Importing Wireless Equipment into Canada

Do you own, or did you purchase, a cordless phone or other wireless (WiFi) equipment that was acquired from OUTSIDE Canada?

• Wireless equipment acquired in other countries and brought into Canada may not comply with Canada’s wireless equipment standards and can cause interference to domestic wireless networks.
• Importing uncertified wireless equipment into Canada, using wireless equipment that does not meet Canadian standards and causing interference are all offences under the Radiocommunication Act.

  If you commit an offence under the Radiocommunication Act, you may be subject to a fine of up to $5000.00 or imprisonment not exceeding one year, or both.

• How can you tell if your wireless equipment is approved for use in Canada?
  1. Check the back of the device for an Industry Canada approval label or marking.
  2. Still uncertain or cannot find a label? You may access Industry Canada’s wireless Radio Equipment List database and search for your model number at:
     http://www.ic.gc.ca/app/sitt/reltel/srch/nwRdSrch.do?lang=en
• In some cases, operators of wireless networks, such as cellular service providers, will dispatch their technicians to locate and identify imported wireless equipment that is causing harmful interference to their wireless networks.

  If a wireless cellular company has contacted you regarding potential interference from wireless equipment within your residence, turning off the equipment will confirm whether your equipment is the problem.

• In difficult interference cases, it may be necessary for Industry Canada field staff to become involved. If you have any questions or concerns about the wireless equipment you are operating, you may contact the nearest Industry Canada district office by visiting the departmental website at:
  http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/smt-gst.nsf/eng/sf01742.htm

  Industry Canada’s goal is to eliminate and prevent occurrences of interference from wireless equipment not certified for use in Canada. Your cooperation is needed to help us eliminate this type of interference.