Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Testing

About the FCC and TCB

In the U.S. the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulates all products containing radio transmitters (radio, marine and satellite equipment) in areas such as electromagnetic interference, radio frequency (RF) exposure and spectrum allocation. Marine communications equipment and other products capable of radio communication and navigation must therefore be certified compliant by a Telecommunications Certification Body (TCB), which has been appointed by the FCC.

To access the U.S. marine radio and telecommunications equipment market, manufacturers and importers must ensure that their products comply and meet all criteria for FCC certification. Non-compliance may lead to costly delays, fines and forfeitures, as well as reputation-damaging product recalls. Expert advice on applicable requirements and regulations, as well as compliance strategy guidance, is therefore required to ensure FCC acceptance.

Testing Capabilities

TÜV SÜD provides FCC certification services for manufacturers and suppliers of radio and navigation equipment wishing to gain access to the US market. As an FCC TCB, TÜV SÜD can issue grants for equipment within the following categories:

• CFR 47 Part 15 – Unlicensed Radio Frequency Devices
• CFR 47 Part 22 – Public Mobile Services
• CFR 47 Part 24 – Personal Communication Service
• CFR 47 Part 27 – Miscellaneous Wireless Communication Devices
• CFR 47 Part 80 – Maritime Service
• CFR 47 Part 87 – Aviation Services
• CFR 47 Part 90 – Private Land Mobile Radio Service
• CFR 47 Part 95 – Personal Radio Services
• CFR 47 Part 2.1091 & 2.1093 - Radio-frequency Radiation Exposure

Our FCC testing and certification Services

Obtaining expert advice from an experienced partner such as TÜV SÜD can help determine which FCC rules, requirements and procedures are applicable.

• Pre-compliance product evaluation: TÜV SÜD’s pre-compliance investigations can identify potential issues with a product at an early stage of product development.
• Compliance advisory: Compliance strategy guidance will help prepare the product for formal testing. We can also help determine the appropriate FCC authorization route for the product.
• Product testing and certification: As an FCC-appointed TCB and recognized third-party testing services provider, TÜV SÜD can assess and issue equipment approvals for:
  • Telecommunications terminal equipment under Part 68 of the FCC rules
  • RF devices under various FCC Rule Parts including Part 2 (RF Exposure, SAR); Parts 15, 18, 20 (including HAC), 22, 24, 27, 80, 87, 90, 95, 97; and Part 101 (including FCC Knowledge Database publications)