U.S. FCC Begins Proceedings to Strip Recognition from Chinese-Controlled Labs

WASHINGTON D.C. September. 8, 2025 — The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has initiated its first enforcement action under newly effective rules targeting "bad labs" owned or controlled by foreign adversary nations. The agency has begun proceedings to withdraw recognition from seven electronics testing labs and has denied renewal requests for others with expired recognition. All the labs are identified as being controlled by the Chinese government.

This action is a direct result of new rules adopted by the FCC in May, which prohibit recognition for labs that test devices for the U.S. market but are subject to the control of a foreign adversary government.

The labs affected by this action are:

Labs Subject to Withdrawal Proceedings:

• China Academy of Information and Communications Technology (CAICT)
• Chongqing Academy of Information and Communications
• TUV Rheinland-CCIC Ningbo Co. Ltd.
• UL-CCIC
• CQC Internet of Vehicles Technical Service Co. Ltd.
• CVC Testing
• CVC Testing Shenzhen

Labs with Expired or Denied Recognition:

• Shanghai Institute of Measurement and Testing Technology (SIMT)
• CCIC Southern Testing Co., Ltd.
• CESI (Guangzhou) Standards

A press release from the Commission emphasized the importance of the move, stating, "Foreign adversary governments should not own and control the labs that test the devices the FCC certifies as safe for the U.S. market. This is an important step in restoring trust in the Commission’s equipment authorization process and combating foreign adversary threats."

REF:

News Release from the FCC
https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DOC-414369A1.pdf

 

FCC Appoints New Chief to Lead Office of Engineering and Technology

FCC Chairman Brendan Carr has announced the appointment of Andy Hendrickson as the new Chief of the FCC's Office of Engineering and Technology (OET). The announcement was made on August 7, 2025.

The FCC's Office of Engineering and Technology (OET) serves as the primary technical and engineering advisor to the Commission. Its main functions include

·       Spectrum Management: The OET is responsible for managing the radio frequency spectrum, including the allocation of frequencies and ensuring their efficient use.

·       Technical Standards: It develops and administers technical standards and regulations for a wide range of devices and equipment that use the spectrum, from cell phones to Wi-Fi.

·       Innovation: The office promotes the development of new technologies and services by managing experimental licensing programs and conducting engineering studies.

·       Compliance: It also oversees the equipment authorization program to ensure that devices sold in the U.S. comply with the FCC's technical rules, which are designed to minimize harmful interference.

 REF:

https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DOC-413568A1.pdf

 

FCC Publishes Addendum to draft for U-NII 6 GHz devices

The FCC has published an addendum to the draft U-NII 6 GHz certification guidance. The purpose of this document is to provide clarifications and updates to 987594 U-NII 6 GHz devices 5.925-7.125 GHz DR01-44057 during the commenting period. This addendum will evolve as the draft period continues, adding new items to the existing ones and incrementing the version.

A link to this addendum is here: http://bit.ly/6GHz-FCC-KDB-Addendum

In a related post, in August 2020 the FCC published guidance for certification of 6GHz devices, see posting "FCC publishes guidance on certification of 6 GHz devices operating in the 5.925 - 7.125 GHz U-NII band" for a link to that guidance document.

These documents are in support of the the newly published, May 2020, FCC rules, effective July 27, 2020, opening more spectrum for unlicensed use in the 5 to 7 GHz range.  See "FCC Adopts Rules for Unlicensed Use of the 6 GHz Band"

REF:

A link to the FCC Draft Knowledge Database (KDB)

https://apps.fcc.gov/oetcf/kdb/reports/PublishedDocumentList.cfm

FCC KDB Home page

https://apps.fcc.gov/oetcf/kdb/index.cfm

FCC publishes guidance on certification of 6 GHz devices operating in the 5.925 - 7.125 GHz U-NII band

Following the adoption of new rules published in May, 2020 allowing use of new spectrum for emerging "6 GHz" devices, the Federal Communication Commission (FCC)  Office of Engineering and Technology (OET) Laboratory Division has published a draft guidance document for public review covering certification of U-NII 6 GHz devices operating in the 5.925-7.125 GHz band.

The document can be found on the FCC OET Page, a shortcut provided here - 

http://bit.ly/6GHz-FCC-KDB 

Other links;

FCC KDB document home;
https://apps.fcc.gov/oetcf/kdb/index.cfm

Archive copy of publication available at;
https://celectronics.com/pdf/FCC-6GHz-KDB.pdf

U.S. Federal Government begins partial shutdown

September 30th 2013, shortly before midnight the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) issued a memorandum that directs federal agencies to begin an orderly shutdown.

For the first time in 17 years the U.S. Federal Government is in partial shutdown. Among the Federal agencies affected by the shutdown is the FCC's Office of Engineering and Technology (OET).

While the shutdown is in effect, applications for product approvals through the FCC's certification system cannot be processed. Applications can still be initiated via the TCB program, but certifications can not be issued while the OET system is offline.

It is uncertain how long the shutdown will last or when the OET certification system will be back online.

FCC Extends commenting period for some draft publications

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The OET (Office of Engineering and Technologies) agreed to extend the commenting period for a number of Draft Knowledge Data Base publications, also known as KDBs,  until June 30, 2012, after receiving and reviewing a number of requests for such an extension.

This extension amounts to an additional 30 day review period. The FCC commented that given the number of different KDB guidance documents, it would be useful for all parties to take more time to review and comment.

Following are the affected draft KDBs;

- General RF Exposure Guidance (447498)

- SAR Evaluation consideration for LTE Devices (941225)

- SAR Measurement, Compliance Reporting, 100 MHz to 6 GHZ (865664)

- SAR Evaluation Considerations for Handsets with Multiple Transmitters (648474)

- SAR Evaluation Considerations for Laptop, Notebook, Netbook (616217)

- TCB Exclusion List (628591)

- Permit But Ask List (388624)

- RF Exposure Evaluation Considerations for Occupational Push-to-Talk Two-Way Radios (643646)

Wireless handset hearing aid compatibility standard adopted

Hearing aid types (300dpi) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The FCC has formally adopted ANSI C63.19 2011 as an applicable technical standard for evaluating the hearing aid compatibility of wireless phones.

As specified in the Second Further Notice, the new rules permit the use of either ANSI C63.19 2007, or ANSI C63.19 2011  for the testing of new handset models. All existing grants issued under the 2007 standard, as well as any pre-2010 grants remain valid, thus, no existing handset models will require retesting or recertification for hearing aid compatibility.

A 12 month transition period has been adopted for testing of multi-band and multi-mode handsets that incorporate operations which are not covered under the 2007 ANSI Standard. The Report and Order recognizes that as the new rules become effective, some manufacturers will be in production cycles where it will be impractical to return to a testing cycle for upcoming multi-band or multi-mode handsets under the 2011 ANSI Standard. Specifically, during the transition period, and as an alternative to using the 2011 standard, manufacturers may certify handsets as hearing aid compatible if they meet all compatibility criteria under the 2007 ANSI standard for all operations covered by that standard, providing they meet the disclosure requirements set forth in the order. After the transition period, all new handsets that contain operations not covered by the 2007 version will need to comply with the 2011 ANSI standard.

The Report and Order makes it clear that evaluations performed partly under one version of the ANSI standard, and partly under another, is incompatible with existing rules, thus manufacturers must test exclusively with one of the applicable versions.

Ref;

http://transition.fcc.gov/Daily_Releases/Daily_Business/2012/db0409/DA-12-550A1.pdf

http://www.emcrules.com/2011/11/hearing-aid-compatibility-for-wireless.html

FCC updates answer for exempt appliances

하상림 작가의 꽃 디자인이 적용된 냉장고와 김희애 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Under Title 47, Part 15.103,  digital devices used exclusively in an appliance are exempt from the specific technical standards and other requirements of part 15. Seems simple enough, if it’s an appliance, then it’s exempt from FCC testing. So a vacuum cleaner is exempt from FCC testing, correct? How about an electric blanket? A hair dryer? A clothes iron? A juice extractor? of the previously mentioned 5 devices, 3 of them are exempt, but 2 are not, can you guess which ones are not exempt?

Did you guess correctly? This is where the old adage “the devil is in the details” comes to play. As is the case with much of the FCC rules, they are simply written, but often difficult to interpret. Thankfully the Office of Engineering and Technology (OET) has a Knowledge Base (KDB) system at https://apps.fcc.gov/oetcf/kdb/index.cfm, where one could go and research common questions or ask a question if needed.

One such KDB, answers the question “What household appliances, identified as Part 15 unintentional radiators, are considered exempt from the equipment authorization procedures?”.
On March 29th 2012 the answer was updated by adding to the list of Non-Exempt Devices; Power Tools, Cordless Multi-Tools and Battery Operated Tools . That is to say, those items are not considered appliances with respect to the 15.103 exemption and are subject to FCC testing.
 
Ref;
Publication Number 772105 (3/29/2012) (new)
Publication Number 772105 (11/19/2009) (old)

FCC Amends Rules for Tank Level Probing Radar

The FCC announced on Tuesday that they are expanding the scope of the proceeding proposed to cover Tank Level Probing Radar (TLPR) devices, originally applicable only to devices operating in the 77-81 GHz band, and contained within steel or concrete tanks. Citing requests for waivers and other inquiries as evidence of the increasing demand for a comprehensive set of guidelines for general level probing radar (LPR), to allow the use outdoors and on other frequencies, the FCC is proposing an amendment to Part 15 rules that would apply to the operation of LPR devices installed in both open-air environments and inside storage tanks in the following frequency bands:  5.925-7.250 GHz, 24.05-29.00 GHz, and 75-85 GHz.

Level probing radar applications are diverse but among the popular uses are process control systems used to measure the amount of various substances such as liquids and granulates.

Ref;

FCC 12-34A1

ET Docket Nos. 10-23, 06-216 and 07-96, 25 FCC Rcd 601 (2010). 

Opportunity for innovative cordless broadband use - FCC modifies Part 15

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

In a report and order released today, the FCC is amending part 15 subpart D covering Unlicensed Personal Communications Service devices (UPCS band). The introduction of the R&O is as follows;

“

By this action, we modify Part 15 of the rules governing the operation of Unlicensed Personal Communications Service (UPCS) devices in the 1920-1930 MHz frequency band (UPCS band) to promote more efficient use of the UPCS band and to facilitate the introduction of a new generation of unlicensed devices capable of supporting broadband connectivity using Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications (DECT) technology. Specifically, we eliminate the least-interfered channel monitoring threshold for UPCS devices and reduce the number of duplex system access channels that a UPCS device must define and monitor from 40 to 20 channels in order to use the least-interfered channel access method.  These changes will provide UPCS devices, particularly those designed to transmit with wider bandwidths, access to more usable channels (i.e., combined time and spectrum windows) than are permitted under the existing rules and unleash innovative cordless broadband technologies in the UPCS band, while limiting the potential for causing interference to other devices.  We also modify the rules to remove outdated provisions and to make other minor updates.

“

ref;

ET Docket No. 10-97

Are on-board electric vehicle battery chargers exempt from FCC equipment authorization?

Image via Wikipedia

Under Title 47, Part 15 Subpart B § 15.103, the first item on the list of exempted devices is

“(a) A digital device utilized exclusively in any transportation vehicle including motor vehicles and aircraft.”

The clear answer is “Yes” to the question, “are electric vehicle battery chargers exempt”,… right? … What would you say?

As is the case with much of part 15 subpart B, in order to comply with the intent, you need a little common sense, good familiarity with electromagnetic energy propagation, the ability to think like an FCC engineer, and finally, a Knowledge Database publication (KDB) from the FCC with a clear “yes” or “no” answer to any question you may have, and you may have many.

See Publication Number: 892282

Question:
Is a battery charger and associated digital electronics on-board a vehicle that is used for charging the vehicles battery while parked and connected to AC power lines exempt from an equipment authorization under 15.103.
Answer:
No. Section 15.103, Exclusions, paragraph (a) does not apply to battery chargers for electric vehicles that can be used for charging while stationary and connected to an AC power line. The exemption is only intended for digital devices which operate primarily when the vehicle is operating in a mobile environment such as on a road or highway where the potential for interference is low. When stationary and connected to the AC power line, typically in a residential environment such as a home garage or driveway, the potential for interference by both AC lines conducted and radiated emissions is greater. The battery chargers and associated electronics on board an electric vehicle are therefore subject to an equipment authorization under the verification procedure as a Part 15  Class B or Class A (industrial vehicles) unintentional radiator (switching power supply and digital device).