ISED certification testing for wireless and radio products in Canada

ISED Certification

Access to the Canadian market

For products destined for the Canadian market, compliance with the requirements of Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) Certification is mandatory. ISED Certification is granted through a recognized Certification Body (CB), which reviews the applicable RF testing, EMC testing, technical documentation, and compliance reports before issuing regulatory approval. This certification process helps manufacturers demonstrate regulatory compliance, complete product certification, satisfy ICES-003 testing requirements where applicable, and gain access to the Canadian marketplace. As an accredited EMC testing lab and RF testing lab, Stancer Testing-Lab supports manufacturers throughout the complete ISED certification process, including ISED certification testing for wireless and electronic products.

A common misconception is that FCC Certification automatically authorizes products for sale in Canada. In reality, FCC approval and ISED Certification are separate regulatory requirements. Products intended for both U.S. and Canadian markets must satisfy the requirements of each authority through appropriate FCC certification testing, ISED certification testing Canada, electromagnetic compatibility testing, and product compliance testing to ensure full compliance, successful certification, and seamless global market access across North America.

Our Services

ISED certification testing for electronic and wireless products in Canada

performing compliance testing in accordance with ISED Radio Standards Specifications (RSS) and applicable procedures under the Radio Standards Procedure (RSP) framework. The laboratory operates under ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation and follows the requirements defined in RSS-Gen for general compliance of radio apparatus.

In addition to technical performance, we perform RF exposure evaluation under RSS-102 (Issue 5), including measurement and assessment of exposure levels where applicable.

Our accredited scope covers a wide range of licensed and license-exempt radio technologies across multiple frequency bands.

For land mobile and fixed equipment operating between 27.41 MHz and 960 MHz, testing is conducted in accordance with RSS-119. Equipment operating in cellular and adjacent bands, including 600 MHz, 700 MHz, and traditional cellular bands, is evaluated under RSS-130 and RSS-132. Personal communications systems and narrowband services are addressed through RSS-133 and RSS-134.

Receiver-based equipment such as digital scanners falls under RSS-135, while location and monitoring systems in the 902–928 MHz band are covered by RSS-137. Advanced Wireless Services (AWS) equipment is evaluated under RSS-139, and public safety broadband equipment is addressed under RSS-140.

Aeronautical and specialized communication systems are assessed under RSS-141 and RSS-142, including narrowband multipoint and aviation-related equipment. Mobile earth stations and satellite-related equipment are evaluated under RSS-170.

Maritime communication equipment, including coast and ship stations as well as VHF maritime radios, is covered under RSS-181 and RSS-182.

For modern broadband and flexible spectrum use cases, equipment operating in mid-band and higher frequencies is evaluated under RSS-192, RSS-194, RSS-195, RSS-196, RSS-197, and RSS-199, including fixed wireless access, broadband radio service, and rural broadband systems.

License-exempt radio apparatus is addressed under RSS-210, which covers a broad range of wireless technologies up to 325 GHz. Additional categories include level probing radar under RSS-211. For vehicular radar systems operating in the 76–81 GHz band, Stancer also provides automotive radar testing to RSS-251, license-exempt personal communications devices under RSS-213, analogue scanner receivers under RSS-215, and wireless power transfer devices under RSS-216.

Ultra-wideband (UWB) devices are evaluated under RSS-220, while white space devices are covered under RSS-222.

Further specialized equipment includes citizens band radios under RSS-236, shipborne radar under RSS-238, and medical communication devices under RSS-243 and RSS-244.

Short-range and wireless networking technologies such as digital transmission systems, frequency hopping systems, and license-exempt local area networks are addressed under RSS-247. Radio local area network devices operating in the 6 GHz band are evaluated under RSS-248.

Transportation and safety-related systems, including dedicated short-range communications (DSRC) and emergency beacon equipment such as EPIRBs, ELTs, and PLBs, are covered under RSS-252 and RSS-287. Global maritime distress and safety systems are addressed under RSS-288.

Category II license-exempt equipment is covered under RSS-310.

At Stancer Testing-Lab, testing is performed in accordance with the applicable RSS standards and associated measurement procedures, ensuring that equipment meets both regulatory and technical requirements for operation within Canada.

For products integrating pre-certified modules, compliance requirements depend on the integration conditions. Any modification to RF parameters, antenna systems, or operating conditions may require additional evaluation.

The ISED certification label consists of a word mark that includes the Company Number (CN) and the Unique Product Number (UPN). The UPN is assigned by the manufacturer, whereas the CN is issued by the Canadian regulatory authority.

The ISED label must be clearly and permanently affixed to the product and, where applicable, may also be displayed on the packaging. As an alternative, the label may be presented electronically (e-labeling), provided that specific regulatory requirements are satisfied, as outlined in the  RSP 100 – “Certification of Radio Apparatus”. (RSP-100 — Certification of Radio Apparatus and Broadcasting Equipment)

As part of the certification process, it is mandatory to define a product designation, known as the Hardware Version Identification Number (HVIN). In addition, each approved product is published under a corresponding marketing name, referred to as the Product Marketing Name (PMN).

Stancer Testing-Lab advantage: As an ISO 17025 Accredited laboratory, we offer a fully integrated FCC and ISED certification pathway, allowing you to combine testing and approvals for both the U.S. and Canada. This approach minimizes duplication, reduces costs, and accelerates your time-to-market across North America.

The ISED Certification Label

A windfarm with integrated technologies that need ISED CERTIFICATION

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