RSP-100 — Certification of Radio Apparatus and Broadcasting Equipment

Inquiries may be submitted online using the General Inquiry form. Select the Certification and Engineering Bureau radio button and specify “RSP-100” in the General Inquiry field.

Inquiries can also be sent by email or by mail to the following address:

Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
Certification and Engineering Bureau
Attention: Manager, Equipment Certification
P.O. Box 11490, Station H
3701 Carling Avenue (Building 94)
Ottawa ON  K2H 8S2

Email: certificationbureau-bureauhomologation@ised-isde.gc.ca

Inquiries related to licensing may be made through ISED’s regional or district offices. Contact information for these offices is listed in Radio Information Circular RIC-66, Addresses and Telephone Numbers of District Offices.

BETS inquiries can be sent by email or by mail to the following address:

Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
Engineering, Planning and Standards Branch
Attention: Broadcasting Group
235 Queen Street
Ottawa ON  K1A 0H5

Email: spectrumengineering-genieduspectre@ised-isde.gc.ca

RSS inquiries may be submitted online using the General Inquiry form. Select the Regulatory Standards Branch radio button and specify the RSS in the General Inquiry field (e.g. “RSS-Gen”).

Inquiries can also be sent by email or by mail to the following address:

Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
Engineering, Planning and Standards Branch
Attention: Regulatory Standards Directorate
235 Queen Street
Ottawa ON K1A 0H5

Email: consultationradiostandards-consultationnormesradio@ised-isde.gc.ca

Comments and suggestions for amending RSSs may be submitted online using the Standard Change Request form or by mail to the above address.

A Canadian representative is required when the applicant’s company address is not within Canada. The applicant shall provide a signed Application and Agreement for Certification Services (see form A) in which the details of the company representative in Canada shall be clearly identified.

The Canadian representative shall be 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.

Applications for certification services shall be prepared and submitted in accordance with the process described in this document.

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 (see form B).

Consult the Document Checklist for Certification (see form C), which contains a comprehensive list of required documents to be submitted with the certification application (depending on the type of certification service(s) requested).

• New Single Product Certification service (see section 9.2)
• New Family Product Certification service (see section 9.3)
• Add New Product/Non-RF Product Modifications (C1PC) to Existing Certification service (see section 11.1)
• Add New Product/Product Modifications (C2PC) to Existing Certification service (see section 11.2)
• C3PC Product Modification service (see section 11.3)
• C4PC Product Modification service (see section 11.4)
• Multiple Listing of Certification service(see section 11.5)
• Transfer of Certifications service (see section 11.6)

Applications for Certification services shall be submitted online using ISED’s Equipment Certification and Registration Services.

In addition to the applicable RSS(s), radio apparatus that is designed to connect to the public switched network shall also comply with CS-03 standards.

In addition to the requirements in this document, terminal equipment registration is also required in accordance with the procedure described in DC-01.

The module(s) shall be integrated into host products as per the requirements/instructions for intended use/configuration provided by the module certificate holder.

Host products and associated modules (i.e. final product) shall meet all applicable requirements set out in RSS-Gen, including the radio frequency (RF) exposure compliance requirements in RSS-102.

The applicant can obtain modular approval (MA) or limited modular approval (LMA) certification for a module intended to be installed in a host product. The Modular Approval Attestation (see form D) shall be submitted with the MA or LMA certification application.

The module certificate holder shall provide intended use/configuration instructions for module integration into a host.

For handheld and/or wearable host devices (such as cellphones and smartwatches), host certification is required since modular certification is not adequate unless the host contains only one transmitter module for which the specific absorption rate (SAR) is exempted or below 0.4 W/kg. When a handheld/wearable host contains multiple modules, host certification is required in all cases regardless of 1) whether the transmission is only from one module at any time or from a number of modules simultaneously and 2) the SAR value of the individual modules.

8.2.1 Modular approval

For MA certification, the module shall meet all of the requirements as detailed in the Modular Approval Attestation (see form D).

8.2.2 Limited modular approval

LMA certification may be granted when all of the following conditions are met:

1. a module does not meet one or more modular approval requirements as detailed in the Modular Approval Attestation
2. the applicant is able to demonstrate in the Modular Approval Attestation how they will retain control over the final installation of the product, such that compliance of the end product is assured (in such cases, an operating condition on the LMA certificate for the module shall state that the module is only approved for use in a specific host)

The applicant is permitted to obtain LMA certification for any module even if the module meets all the requirements of MA. The applicant shall state the reason in the Modular Approval Attestation.

• PMN — The Product Marketing Name (PMN) is required at the time of the certification. For temporary non-disclosure of the PMN, the deferred REL/TAR (Radio equipment list and Telecommunications Apparatus Register) listing function can be used.
• HVIN — The Hardware Version Identification Number (HVIN) is required for all products for certification service application. As the HVIN is required to be on the product label or accessible through e-labelling, any changes to the HVIN will require changes to the product label and/or e-labelling.
• FVIN — The Firmware Version Identification Number (FVIN) shall be provided as appropriate (if the product does not require firmware for operation, “N/A” shall be entered as the FVIN).
• HMN — The Host Marketing Name (HMN) shall be provided when the module requires a host product for RF and/or SAR/RF exposure testing.
• Equipment Description — A brief description of the type of product and the technology used is required (e.g. “Router with WiFi,” “Smartphone with Bluetooth,” “WiFi,” “GSM,” “LTE,” “NFC”).
• Band Class and Technology — The band class and technology information for some types of devices is required. This information shall be provided when prompted during the online certification service application process.

A “New Single Product Certification” application for a single product version (final product or module) may be granted provided that the applicant has never been granted certification for the assigned HVIN or ISED Certification Number in the certification service application.

The certification service application shall include the following:

1. the PMN (which can be identical to the HVIN)
2. the FVIN, if applicable (otherwise “N/A” shall be entered as the FVIN)
3. the HMN for modular certifications when module compliance is assessed in a host
4. the documents required as per the checklist in form C

Multiple versions of a product design are permitted to be certified under a single family certification service with one ISED Certification Number provided that all the product variants within a family certification meet the following conditions:

1. the enclosure and general appearance of all product versions in a family certification shall be identical except for enclosure colour and/or minor external cosmetic differences
2. two or more versions of a product with one printed circuit board (PCB) design with different frequency bands/technologies enabled by software
3. a new version of a certified product which may have minor PCB modifications to improve existing frequency bands/technologies and/or add non-RF features
4. all the product versions within the family certification shall be identical or have differences permitted under Class I and III permissive changes

Two or more versions of a product with two or more PCB designs with different frequency bands/technologies within identical enclosures are not permitted within a family certification.

An approval from ISED for an exceptional circumstance where the difference between the products under family certification falls under Class II permissive changes shall be submitted with the certification application.

9.3.1 New Family Product Certification service

A “New Family Product Certification” application for multiple versions of a product (final products or modules) may be submitted provided that the applicant has never been granted certification for the assigned HVIN(s) or ISED Certification Number in the application.

The application shall provide the following:

1. at least one field (PMN, HVIN or FVIN), which shall be unique to identify the different versions of the product for new family certification
2. a detailed description of hardware and/or software similarities/differences (RF characteristics, circuitry design, function, etc.) between all unique versions of unique PMN, HVIN and FVIN
3. the HMN for modular certifications when module compliance is assessed in a host
4. documents required as per the checklist in form C

9.3.2 Legacy product exemptions

Some telephone systems consisting of a base station and wireless handset(s) require radio certification and terminal registration. ISED will accept one ISED certification/registration number under family certification/registration for a base telephone unit and one or more wireless handsets sold with the base unit. The base unit and the handset cannot have identical HVIN. Only identical handsets are permitted to share the same HVIN.

Different products being sold together as a system (e.g. baby monitor systems or speaker systems) will no longer be accepted by ISED under a family certification. A unique ISED Certification Number is required for each transmitter.

The following changes under C1PC are permitted:

1. modifications that do not change the fundamental RF characteristics and that do not degrade the unwanted emissions of the certified product
2. modifications that do not change physical characteristics significantly (which would require new photographs to identify the modified product)

If the final product is designed to utilize more than one stand-alone certified module which are capable of transmitting simultaneously, C1PC is applicable provided that all of the following conditions are met:

1. the final product is designed to be used at a distance of greater than 20 cm
2. the modules were certified for stand-alone configuration without taking into consideration co-location or the operation with other antennas or transmitters
3. the sum of the Maximum Permissible Exposure (MPE) ratios for all simultaneously transmitting antennas incorporated in the host device is below 1.0 at a distance of 20 cm
4. the final product meets all applicable standards

If the final product does not meet all conditions stated above, C4PC is applicable.

Notice to ISED is not required for Class I modifications unless the HVIN or PMN is also modified; however, the certificate holder shall ensure that the product continues to remain compliant as per the original RSS-102 attestation on file with ISED.

The following changes under C2PC are permitted:

1. hardware modifications to the certified product that affect fundamental RF characteristics and/or degrade the unwanted emissions of the product
2. modifications to a certified product that change the RF characteristics, but the requirements established in the applicable RSS or BETS in the original certification are still met
3. modifications that change physical characteristics significantly (which would require new photographs to identify the modified product)
4. any changes to the PMN or HVIN of the certified product

The addition of new frequency bands with hardware modification is not permitted. Refer to C3PC for adding new frequency bands with firmware change.

Notice to ISED is required for Class II permissive changes.

The following changes under C3PC are permitted:

1. firmware modifications to a certified product that affect the RF characteristics of the product
2. firmware modifications to enable frequency bands without hardware modification

ISED will accept applications on a voluntary basis under C3PC in cases where firmware modifications are made to disable the frequency bands without hardware modification.

Notice to ISED is required for Class III permissive changes and a new and unique FVIN shall be provided.

 

A certified module(s) (LMA or MA) that is integrated into a new host product that results in changes to the original reported RF emissions characteristics and/or RF exposure assessment is permitted under C4PC, with or without firmware modification.

Notice to ISED is required for Class IV permissive changes and the HMN shall be provided.

The following shall be verified for the “Add New Product/Non-RF Product Modifications (C1PC) to Existing Certification” service:

1. the product version must have at least one unique field (PMN, HVIN or FVIN) to identify different versions if there is more than one product version in the application (the PMN, HVIN or FVIN may be identical to or different from the existing certified version(s) of the product)
2. the HMN is provided for modular certifications when module compliance is assessed in a host
3. the modifications to the original certified product meet the conditions of Class I permissive changes
4. documents required as per the checklist in form C are submitted and include:
   1. a detailed description between different versions of the product with photographs, block diagrams, schematics and product literature, where applicable
   2. a statement describing how the non-RF modifications to the product meet the Class I permissive changes and/or family certification conditions

The following shall be verified for the “Add New Product/Product Modifications (C2PC) to Existing Certification” service:

1. the product version must have at least one unique field (PMN, HVIN or FVIN) to identify different product versions if there is more than one product version in the application (the PMN, HVIN or FVIN may be identical to or different from the existing certified version(s) of the product)
2. the HMN is provided for modular certifications when module compliance is assessed in a host
3. test report(s) are provided for any permitted hardware or software modifications to the original certified product that may affect the RF characteristics
4. the modifications to the original certified product meet the conditions of Class II permissive changes
5. documents required as per the checklist in form C are submitted and include:
   1. a detailed description of the firmware/hardware changes (RF characteristics, circuitry design and functional capabilities) between different versions of the product with photographs, block diagrams, schematics and product literature
   2. a statement describing how the modifications to the product meet the Class II permissive changes and/or family certification conditions

The following shall be verified for the “C3PC Product Modification” service:

1. a new and unique FVIN is provided
2. the Modification Information Letter is submitted and includes:
   1. a detailed description of the RF characteristics and/or functional changes to the certified product due to the firmware change
   2. a statement describing how the modifications to the product meet the Class III permissive changes certification conditions
3. documents required as per the checklist in form C are submitted

The following shall be verified for the “C4PC Product Modification” service:

1. the SAR, RF exposure and/or NS evaluation(s) in the new host product are provided
2. test report(s) and updated RF emissions information are submitted if the module integration affects the original RF emissions characteristics
3. the HMN(s) is provided
4. information regarding the module integration into a new host, including statements regarding changes to the module’s original reported RF emissions characteristics and/or SAR, RF exposure and/or NS evaluation(s) are provided
5. documents required as per the checklist in form C are submitted

A new certification may be obtained based on an existing certification with an application of a “Multiple Listing of Certification” service.

11.5.1 Information

Below is information related to certification falling under the Multiple Listing of Certification service:

1. the existing certificate holder or another entity/company (new applicant) may request a new ISED Certification Number based on the existing certification of a product
2. the selected HVIN, PMN or FVIN under the new multiple listing application may be identical to those used in the certification of the original applicant, provided that the HVIN has never been used by the multiple listing applicant

11.5.2 Requirements

The applicant shall submit documents required as per the checklist in form C, including the following information:

1. an ISED Certification Number for which certification has never been granted to the applicant
2. the product version(s), which must be identical (C1PC permitted) to those in the existing certification
3. the Application Cover Letter, which includes:
   1. product details (ISED Certification Number, PMN, HVIN, FVIN when applicable) from the existing certification and new application
   2. a declaration that the new product version is identical to the certified product
   3. a declaration that the documents on file with ISED from the original certification remain unchanged and continue to be valid
4. an Original Applicant Authorization Letter from the existing certificate holder that includes:
   1. authorization for the existing certified product to be listed under the new applicant/company
   2. product identification details (ISED Certification Number, PMN, HVIN and FVIN as applicable) from the existing certification and new application
   3. authorization for ISED officials to use documents it has on file from the existing certification

Below is information related to the “Transfer of Certifications” service.

11.6.1 Full Transfer of Certifications service (company takeover)

The “Full Transfer of Certifications” service is applicable when one company takes over another company.

The new applicant shall submit documents required as per the checklist in form C, including the following information:

1. a signed statement indicating that the new company assumes all responsibilities associated with all existing certifications from the existing certificate holder
2. a copy of the Original Applicant Authorization Letter authorizing ISED to:
   1. transfer the certificate ownership from the current certificate holder to the new company/applicant
   2. change the certificate file information to reflect the new certificate holder’s information (the HVIN and ISED Certification Number shall remain unchanged)

11.6.2 Partial Transfer of Certifications service (product line takeover)

The “Partial Transfer of Certifications” service is applicable when one company takes over one or more product line(s), but not all of the product lines, from another company.

The new applicant shall assign new ISED Certification Number(s) to all transferred certified product lines and shall submit documents required as per the checklist in form C, including the following information:

1. a signed statement indicating the new company/applicant assumes all responsibilities for the product line(s) being transferred that are associated with the existing certifications from the existing certificate holder
2. a copy of the Original Applicant Authorization Letter authorizing ISED to transfer the certificate ownership to the new company/applicant and change the certificate file information to reflect the new certificate holder’s information

Certificate holders and all associated responsible parties (manufacturers, importers, distributors and vendors) have a regulatory obligation to ensure that the product(s) continues to meet all applicable standards throughout its entire life cycle.

Post-certification audits will be conducted by ISED and the CB in order to ensure continuing compliance. The technical acceptance certificate (TAC) holder shall provide random radio product samples at the certificate holder’s expense, when requested by ISED or the CB, for post-certification audit testing, or for determining radio interference.

In the event of an investigation of non-compliance, the certificate holder will be asked to provide ISED with records of the quality control process, as well as any relevant information that could help identify issues related to compliance. All certificate holders will be able to demonstrate a quality control process used for production inspection and testing in accordance with good engineering practices.

When ISED determines a product is not compliant with applicable standard(s) and procedure(s), the certificate holder will be asked to provide a satisfactory remedial action to bring the product back into compliance. In the case where certificate holders are not reachable or unresponsive, the other responsible parties (importers, distributors and vendors) will be contacted to take prompt and effective remedial action.

The applicant shall indicate which information and documents submitted for certification are confidential. The provisions of the Access to Information Act apply to all applicants.

Files provided to ISED for the following exhibit types qualify for confidential treatment:

• block diagrams
• operational description
• parts lists and tune-up information
• software defined radio and security information
• schematic diagrams

For files of other exhibit types, ISED may consider treating them as confidential if the applicant submits a request with appropriate justification before the application for certification service is submitted to ISED or a CB.