What Certifications are Used for New Electronic Hardware Products & PCB Design Services?

Before displaying your new electronic hardware products and launching your PCB (printed circuit board) device in the market, PCB design services must comply with the necessary certification requirements. Through these certifications, consumers have peace of mind and assurance that they use a quality product that meets international standards. Certifications are also imperative for public relations, legalities, and safety purposes. While the certification requirements may vary from one country to another, being familiar with the most common and universally accepted ones can ensure the success of your products and services.

Table of Contents

Importance of certifications for new electronic hardware products and PCB design services
What types of products require certification?
Standard testing methods required for certification of consumer electronics
General steps for electronics certification
How to get your electronic product certified
Tips for getting certification for electronic hardware products
The Bottom line
How Cad Crowd can help

Importance of certifications for new electronic hardware products and PCB design services

Only certified consumer hardware and electric devices can be sold and imported. All countries impose different requirements concerning environmental safety and health protection, and, for electronics, their capacity to interfere with wireless communication and other devices. Hardware certification for new electronic hardware products happens at the final step. If the product doesn’t meet requirements, the developer has to redesign the product and delay the product launch. Product concept design companies must be familiar with existing consumer electronics certifications and review requirements before designing the concept of a new product.

What types of products require certification?

As far as electronics certifications (also known as electrical certifications) are concerned, there are two primary types. The first covers incidental and unintentional radiators that aren’t designed to produce RF waves but still do so, such as computers, transformers, electric motors, and electrical power lines. The second type consists of intentional radiators that purposely produce, receive, and transmit radio frequency electromagnetic radiation as their primary function, i.e., cell phones, walkie-talkies, and wireless microphones.

Even though some countries are less strict regarding the requirements for unintentional and incidental radiators, testing and certifying them is almost always mandatory. Now that we’ve discussed the importance of certifications and the specific types of products that need one, it’s time to learn about the most common consumer electronics certifications. If you’re involved in developing electronic products and require guidance through the certification process, consider exploring freelance electrical circuit design services to ensure compliance and efficiency in obtaining the necessary certifications.

FCC

The Federal Communications Commission, or FCC, is an independent agency of the United States government. It is responsible for ensuring that electrical goods will not affect wireless communication due to the RF emissions they produce. The FCC belongs to the Code of Federal Regulations 15^th section of title 47, which requires all electronics oscillating at 9 kHz or higher to undergo testing and certification before being manufactured or sold in the US.

The FCC’s product certification process depends on the specific product type in question. Unintentional radiators must have a Supplier’s Declaration of Conformity (SDoC) to enter the United States market. It is possible to self-issue an SDoC, as it is sufficient to back up the declaration with a matching test report from any reliable testing laboratory. Notably, the party in charge of issuing an SDoC must be in the United States. If they are not, the company must hire a representative from the US to issue the SDoC.

The requirements of the FCC are much stricter for those electronics with intentional radiation of RF waves. These products must undergo the complete FCC certification process; their certificates cannot be self-issued. The company must also hire a laboratory accredited by the FCC to conduct the necessary tests. Only telecommunication certification bodies (TCBs) recognized by the FCC are given the right to draft the certificate. The process of obtaining an FCC certification may take four months on average. For connected devices, expect to spend approximately $3,000 to $5,000, while modules cost $5,000 and above.

ISED

ISED, or Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, is Canada’s equivalent of the FCC. IC certification, or ISED or Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada certification, is mandatory for wireless products to enter the Canadian marketplace. The Canadian authority is also responsible for the certification requirements of radio equipment and electronic devices manufactured in the Canadian market. Industry Canada applies similar test criteria to the FCC, as stated above. IC also accepts FCC certification fulfillment and testing data if the FCC’s completion date is less than one year old.

Applying for both FCC and IC simultaneously with your chosen regulatory certification laboratory is recommended. Doing so will reduce the risks of duplicating timelines and testing efforts and lower expenses. FCC product certification is separate from IC product approval requirements. However, FCC test data can be used to generate the IC test reports so that the testing process does not need to be repeated. Most experts recommend simultaneous IC and FCC testing to save costs.

Product testing must not be performed in a Canadian laboratory but according to IC requirements. After a successful test result, the lab will produce the IC test reports and supporting documents. These will be submitted to an FCB or Foreign Certification Body to assess the test reports and grant approval.

A local Canadian representative is required to be present throughout the IC certification process. Maintaining a Canadian representative for as long as the product remains in the Canadian marketplace is essential. The approximate cost for this certification is $1,200 for the assessment fee, $50 for every radio model, and the testing fee at an external laboratory.

UL

Underwriters Laboratories, or UL, is a certification company established in 1894. Today, the company is responsible for testing and certifying products and setting standards for different industries. The main objective of UL is to guarantee the safe use of new goods, ensuring they will not explode or start a fire, for instance. UL certification in the United States is not mandatory, strictly speaking. However, manufacturers must understand that UL is a globally recognized symbol of reliability and safety. If you launch a new product that doesn’t adhere to UL’s regulations, many retailers will refuse to take it. To navigate the complexities of UL certification and ensure your product meets the necessary standards, consider employing freelance electrical engineering services for expert guidance and assistance throughout the development and certification process.

For example, Amazon requires UL testing for specific product categories. The requirements for UL testing may differ depending on the state. Your company must contact an official UL laboratory to acquire a UL certification. There are UL labs located all over the world. Search online to find your nearest facility, or ask for a quotation through the official UL website. You do not technically require a UL certification to sell your products in the US, but you will be liable for some safety issues without it. There are several reasons why you will need a UL certification, including the following:

If you want to manufacture or market your product in Canada or the US.
Your electronic product doesn’t plug into an AC outlet, but you want to sell it through a large retail chain, or you want liability insurance.
Your electronic product will be plugged into an AC outlet (this includes products powered by batteries that come together with chargers).

UL certification takes an average of eight months and can cost you $5,000 to $15,000.

CSA

Canadian Standards Association or CSA is equivalent to UL certification and is valid in the United States and Canada. The CSA is not a private testing body. It is located in Canada and provides certification for electrical and mechanical products and other general products that carry high risk to the users. The CSA received accreditation from OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration of the United) officials in 1992, which deemed it an NRTL (Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory) with UL.

A CSA-listed designation holds value globally, not just in its origin country. The CSA-listed designation requires extensive tests aligned with the standards of the following certifying bodies:

American National Standards Institute or ANSI
NSF International (National Sanitation Foundation)
UL (Underwriters Laboratories)

It takes ~ two months to complete the entire process, and the cost depends on the specific product.

RoHS

RoHS or Restriction of Hazardous Substances certification is a requirement in the State of California and the European Union. It verifies that electronic and electrical equipment doesn’t contain dangerous materials in amounts that go beyond the set threshold. Unlike other mandatory certifications, the importer or manufacturer of the product can self-issue the RoHS certification, provided that the company has all the required equipment for conducting the necessary tests. X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy technology is a requirement in most cases.

Alternatively, businesses can hire a third-party lab to conduct the test. This certification confirms that your product adheres to the restrictions on the ten hazardous materials, including cadmium, lead, and mercury. If you plan to sell your product in California or the European Union, you will need a ROHS certification. The process takes an average of one month and costs approximately $1,000 to $2,000.

Bluetooth SIG

The Bluetooth SIG, or Special Interests Group, is the regulatory body responsible for developing Bluetooth standards and licensing agreements for Bluetooth technologies. It is essential to note that every product that uses Bluetooth technologies must adhere to the regulatory compliance standards applicable to the specific regions or countries where they operate. All products integrating Bluetooth wireless technologies must first be a Bluetooth SIG program member. For a company to become a SIG Program member, the company’s Bluetooth product design and software or hardware configuration must be deemed satisfactory.

The products include components, profile subsystems, host subsystems, controller systems, and end products. Companies also have the option to qualify without further testing as long as the technology already has a Bluetooth SIG certification. If not, the company needs to apply for extra testing. After completing the declaration process, Bluetooth SIG will designate a Declaration IC when they receive the application.

The primary reason for applying for Bluetooth SIG is that you want to use the Bluetooth logo or name on or with your product. The process will take ~3-6 months on average. The usual fee for Bluetooth SIG is $8,000, but they also provide a more affordable option for start-up companies of only $2,500. To qualify, you must present financial documents proving that you have less than $1 million in annual revenue.

Standard testing methods required for certification of consumer electronics

Several standard testing methods are necessary for the certification of consumer electronics. These include the following:

EMC Testing

Electromagnetic compatibility or EMC testing is one of the tests that products should pass to enter most of the world’s markets. EMC pertains to the capacity of an electrical device to function correctly without causing any electromagnetic interference effect on the other equipment. EMC testing also proves the device can endure common hazards such as electrostatic discharges, lightning strikes, and fast electrical transients. To integrate EMC considerations into your product design, you may want to explore freelance electrical 2D drafting services, ensuring meticulous documentation and compliance with electromagnetic compatibility standards.

ESD Immunity Testing

The electrostatic discharge immunity test is an EMC test to ensure a product can withstand any electrostatic discharge event. This is because even the slightest electrostatic discharge may end up causing damage to a sensitive electronic component. This particular test applies the discharges to the device by air or contact. Most of the time, ESD is conducted as a part of more comprehensive EMC testing.

CE RED Testing

RED, or Radio Equipment Directive, is the standard that regulates electronic and electrical equipment that intentionally receives or emits radio waves in the European Union. RED is technically a test rather than a type of certification. However, if this directive regulates your product, passing the RED test will let you acquire CE certification. The test is often necessary for smartphones, TVs, Bluetooth, short-range devices, Wi-Fi, and IoT. Companies that manufacture electronic devices perform these three tests and others in-house during development and before sending applications for certification. This helps them ensure the upcoming prototype won’t need significant design changes.

General steps for electronics certification

Even though each country has its consumer electronics regulations and certification rules, the general process is the same. Here are the steps companies must take to acquire electronic product certification.

1. Identify your target market

Before anything else, the company should determine the specific market it wants to enter and, consequently, the relevant regulations and laws that the product should comply with.

2. Study the regulations

The company should identify its device’s product category and the applicable standards. The simplest way is to work with a consulting firm looking for the corresponding regulations. A single device can fall into various product types and may also follow different sets of standards. Manufacturing firms need to understand the functionality and parameters of the devices they plan to manufacture before the start of the design stage. A reliable and professional company can also design PCB or printed circuit boards and other components compliant with the standards they are expected to comply with.

3. Proceed to product design

The company can now design the product while considering all the requirements. It is rare for prototypes to pass all the tests right on the initial try, and a device designed according to the regulations will need fewer changes in case of failure.

4. Test the product

Depending on the specific type of certification a company wishes to acquire, they can carry out the tests with their in-house equipment. However, developers still need to work with third-party labs to conduct it. Prototype design experts will need to tweak the prototype and perform the tests if a failure occurs.

5. Acquire the certification

The company will finally need to submit the necessary documentation to the proper authorities in charge of issuing the conforming certificate.

How to get your electronic product certified

Now that you know the general steps for electronic product certification, here is a more simplified look at the specific process of acquiring certification approval for such products:

1. Apply for certification

You will need certification to produce large batches of your product. Look for suitable certificates and the authorities that will be able to certify the product for you. You can do this by yourself or work with an experienced electronic prototype and design service who can assist you throughout the process.

2. Test your product

Before submitting your product, you need to check it thoroughly. For this step, you can come up with a checklist and confirm whether you have already taken care of everything regarding the quality of your product.

3. Submit to approval house

This next step involves submitting the product to the accreditation authority house together with all the details involved.

4. Acquire approval

After submitting your product to the certification house, you can acquire the approval as long as your product ticks off all the boxes on your checklist.

5. Add the certification

After your product has been certified, you can mass-produce it with the help of a design for manufacturability firm and sell it locally or to other countries.

6. Maintain the product certification

To retain certification, maintain product quality, and avoid making product changes that could cause your product to not adhere to the approved category.

Tips for getting certification for electronic hardware products

Here are some tips that can help companies make the certification process less complex, faster, and cheaper:

1. Conduct a sales test before you apply for certification

Many of today’s certifications are optional if the company only plans to manufacture a few hundred pieces of the product for a sales test. It is optional to certify the goods before you ensure that the product will sell. The only exception is intentional devices or radiators that plug into AC outlets, which also require certification.

2. Only apply for certifications if you are prepared for production

Although conducting the testing too late is one of the largest mistakes a company can make, applying too early for certifications can be equally risky. There might be crucial differences between the assembly and the prototype, which makes it an unwise idea to have your device certified before you even determine how to make it.

3. During development, conduct the internal testing of consumer electronics

It is important to understand product requirements before you have a finished prototype. Without internal testing, the first attempt to acquire the certificate can disclose the need for costly changes in design.

4. Use the pre-certified modules

Among the best ways to lower your certification costs and, in certain instances, even prevent the need to have your product certified is to use already accredited modules.

The Bottom line

Electronic hardware product certification comes with risks and high costs during product development. Even if the requirements for electrical certification differ from one country to another, they are similar. Compliance with any certifications above can make it easier to acquire another accreditation. You must obtain the necessary certification requirements for your electronic hardware products before you launch your product on the market.

Being familiar with certifications is necessary for all electronic manufacturers because every certificate is different, and you must address it with either the product development company or the manufacturer. To ensure you have the budget, assessing the costs involved in the safety testing process is essential. The accumulated expenses for certifying your electronic hardware product should be reflected in its final price once you launch it in the market.

Remember that when it comes to certifications, you should avoid doing it too early since you will have to retest your product entirely if any changes are made to the design. But you still need to plan for the certification right from the start of the design phase. Since Canada and the USA share requirements for certification, most of the time, you can sell your products in the two countries even with just one set of these certifications.

How Cad Crowd can help

Whether you’re still in the concept phase or are ready to start production, our 3D modeling design team will provide you with the experience you need to complete any project. Our services are available for inventors and entrepreneurs who need to hire 3D design talent for their new products. Contact us for a free quote.

Mary Mellionard

Mary is a seasoned writer with over a decade of experience, specializing in engineering and technology. Her passion for design, technology, real estate, travel, and business profoundly informs her writing, allowing her to produce in-depth articles on cutting-edge techniques and trends in architecture, engineering, and product design. Additionally, Mary holds qualifications in architecture and journalism, enhancing her ability to deliver detailed and authoritative content. An adventurous foodie, she loves exploring new and exciting cuisines.

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