US Federal Communication Commission - May 2023 Open Commission Meeting

Scheduled May 18, 2023 – FCC Open Commission Meeting Tentative Agenda.
Chairwoman Rosenworcel announced that the following items are tentatively on the agenda.

• Amendment of Section 15.255 of the Commission’s Rules.(60GHz radar)
  
• Expanding Flexible Use of the 12.2-12.7 GHz Band; Expanding Use of the 12.7-13.25 GHz Band for Mobile Broadband or Other Expanded Use
• Expanding Call Blocking Requirements
• Restricted Adjudicatory Matter

REF:
https://www.fcc.gov/news-events/events/2023/05/may-2023-open-commission-meeting

FCC Rules update Report & Order

 

FCC updates rules to incorporate new and updated standards that are integral to equipment testing.

Some of the changes incorporated;

• (1)    CISPR 16-1-4:2010-04: “Specification for radio disturbance and immunity measuring apparatus and methods — Part 1-4: Radio disturbance and immunity measuring apparatus — Antennas and test sites for radiated disturbance measurements,” Edition 3.0, 2010-04, IBR approved for § 2.948(d).
  
  
• (2)    ANSI C63.4-2014: “American National Standard for Methods of Measurement of RadioNoise Emissions from Low-Voltage Electrical and Electronic Equipment in the Range of 9 kHz to 40 GHz,” ANSI approved June 13, 2014, Sections 5.4.4 through 5.5, IBR approved for § 2.948(d).
  
  
• (3)    ANSI C63.4a-2017: “American National Standard for Methods of Measurement of RadioNoise Emissions from Low-Voltage Electrical and Electronic Equipment in the Range of 9 kHz to 40 GHz, Amendment 1: Test Site Validation,” ANSI approved October 13, 2017, IBR approved for §2.948(d).
  
  
• (4)    ANSI C63.25.1–2018, “American National Standard Validation Methods for Radiated Emission Test Sites, 1 GHz to 18 GHz,” ANSI approved December 17, 2018, IBR approved for §2.948(d).
  
  
• (5)    ISO/IEC 17011:2004(E), “Conformity assessment — General requirements for accreditation bodies accrediting conformity assessment bodies,” First Edition, 2004-09-01, IBR approved for §§2.948(e), 2.949(b), and 2.960(c).
  
  
• (6)    ISO/IEC 17025:2017(E), “General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories,” Third Edition, November 2017, IBR approved for §§ 2.948(e), 2.949(b), 2.950(a), and 2.962(c) and (d).
  
  
• (7)    ISO/IEC 17065:2012(E), “Conformity assessment — Requirements for bodies certifying products, processes and services,” First Edition, 2012-09-15, IBR approved for §§ 2.960(b), 2.962(b), (c), (d), (f), and (g).

Transition period – 2 years after effective date of final rule

REF:

FCC 32-14 / ET Docket No. 21-363 

UK product conformity markings "new measures"

UK - Government announces a range of changes to make it simpler for business to apply new conformity markings for products placed on the market in England, Scotland and Whales.

 REF: 

Product Conformity Markings - new measures 

New European Union "Blue Guide" published

 

A new version of the "Blue Guide" on the implementation of EU product rules has been published.

This new version builds on past editions while also reflecting recent changes in EU legislation, in particular, the adoption of new regulations on market surveillance. 

REF:

https://bit.ly/EU-Blue-Guide

FCC Updating Equipment Authorization Rules

On the schedule for their January Open Commission Meeting (Jan 27, 2022) the commission will consider a Notice of Proposed Rule-making (NPRM) to update the existing equipment authorization rules. (ET Docket Nos. 21-363, 19-48).

A proposal is on the agenda to add a new technical standard for the evaluation / validation of test sites for making measurements from 1 GHz to 18 GHz. (ANSI C63.25.1:2018). Additionally, an updated version of the existing standard covering the testing procedures for unlicensed wireless devices (ANSI C63.10:2020) is on the agenda to address changes in technology. Lastly, the most recent versions of the ISO standards covering accreditation bodies and testing facilities, (ISO/IEC 17011:2017 & ISO/IEC 17025:2017 respectively) is on the agenda.

The addition of the new references will have an impact on test labs performing testing for wireless devices covered by FCC rules both in a technical and administrative context.

REF:

PUBLIC NOTICE Jan. 11, 2022 - DA-22-22A1.pdf

FCC FACT SHEET Jan. 6, 2022 - https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DOC-378987A1.pdf

Chairwoman Rosenworcel’s Agenda announcement Jan. 5, 2022 - https://www.fcc.gov/news-events/notes/2022/01/05/january-open-meeting-agenda

EU Pulling the plug on e-waste

The European Commission is putting forward legislation to establish a common charging solution for electronic devices, with the revision of the Radio Equipment Directive.

With this new proposal to revise the Radio Equipment Directive, the European Commission is declaring a uniform and harmonized charging port for devices. USB type C is to be that common port. The Commission also proposes harmonized fast charging technology to ensure that charging speed is the same when using any compatible charger. Further, the Commission proposes to unbundle the sale of chargers from the sale of devices. Consumers will purchase new electronic devices without a new charger.

This new proposal will need adoption by the European Parliament and council. A transition period of 24 months from the date of adoption is proposed.

REF:

https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/IP_21_4613

https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/QANDA_21_4614

https://ec.europa.eu/docsroom/documents/46754

United Kingdom Conformity Assessment Mark (UKCA) deferred

The UK government announced August 24, 2021 that you may continue to use the CE marking for goods place on the market in Great Britain until January 2023. The UKCA marking may be used now, however, from January 1, 2023 the UKCA marking will be mandatory. 

REF:

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/placing-manufactured-goods-on-the-market-in-great-britain