The FCC is intending to update the equipment authorization rules as published in its draft R&O (ET Docket 15-170).
The Commission’s Equipment Authorization (EA) program ensures that radiofrequency (RF) devices, everything from smartphones and tablets to cellular base stations to car door openers and anti-theft tags, comply with our technical requirements before they are imported, marketed or operated within the United States.
This First Report and Order would reduce the burden associated with certain equipment authorization rules, provide flexibility to use electronic labelling, and eliminate the requirement to file a form with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) for RF devices imported into the United States.
What the First Report and Order Would Do:
- Streamline the Self-Approval Process. The Commission currently requires manufacturers to self-approve certain devices under one of two processes. The Order would combine those processes into one, called
the Supplier’s Declaration of Conformity. This will both simplify and reduce burdens associated with the
equipment authorization process. - Allow Electronic Labeling. The Commission would provide for the use of electronic labeling for the
information required under our rules to be displayed on products or otherwise provided with products,
such as the FCC identification number and compliance statement. Doing so codifies many of the
Commission’s existing practices and satisfies specific legislative requirements. The use of electronic
labelling rather than permanent physical labels reduces costs for manufacturers. - Ease Burdensome Importation Requirements. The Order would eliminate the requirement to file the
import declaration for RF devices brought into the United States with CBP. This requirement has become
increasingly outdated and burdensome in light of current importation and marketing practices, the
information otherwise collected by CBP itself, and the wealth of information available online. The Order
would also modify Commission rules to clarify the compliance requirements related to imported devices
and to provide additional flexibility in certain cases. - Update Measurement Procedures and Clarify Standards. The Order would revise Commission
measurement procedures to streamline and consolidate requirements for devices used in different
services. This will increase our agility to respond to changes in technology and in industry standards, and
enhance the general understanding of Commission measurement requirements.