ISED certification and marking

ISED stands for Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada and is the Canadian federal government department responsible for developing and implementing regulatory and approval standards for telecommunications and electronic products in Canada. The ISED certificate is an important requirement for the sale of electronic devices in Canada and serves as proof that the device meets the relevant regulatory standards and is safe. For manufacturers who wish to market their products in Canada, compliance with ISED regulations is critical.

Which products are affected by the ISED labeling requirement?

The products covered by ISED certification are very diverse and range from wireless communication devices to medical devices. ISED certification is mandatory for all products to be marketed in Canada that fall within the scope of Canada's wireless regulations. ISED requirements apply to a wide range of products, including Bluetooth devices, WLAN products, cell phones, radio modules, medical devices, radar systems and many other wireless devices. Some of the most obvious examples of products subject to ISED are smartphones, tablets, wireless routers, and other networked devices that typically use WLAN or Bluetooth technology.

ISED marking: cost, duration and validity

• What does ISED certification cost?
  The ISED mark itself is free, but the cost of certification depends on several factors, such as the testing laboratory, the complexity of the product, and the number of certifications needed. The cost can range from a few hundred to thousands of dollars.
• How long does it take to obtain certification?
  The duration for a certification can vary depending on the product, the testing laboratory and the type of certification. Typically, the process can take several weeks or even months. However, good preparation and cooperation with the testing laboratory can help speed up the process.
• How long is the ISED marking valid?
  The validity of the ISED marking depends on various factors, such as the type of product and the relevant regulations. Typically, the certificate remains valid for several years, but periodic reviews and updates may be required to ensure that the product continues to meet applicable standards.

ISED certification is an extensive process that requires careful planning and implementation. Here, all the necessary documents must be obtained and checked to ensure that the products comply with the legal requirements. The Regul.ai software offers enormous relief here by providing all the necessary documents in the ISED Collection and processing them with artificial intelligence to quickly and easily identify which requirements must be observed during product launch. Regul.ai makes the certification process faster and more efficient, so that products can be launched on the Canadian market more quickly.

What is the certification process for ISED certifications and what steps are necessary to obtain a successful certification?

The certification process for ISED certifications can vary depending on the product and the market, but in general there are a few steps that are required to obtain a successful certification. First, the manufacturer must submit an application to an approved certification laboratory and provide the required documentation and technical data. The certification lab then performs a series of tests and evaluations to ensure that the product meets the relevant standards. Once the product has met all requirements, a certificate is issued and the ISED mark can be applied to the product and packaging. It is important to note that requirements and processes can vary depending on the product and market, and it is advisable to find out about the specific requirements in advance.

Are there marking and labeling requirements of ISED to product and packaging

Yes, there are marking and labeling requirements for products that have received ISED certification. These requirements vary depending on the type of product and are specified in the relevant technical standards and regulations. In general, products must be marked with the ISED mark as well as other mandatory markings such as the serial number, FCC ID, and IC ID. Packaging must also be marked with certain information in some cases.

Information duties of the manufacturer

Manufacturers must ensure that all necessary information and documentation is available and accessible to demonstrate the conformity of their products with ISED standards and requirements. This includes, for example, technical documentation, specifications, test reports, certificates and declarations of conformity. Manufacturers must also ensure that their products are properly labeled and include all required identification, certification, product type, serial number, and warning information. In addition, manufacturers must ensure that their products comply with applicable safety and EMC standards and that they do not cause interference that could affect the operation of telecommunications equipment or other electronic devices.

What documents are required for ISED certification?

The following documents are usually required for ISED certification:

• Application for certification
• Technical documentation of the product
• Test reports proving the conformity of the product with the relevant standards
• Information on product labeling
• Information on materials and components used
• Results of risk assessment and safety analysis
• Description of the manufacturing process
• Information on suppliers and supply chain
• Information on possible changes to the product or manufacturing process

Depending on the product and application, further documentation may also be required.

What happens if a product does not meet the requirements of ISED certification?

If a product does not meet the requirements of ISED certification, it may not be sold or used on the Canadian market. The manufacturer is then informed of what steps are necessary to bring the product into compliance. Re-certification of the product is then required before it can be allowed on the Canadian market again. In some cases, the manufacturer may also be subject to sanctions or penalties.

Are there any exceptions to the ISED certification requirement?

Yes, there are some exceptions to the ISED certification requirement. Some examples are:

• Products designed exclusively for export and not used in Canada
• Products designed exclusively for use in certain institutions, such as the military or government
• Products that are designed exclusively for research or experimentation and are not intended for commercial sale
• Products that cause only minor electromagnetic interference so that certification is not required

However, in any case, it is advisable to check with the competent authority or a specialist attorney for product safety whether ISED certification is necessary or not.

Do ISED rules apply when products are placed on the market or imported?

The ISED rules apply to both the placing on the market and the import of products in Canada. Any product sold or imported into Canada must meet ISED requirements and have the appropriate certificate. It is the responsibility of the manufacturer or importer to ensure that the products comply with the ISED regulations and that the required certificates are available.

What are the consequences of non-compliance with ISED regulations?

Failure to comply with ISED regulations can have various consequences. On the one hand, this can lead to considerable legal and financial consequences, such as high fines or claims for damages. In addition, the product may be withdrawn from the market or recalled, which can lead to considerable damage to the company's image. In serious cases, there may even be a threat of criminal prosecution.

How often do ISED certified products need to be tested to ensure they are still compliant?

The requirements for regular inspection of certified products may vary depending on the product type and certification procedure. However, as a general rule, ISED certified products must be periodically reviewed for compliance with relevant technical standards and regulations. The frequency and type of verification often depends on various factors, such as the type of product, its use and risks, and regulatory requirements. In some cases, spot checks or unannounced audits may also be conducted to ensure that certified products continue to comply with requirements.

Which frequency bands and radio technologies are affected by ISED regulation?

ISED regulation affects various frequency bands and radio technologies used in Canada. These include, among others:

• Radio devices: e.g. CB radios, amateur radios, radio remote controls, WLAN devices, Bluetooth devices.
• Mobile radio devices: e.g. smartphones, tablets, mobile hotspots
• Radar devices: e.g. weather radar, aircraft radar, highway radar
• Satellite communications: e.g., cellular and data communications via satellites
• Other radio applications: e.g. RFID systems, wireless power transmission

The regulation specifies the technical requirements that this equipment must meet in order to be operated safely and without interference.