Radio and telecom

FCC equipment authorization

U.S. equipment authorization rules for radio transmitters, intentional radiators and certain electronic products placed on the American market.

CodeFCC
RegionUnited States
TypeMandatory for radio products
Issued byFederal Communications Commission (FCC)
Last verified2026-10-10
Quick answerCertification · last verified 2026-10-10

U.S. equipment authorization rules for radio transmitters, intentional radiators and certain electronic products placed on the American market. Status: Mandatory for radio products. Issued or recognised by Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

CodeFCC
RegionUnited States
TypeMandatory for radio products
Issued byFederal Communications Commission (FCC)
GroupRadio and telecom
Last verified2026-10-10
How to cite this pageIoT Atlas. "FCC equipment authorization". https://hi-spark.net/certification/fcc.html Last verified 2026-10-10.

What it means

Any device that transmits radio energy in the United States normally needs an FCC authorization before it can be marketed or imported. Devices fall into Certification, Supplier’s Declaration of Conformity or verification routes depending on the radio technology.

Applies to

  • Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, cellular and sub-GHz radios
  • Unintentional radiators such as switching electronics
  • Wireless modules and host devices that contain them

What it does not cover

  • Electrical safety, which is handled by NRTL listing such as UL or ETL
  • RF exposure to users unless the device is assessed against the exposure limits
  • Cybersecurity or privacy of the device or its cloud

Verification checklist

  • Identify the correct authorization route for each radio
  • Test to the applicable FCC rule part at an accredited lab
  • Keep the FCC ID label and user manual statements accurate
  • Complete the supplier’s declaration or certification filing
  • List the module grant conditions when using a pre-certified module