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FCC Authorization Guide: Supplier's Declaration of Conformity (SDoC)
The Supplier's Declaration of Conformity (SDoC) is the self-authorization method for a broad category of FCC-regulated devices. This guide covers the method, applicability, testing requirements, labeling, and the exact compliance information statement and user manual language required by FCC rules.
Introduction
In order to carry out its responsibilities under the Communications Act, and to promote efficient use of the radio spectrum, the FCC has developed technical standards for radio frequency equipment. In addition to these standards, the rules governing each service may require that equipment be authorized under a Supplier's Declaration of Conformity (SDoC), or receive a grant of Certification from a Telecommunication Certification Body (TCB). This guide explains the SDoC authorization process.
Need FCC Certification (TCB route)? Compatible Electronics is an FCC-authorized TCB (CETCB) accredited to ISO/IEC 17065. We issue FCC grants typically in under two weeks.
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Method and Applicability
The SDoC method combines and replaces the previous "Verification" and "Declaration of Conformity" methods, effective November 2, 2017. FCC Title 47, Part 2.906 defines it as a procedure where the responsible party (as defined in §2.909) makes measurements or completes other procedures acceptable to the Commission to ensure the equipment complies with the applicable technical standards. Submittal to the Commission of a sample unit or representative data is not required unless specifically requested pursuant to §2.945.
FCC Title 47, Part 15 lists the following device types as falling within the SDoC authorization procedure. Most can optionally also be authorized under certification procedures:
- TV Broadcast Receivers, FM Broadcast Receivers, CB receivers, super regenerative receivers
- All other receivers subject to Part 15
- TV interface device, cable system terminal device, stand-alone cable input selector switch
- Class B personal computers and peripherals; CPU boards and internal power supplies used with Class B PCs
- Class B personal computers assembled using authorized CPU boards or power supplies
- Class B external switching power supplies
- Other Class B digital devices and peripherals
- Class A digital devices, peripherals, and external switching power supplies
The test and technical standards are found in FCC Title 47, Part 15.31, which lists ANSI C63.4 as the applicable measurement method for unintentional radiators. Power-line conducted and radiated field strength emissions measurements are required; applicable limits are in FCC Part 15.107 (conducted) and 15.109 (radiated).
ⓘ Equipment authorized under SDoC shall be tested at a suitable laboratory meeting the requirements of ANSI C63.4 and having compiled the required site description per §2.948. Accreditation is not required — but using an NVLAP accredited lab like Compatible Electronics provides the highest quality and most defensible test data.
To apply the SDoC procedure, the responsible party must be located in the United States. Alternatively, if the responsible party has no US presence, the Certification procedure via a TCB (such as CETCB) must be used.
SDoC vs. FCC Certification — Choosing the Right Path
SDoC (Self-Declaration)
- Responsible party must be in the US
- No FCC ID required on product
- FCC logo application is optional
- Test report kept on file (no FCC submission)
- Available for Class A/B digital devices, PCs, receivers
- Cannot be used for intentional radiators (Part 15C/18)
- No accreditation required (but recommended)
FCC Certification (TCB)
- Available to any party globally
- FCC ID required on product
- Grant of authorization issued by TCB
- Listed in FCC equipment authorization database
- Required for intentional radiators, Part 15C, Part 18
- Optional for most SDoC device types
- Issued by ISO 17065 accredited TCB
Compliance Information Statement
The following statement shall be included in the user's manual or as a separate sheet. Where the manual is provided only electronically (e.g., on a computer disk or over the Internet), the information may be included in that form.
Standard Product (Single Device)
IDENTIFICATION OF PRODUCT: (e.g. unique name and model number)
APPLICABLE COMPLIANCE STATEMENTS: (e.g. for Part 15 devices see §15.19(a)(3))
RESPONSIBLE PARTY (IN USA) NAME: *Manufacturer, assembler, importer, or retailer
ADDRESS:
TELEPHONE: or INTERNET CONTACT INFORMATION
Responsible party must be located in the United States. An Internet contact can substitute for address and telephone number.
Assembled from Modular Components
IDENTIFICATION OF ASSEMBLED PRODUCT:
IDENTIFICATION OF MODULAR COMPONENTS USED: (as identified on its SDoC, or Name/Model and FCC ID if certified)
APPLICABLE COMPLIANCE STATEMENTS:
RESPONSIBLE PARTY THAT ASSEMBLED PRODUCT (IN USA) NAME:
ADDRESS / TELEPHONE / INTERNET CONTACT:
COPIES OF COMPLIANCE STATEMENT FOR EACH SDoC MODULAR COMPONENT USED
Labeling and Identification
Each device shall be uniquely identified by the responsible party. The identification shall not be in a format that could be confused with the FCC ID required on certified equipment. The responsible party shall maintain records to facilitate positive identification of each device.
Devices authorized under SDoC may optionally be labeled with the FCC compliance logo as a visual indication that the product complies with applicable FCC requirements. Use of the logo does not alleviate the requirement to provide the required compliance information. For Part 15 devices, see §15.19 for additional labeling requirements.
Information to the User (Required Manual Language)
For a Class A Digital Device
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference in which case the user will be required to correct the interference at his own expense.
For a Class B Digital Device
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures: Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna; increase the separation between the equipment and receiver; connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected; consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
Also required: a caution to the user that changes or modifications not expressly approved by the responsible party could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.
Additional Notes on SDoC
The SDoC signifies that the responsible party has determined that the equipment complies with the applicable technical standards if no unauthorized change is made and if the equipment is properly maintained and operated. Compliance with these standards shall not be construed as a finding by the responsible party with respect to matters not encompassed by the Commission's rules.
SDoC is applicable to all items subsequently marketed that are identical (as defined in §2.908) to the sample tested. The responsible party may, if it desires, apply for Certification of a device subject to SDoC — in such cases all rules governing certification will apply.
Need FCC Testing or Certification?
Compatible Electronics performs FCC Part 15 testing and, as an FCC-authorized TCB (CETCB), can issue Grants of Equipment Authorization — typically in under two weeks.
www.celectronics.com
