above, not legal advice. Confirm current requirements with the authority, your importer or a licensed customs broker before you ship.

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Trade notes

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Common questions

What is the difference between FCC Certification and SDoC?

Certification, for most wireless devices, needs testing by an FCC-recognized lab and a grant from a TCB with an FCC ID; SDoC, for most other electronics, is a self-declaration without a TCB application.

What does an FCC ID consist of?

A grantee code that identifies the applicant and a product code assigned by the grantee.

Does an SDoC product need an FCC ID?

No. SDoC labels show the trade name and model number, and the FCC logo is optional.

Must SDoC testing be done in an FCC-recognized lab?

No, but the responsible party must provide a test report if the FCC asks for it.

Who issues FCC Certification?

A Telecommunication Certification Body (TCB), after testing by an FCC-recognized accredited lab.

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