In the last decade more and more products, from doorbells and refrigerators to industrial control systems, have become ‘smart’. Mostly via wireless data communication these products communicate with each other or over the internet. In order to be allowed to be sold on the Canadian market, all these devices have to comply with applicable ISED regulation. Kiwa can help manufacturers and suppliers to comply with applicable ISED regulations and gain quick access to the Canadian market.

Canada has required standards for products that might contribute to electromagnetic interference in order to reduce the level of radio frequency (RF) interference between electronic devices. In general each electronic product, both with and without wireless functionality, placed on the Canadian market must comply with the ISED regulations, in order to be sold. Also if products are equipped with an already certified radio module, the end-product as a whole must comply with ISED regulations. Important: American FCC certification is NOT sufficient for Canadian approval.

What is ISED?

ISED is the federal institution which works with Canadians in all areas of the economy and in all parts of the country to improve conditions for investment, enhance Canada's innovation performance, increase Canada's share of global trade and build a fair, efficient and competitive marketplace. The ISED also includes radio equipment standards. These can be found here: Radio Standards Specifications - Spectrum management and telecommunications. Some of the most well-known ISED standards are: RSS-210 - Licence-Exempt Radio Apparatus: Category I Equipment and RSS-247 - Digital Transmission Systems (DTSs), Frequency Hopping Systems (FHSs) and Licence-Exempt Local Area Network (LE-LAN) Devices.

ISED authorization process

Certification of a product to ISED standards requires various steps and documents which are detailed in RSP-100. Generally, applicants utilize the expertise of independent accredited testing and certification bodies to obtain certification for Canada.

ISED certification

Applications for certification services shall be prepared and submitted in accordance with the process described in the RSP-100. The application shall contain all of the necessary information, including an application cover letter that describes the certification service being requested and the intended use of the radio product. Test report(s) that meet the requirements of RSS-Gen shall be included, along with a completed test report cover sheet.

Consult the document checklist for certification which contains a comprehensive list of required documents to be submitted with the certification application (depending on the type of certification service(s) requested).

Certified equipment is subject to the Radio Equipment List (REL) listing requirements set out in RSS-Gen for Category I equipment classification. Furthermore the product shall meet the labelling requirements set out in RSS-Gen and the applicable standards.

For certification of radio apparatus a Canadian representative is required when the applicant’s company address is not within Canada. The applicant has to provide a signed application and agreement for certification services in which the details of the company representative in Canada shall be clearly identified.

The Canadian representative is responsible for responding to all enquiries from ISED regarding the certified product(s), including providing audit samples at no charge to ISED. The applicant shall have a valid application and agreement for certification services for as long as the certified product is offered on the Canadian market.

For more information about the forms and documents mentioned on this webpage, please contact us.

ISED test labs and certification bodies (CB’s)

Testing and certification bodies that are recognized by ISED are listed on ISED website. Testing laboratories test the products according to the required Canadian regulations for radio certification with ISED. Certification bodies are recognized independent organizations who conduct certification of radio-communication equipment for the purpose of sale in Canadian market.

Kiwa is both an accredited ISED test lab and certification body and is able to help you with your questions regarding radio equipment certification for Canada.

ISED testing by Kiwa

Kiwa’s is equipped with start-of-the-art test facilities and is a recognized ISED testing laboratory. We test the electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and wireless data communication aspects of a wide range of electronic devices. In its test lab Kiwa is able to perform testing according to different ISED radio standards specifications such as RSS-GEN, RSS210, RSS-247, RSS-132, RSS-133, RSS-139. Under these parts technologies such as Bluetooth, WiFi, Zigbee, Cellular and consumer ISM equipment can be tested.

All our projects are guided by a project manager specifically dedicated to your project. Together with the project manager you will do a project kick-off and you will know exactly what we expect from you and what you can expect from us. All certification documents and templates will be shared after the project kick-off. In order to test your product our test laboratory must be able to do the following:

  • Control the radio (module);
  • Adjust TX Frequency, L, M and H (modulated and unmodulated);
  • Adjust TX Power (preferrable);
  • Set device in RX Only mode (must be able to operate in Idle mode and with notification of reception)

Sample requirements:

  • At least two samples are needed for EMC and RF measurements;
    • One worst-case sample (incl. all cables, options etc.)
    • One sample must be able to be put in test mode
    • (extra) Conducted sample is preferred (pigtail, u.FL connector etc.)

ISED Certification by Kiwa

Kiwa is a recognized Canadian Certification Body (CCB). We will check your technical construction file including test reports, documentation such as manuals and drawings and your declaration of conformity. If it is all in line with the ISED regulations, Kiwa can issue an ISED certification for your product. In order to issue an ISED certificate a manufacturer or importer must be listed in the ISED database. The manufacturer must have an IC company code. Kiwa can help you to get this company code.