RSS-Gen - General Requirements and Information for the Certification of Radiocommunication Equipment

1. Scope

This Radio Standards Specification (RSS) sets out general requirements for the certification of radiocommunication equipment.¹

This Standard must be used in conjunction with the applicable RSS that specifically covers the technical characteristics of radiocommunication equipment for which regulatory compliance is sought. Unless otherwise specified in the applicable RSS, the specifications and methods described in this RSS shall be complied with.

1.1 Exclusion

1.1.1 Broadcasting Equipment

Radio devices covered by this RSS do not include radio and TV apparatus intended for broadcasting services. Such equipment is regulated by the Department's broadcasting equipment regulations and standards.

1.1.2 Interference-Causing Equipment other than Radiocommunication Receivers

Unintentional radiators, other than radio receivers, are regulated by the Department's Interference Causing Equipment Standards.

---

2. General Information

Unless otherwise indicated, radiocommunication equipment is subject to licensing pursuant to subsection 4(1) of the Radiocommunication Act.

Suppliers of radiocommunication equipment are encouraged to provide notices and user information in both official languages.

2.1 Categories of Equipment

There are two categories of radiocommunication devices: Category I and Category II equipment.

2.1.1 Category I Equipment

Category I equipment comprises radio devices for which a Technical Acceptance Certificate (TAC), issued by the Certification and Engineering Bureau of Industry Canada (the Bureau) or, a certificate issued by a recognized Certification Body (CB), is required pursuant to sections 4(2) of the Radiocommunication Act and 21(1) of the Radiocommunication Regulations. A test report shall be required and the device shall be properly labelled.

2.1.2 Category II Equipment

Category II equipment comprises radio devices where a standard has been prescribed but for which a TAC is not required, that is, equipment certification by Industry Canada or a Certification Body (CB) is not required (certification exempt), pursuant to subsection 4(3) of the Radiocommunication Act. The manufacturer or importer shall nevertheless ensure that the standards are complied with. A test report shall be available on request and the device shall be properly labelled.

2.2 Receivers

Radiocommunication receivers are defined as Category I equipment or Category II equipment by the characteristics outlined below.

2.2.1 Category I Equipment Receivers

A receiver is classified as Category I equipment if it meets one of the following conditions:

1. is a stand-alone receiver that is tunable to any frequency in the band 30-960 MHz;
2. is a receiver that is housed together with Category I transmitters; or
3. is a scanner receiver.

Except for scanner receivers, which have their own RSSs, Category I receivers shall comply with the limits for receiver spurious emissions set out in Section 6 of this RSS-Gen, and shall be certified under the RSS applicable to the transmitter type with which the receiver is associated or designed to operate (not under RSS-Gen).

2.2.2 Category II Equipment Receivers

A receiver is classified as Category II equipment if it does not meet any of the conditions of Section 2.2.1.

2.2.3 Licence-exempt Receivers

Paging receivers, "receive-only" earth stations operating with satellites approved by Industry Canada, and stand-alone receivers which are exempted from licensing, can be classified as either Category I or Category II according to the condition specified in sections 2.2.1 and 2.2.2 above. These receivers shall comply with the requirements of RSS-210 or RSS-310.

---

2.3 Licence-exempt Low-power Radiocommunication Devices (LPDs)

Licence-exempt low-power radiocommunication devices are devices which have intentional and unwanted emissions of very low signal levels such that they can co-exist with licensed radio services. LPDs are required to operate on a "no-interference, no-protection" basis (i.e. they may not cause radio interference and cannot claim protection from interference). The requirements for LPDs are generally described in Section 7.

2.4 Information Concerning Radio Standards Specifications (RSSs)

Information concerning Radio Standards Specifications may be directed to Industry Canada's local office (see RIC-66) or to:

Manager, Radio Equipment Standards
Industry Canada
365 Laurier Avenue
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0C8

Telephone: 613-990-4699
Fax: 613-991-3961
E-mail: res.nmr@ic.gc.ca

2.5 Information Concerning Equipment Certification

Information concerning equipment certification matters should be directed to:

Chief, Certification and Engineering Bureau
Industry Canada
P.O. Box 11490, Station H
3701 Carling Avenue (Building 94)
Ottawa, Ontario
K2H 8S2

Telephone: 613-990-4218
Fax: 613-990-5009
E-mail: certification.bureau@ic.gc.ca

2.6 Licensing

Unless otherwise indicated, a person who uses radiocommunication equipment is required to obtain a licence or other authorization under the Radiocommunication Act.

Information concerning licensing requirements should be directed to local Industry Canada offices.

2.7 Related Documents

Industry Canada documents are available on the Spectrum Management and Telecommunications website at: http//www.ic.gc.ca/spectrum, in Official Publications.

The following documents should be consulted:

ANSI C63.4
Methods of Measurement of Radio-Noise Emissions from Low-Voltage Electrical and Electronic Equipment in the Range of 9 kHz to 40 GHz

CPC-2-0-03
Environmental Process, Radiofrequency Fields and Land-Use Consultation

CS-03
Compliance Specification for Terminal Equipment, Terminal Systems, Network Protection Devices, Connection Arrangements and Hearing Aids Compatibility

DC-01
Procedure for Declaration of Conformity and Registration of Terminal Equipment

ICES-003
Digital Apparatus

RIC-66
Addresses and Telephone Numbers of Regional and District Offices of Industry Canada

RSP-100
Radio Equipment Certification Procedure

CB-03
Requirements for the Certification of Radio Apparatus to Industry Canada's Standards and Specifications

TRC-43
Notes Regarding Designation of Emission (Including Necessary Bandwidth and Classification), Class of Station and Nature of Service

TRC-49
Certification Service Fees
Information on the Application of the Telecommunications Apparatus Technical Assessment and Testing Fees Order Made under the Financial Administration Act
______________
ANSI — American National Standards Institute
CB — Certification Body —  Procedures for Conformity Assessment Bodies
CPC — Client Procedures Circular
CS — Compliance Specification
DC — Declaration of Conformity, Terminal Attachment Program Procedure
ICES — Interference-Causing Equipment Standard
RIC — Radiocommunication Information Circular
RSP — Radio Standards Procedure
TRC — Telecommunications Regulation Circulars

---

¹ Radiocommunication equipment or device means radio apparatus as defined in the Radiocommunication Act.