FCC FCC ID Labeling & Documentation Requirements 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the FCC's 'Equipment Authorization System' (EAS) and what information does it contain?
- An online database where all FCC equipment authorization applications are submitted and grants are publicly accessible (Correct answer)
- A system for scheduling FCC compliance inspections of test laboratories
- A database of FCC-licensed radio operators
- An automated tool that generates FCC ID numbers for new applicants
Correct answer: An online database where all FCC equipment authorization applications are submitted and grants are publicly accessible
The FCC's Equipment Authorization System (EAS, formerly TCBF and FCC Connect) is the online portal for submitting equipment authorization applications, where granted authorizations and associated documents become publicly searchable.
Question 2: What is a 'Declaration of Conformity' (DoC) and how does it differ from Certification under FCC rules?
- A DoC is a self-declaration by the responsible party that a device meets FCC standards without third-party review; Certification requires review by a TCB or the FCC (Correct answer)
- A DoC applies only to devices above 1 W; Certification applies to lower power devices
- A DoC is issued by the FCC; Certification is issued by the manufacturer
- They are identical processes with different names used in different FCC offices
Correct answer: A DoC is a self-declaration by the responsible party that a device meets FCC standards without third-party review; Certification requires review by a TCB or the FCC
Under FCC Part 2, a Declaration of Conformity (now called Supplier's Declaration of Conformity or SDoC) allows the responsible party to self-declare compliance with FCC rules based on their own testing, without submitting to a TCB, while Certification requires independent third-party review.
Question 3: What information must be included in the user manual or documentation accompanying an FCC-certified device?
- FCC compliance statements, interference notices, and instructions for proper use to maintain compliance including any restrictions on use near other equipment (Correct answer)
- Only the FCC ID number printed on the first page
- The full text of the applicable FCC rule parts
- The names and contact information of all laboratory personnel who performed testing
Correct answer: FCC compliance statements, interference notices, and instructions for proper use to maintain compliance including any restrictions on use near other equipment
FCC rules require that user manuals include specified compliance statements (e.g., Part 15.105 notice for Class B devices), interference notices, and any conditions of the authorization such as restrictions on antenna types or installation requirements.
Question 4: What is the FCC Part 15.19 labeling statement required for unintentional radiators?
- A statement that the device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules and is subject to two conditions: it may not cause harmful interference and must accept any interference received (Correct answer)
- A statement that the device has been tested and certified by the FCC directly
- A statement listing the specific frequencies on which the device operates
- A statement indicating the device's maximum power output in milliwatts
Correct answer: A statement that the device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules and is subject to two conditions: it may not cause harmful interference and must accept any interference received
FCC Part 15.19 requires unintentional radiators to bear a statement that the device complies with Part 15 rules and must meet two conditions: it must not cause harmful interference and must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
Question 5: What is a 'product code' in the context of an FCC ID, and who assigns it?
- An alphanumeric code chosen by the applicant (responsible party) that uniquely identifies the specific device model within their grantee code (Correct answer)
- A code assigned by the FCC based on the device's frequency band
- A code derived from the serial number of the first production unit
- A code assigned by the TCB in sequence as applications are processed
Correct answer: An alphanumeric code chosen by the applicant (responsible party) that uniquely identifies the specific device model within their grantee code
The product code is the second part of the FCC ID, selected by the applicant to uniquely identify a specific device model, and must not be reused for a different device that is materially different from the original authorized model.
Question 6: What must a manufacturer do if the FCC grants an equipment authorization with special conditions or restrictions?
- Ensure the device is manufactured, marketed, and used only in accordance with those conditions, and include the conditions in relevant documentation (Correct answer)
- Simply note the conditions in internal records without informing customers
- Apply for a waiver of the conditions within 90 days of grant
- Test the device again to verify the conditions are met before beginning production
Correct answer: Ensure the device is manufactured, marketed, and used only in accordance with those conditions, and include the conditions in relevant documentation
Special conditions on an FCC grant are binding requirements; the responsible party must implement them in the device design, restrict marketing accordingly, and inform distributors and end users of any operational restrictions through labeling or documentation.
FCC FCC ID Labeling & Documentation Requirements 2
What is the FCC's 'Equipment Authorization System' (EAS) and what information does it contain?