Radio Compliance Preparation Guide
TL;DR – Quick Summary
Radio compliance testing is required to demonstrate that wireless devices meet regulatory requirements for spectrum use and emissions.
Key regulatory frameworks such as the EU RED, FCC, ISED, and MIC define the testing requirements for market access.
Proper preparation of test samples, firmware, and documentation is essential to avoid delays and test failures.
Different technologies (e.g., Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Cellular) have specific testing requirements and region-dependent standards.
A structured checklist and clear understanding of testing workflows help ensure efficient certification and market access.
Introduction
Wireless products must undergo radio compliance testing to access regulated markets. This guide outlines the regulatory landscape, preparation steps, and testing procedures for manufacturers and developers. It includes a practical checklist, key standards by region, and workflow guidance to help ensure a smooth and successful certification process.
If you are preparing for certification and need accredited lab services, visit our radio compliance service page for details on capabilities, timelines, and supported technologies.
What is RF Compliance Testing?
Radio Frequency (RF) compliance testing ensures that wireless devices conform to national and international regulations governing spectrum use and emission limits. These tests are legally required for market access in almost all countries.
Manufacturers must pass RF testing to:
Legally sell products in regulated markets
Demonstrate efficient use of assigned frequency bands
Avoid interference with other devices and systems
Regulatory frameworks vary by region:
European Union: Radio Equipment Directive (RED)
United States: FCC Part 15 and Part 22/24/27
Canada: ISED RSS Standards
Japan: MIC Technical Standards
United Kingdom: UK Radio Equipment Regulations
RF compliance helps protect the integrity of the radio spectrum. It ensures that devices operate reliably even in complex environments where multiple wireless technologies coexist.
Why Does Preparation Matter?
Radio compliance testing is not a plug-and-play process. Most products require specific configurations, activated test modes, and technical documentation that go beyond regular operation. Without these preparations, delays and re-tests are likely.
Typical challenges:
Missing configuration modes for transmit and receive operation (TX/RX)
Embedded SIMs without test access
Region-specific rules not considered in design
Firmware limitations or untested software paths
Incompatible accessories or control interfaces
Preparation can also differ depending on the technology involved:
Bluetooth modules, Wi-Fi chipsets, cellular modems, or proprietary RF systems each require specific test setups and documentation. The following overview highlights typical wireless technologies and use cases, each with their own regional compliance challenges.
Supported Technologies
We support radio compliance testing for a broad range of wireless technologies commonly used in consumer, industrial, and IoT applications.
| Technology | Typical Applications |
|---|---|
| Bluetooth | Audio devices, wearables, smart home |
| Wi-Fi | Routers, smartphones, IoT devices |
| Cellular (2G–5G) | Smartphones, modules, M2M, eCall |
| UWB | Indoor positioning, access systems |
| Zigbee / Thread | Home automation, building control |
| DAB / DVB | Broadcast receivers |
| Custom RF | Proprietary protocols, GNSS, RFID |
For detailed regulatory requirements and applicable standards by region, see the technology-to-country overview below.
| Technology | Details |
|---|---|
| Supported Technologies | |
| Bluetooth | Typical Applications: Audio devices, wearables, smart home |
| Wi-Fi | Typical Applications: Routers, smartphones, IoT devices |
| Cellular (2G–5G) | Typical Applications: Smartphones, modules, M2M, eCall |
| UWB | Typical Applications: Indoor positioning, access systems |
| Zigbee / Thread | Typical Applications: Home automation, building control |
| DAB / DVB | Typical Applications: Broadcast receivers |
| Custom RF | Typical Applications: Proprietary protocols, GNSS, RFID |
For detailed regulatory requirements and applicable standards by region, see the technology-to-country overview below.
Technology Requirements by Country
Regulatory requirements and testing standards for wireless technologies differ by country and application. The table below summarizes typical compliance requirements and regulatory references for commonly used technologies across major regions.
| Technology | EU (EN) | USA (FCC) | Canada (ISED) | Japan (MIC) | Notes & Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | EN 300 3281 | Part 15.2472 | RSS-247 + RSS-Gen3 | Article 2.1 (19)4 | FHSS operation required; SAR applies to body-worn devices5 |
| Wi-Fi (2.4/5 GHz) | EN 300 328 / EN 301 8931 | Part 15.247 / 15.4072 | RSS-2473 | Article 2.1 (19/19-3)4 | DFS required in UNII-2A and UNII-2C sub-bands (5 GHz)6 |
| Cellular (2G–5G) | EN 301 511 / EN 301 9081 | Parts 22/24/272 | RSS-132/133/139/199 + RSS-Gen3 | Article 2.1 (11/13/14)4 | SIM access required; SAR mandatory for body-worn operation5 |
| UWB | EN 302 0651 | Part 15.5192 | RSS-2203 | Article 2.1 (18)4 | Band usage and power levels restricted by region7 |
| Zigbee / Thread | EN 300 3281 | Part 15.2472 | RSS-247 + RSS-Gen3 | Article 2.1 (19)4 | Classified as SRD; frequency hopping (FHSS) requirements apply |
| DAB / DVB | EN 302 077 / EN 302 2961 | Part 15 / Part 732 | RSS-210 / RSS-1233 | Article 2.1 (7/13)4 | Primarily used in Europe; limited relevance in North America8 |
| Custom RF / ISM | Depends on band | Depends on band | RSS-Gen3 + band-specific | Varies4 | Custom setups; early consultation recommended |
Notes on Regional Requirements:
1 EN standards fall under the Radio Equipment Directive (RED) 2014/53/EU.
2 FCC Part 15 applies to unlicensed devices, often with additional KDB or subpart-specific requirements.
3 In Canada, RSS-Gen applies to all radio equipment and must be used alongside technology-specific RSS documents.
4 Japan's MIC framework is based on international standards with localized adjustments.
5 SAR testing is mandatory for all body-worn RF devices, not limited to cellular.
6 DFS applies specifically in the 5 GHz UNII-2A and UNII-2C sub-bands.
7 UWB usage is subject to band-specific power limits and regional restrictions.
8 DAB/DVB are primarily relevant in Europe; limited adoption in North America.
| Technology | Regional Requirements |
|---|---|
| Bluetooth |
EU: EN 300 3281 USA: Part 15.2472 Canada: RSS-247 + RSS-Gen3 Japan: Article 2.1 (19)4 Notes: FHSS operation required; SAR applies to body-worn devices5 |
| Wi-Fi (2.4/5 GHz) |
EU: EN 300 328 / EN 301 8931 USA: Part 15.247 / 15.4072 Canada: RSS-2473 Japan: Article 2.1 (19/19-3)4 Notes: DFS required in UNII-2A and UNII-2C sub-bands (5 GHz)6 |
| Cellular (2G–5G) |
EU: EN 301 511 / EN 301 9081 USA: Parts 22/24/272 Canada: RSS-132/133/139/199 + RSS-Gen3 Japan: Article 2.1 (11/13/14)4 Notes: SIM access required; SAR mandatory for body-worn operation5 |
| UWB |
EU: EN 302 0651 USA: Part 15.5192 Canada: RSS-2203 Japan: Article 2.1 (18)4 Notes: Band usage and power levels restricted by region7 |
| Zigbee / Thread |
EU: EN 300 3281 USA: Part 15.2472 Canada: RSS-247 + RSS-Gen3 Japan: Article 2.1 (19)4 Notes: Classified as SRD; frequency hopping (FHSS) requirements apply |
| DAB / DVB |
EU: EN 302 077 / EN 302 2961 USA: Part 15 / Part 732 Canada: RSS-210 / RSS-1233 Japan: Article 2.1 (7/13)4 Notes: Primarily used in Europe; limited relevance in North America8 |
| Custom RF / ISM |
EU: Depends on band USA: Depends on band Canada: RSS-Gen3 + band-specific Japan: Varies4 Notes: Custom setups; early consultation recommended |
Notes on Regional Requirements:
1 EN standards fall under the Radio Equipment Directive (RED) 2014/53/EU.
2 FCC Part 15 applies to unlicensed devices, often with additional KDB or subpart-specific requirements.
3 In Canada, RSS-Gen applies to all radio equipment and must be used alongside technology-specific RSS documents.
4 Japan's MIC framework is based on international standards with localized adjustments.
5 SAR testing is mandatory for all body-worn RF devices, not limited to cellular.
6 DFS applies specifically in the 5 GHz UNII-2A and UNII-2C sub-bands.
7 UWB usage is subject to band-specific power limits and regional restrictions.
8 DAB/DVB are primarily relevant in Europe; limited adoption in North America.
Pre-Compliance Testing
Avoiding Surprises in Final Certification
Pre-compliance testing allows you to evaluate the radio performance of your device early in the development process. It helps identify technical issues before formal certification begins—saving time, reducing costs, and improving your chances of first-time approval.
When is pre-compliance testing useful?
You’re working with a new chipset or custom RF design
You’re unsure about the regulatory behavior of your device
You need to optimize antenna layout, firmware, or RF output settings
You want to test performance under specific conditions (e.g., low voltage, temperature)
What’s included?
Conducted and/or radiated emission measurements
Key parameter evaluation (e.g., output power, bandwidth, spurious emissions)
Comparison with applicable limits (e.g., ETSI EN 300 328, FCC Part 15)
Technical guidance from lab engineers, where applicable
Pre-compliance testing is optional, but it often prevents costly delays during full certification.
You can learn more about our pre-compliance services here.
Radio Testing Preparation Checklist
To ensure a smooth and efficient testing process, please make sure the following elements are available before your scheduled test date.
| Category | Requirement | Check |
|---|---|---|
| Documentation | ||
| Forms | The completed application forms per technology (e.g., WiFi, Bluetooth, LTE) | |
| Test Instructions | Clear, step-by-step instructions to configure the DUT, including screenshots or photos | |
| User Manual | The user manual or software guide for test mode activation1 | |
| Hardware | ||
| Radiated Sample | Sample with integrated or detachable antennas for radiated tests (if applicable) | |
| Conducted Sample | Modified device for direct connection (e.g., 50 Ω SMA or U.FL connector) | |
| EMC & Safety Sample | Unmodified production sample with all functions enabled (for EMC or safety tests) | |
| Power Supply | Battery eliminator2 (preferred), plus chargers and spare batteries | |
| Software & Configuration | ||
| Test Modes | Device must support the following test mode settings: | |
| – Channel selection | ||
| – Output power configuration (e.g., max/min) | ||
| – Modulation and/or bandwidth control | ||
| – Data rate selection | ||
| – Continuous Wave (CW) mode | ||
| – Receive-only mode (disables transmissions) | ||
| – Frequency hopping: enabled/disabled (if applicable) | ||
| Cellular Access | SIM slot access, test SIM profile, or eUICC/UICC replacement (if applicable) | |
| Support Equipment | ||
| Laptop | Laptop with all required drivers and test software pre-installed | |
| Cabling | Data and power cables (≥ 2 m for environmental testing)3 | |
| Converters | Required cable converters (e.g., USB to serial) with working drivers | |
| Receiver Testing | Visual or digital indicator of packet reception (e.g., LED, FER/PER); companion device if required4 | |
Footnotes:
1 A user manual or software guide helps avoid delays during configuration and setup.
2 A battery eliminator is preferred for voltage variation testing and longer test cycles.
3 For climatic testing, long cables allow the DUT to remain inside the chamber during configuration.
4 For proprietary receiver technologies (e.g., IEEE 802.15.4), a matching transmitter sample (companion device) may be required.
| Category | Requirement | Check |
|---|---|---|
| Documentation | ||
| Forms | The completed application forms per technology (e.g., WiFi, Bluetooth, LTE) | |
| Test Instructions | Clear, step-by-step instructions to configure the DUT, including screenshots or photos | |
| User Manual | The user manual or software guide for test mode activation1 | |
| Hardware | ||
| Radiated Sample | Sample with integrated or detachable antennas for radiated tests (if applicable) | |
| Conducted Sample | Modified device for direct connection (e.g., 50 Ω SMA or U.FL connector) | |
| EMC & Safety Sample | Unmodified production sample with all functions enabled (for EMC or safety tests) | |
| Power Supply | Battery eliminator2 (preferred), plus chargers and spare batteries | |
| Software & Configuration | ||
| Test Modes | Device must support the following test mode settings: | |
| – Channel selection | ||
| – Output power configuration (e.g., max/min) | ||
| – Modulation and/or bandwidth control | ||
| – Data rate selection | ||
| – Continuous Wave (CW) mode | ||
| – Receive-only mode (disables transmissions) | ||
| – Frequency hopping: enabled/disabled (if applicable) | ||
| Cellular Access | SIM slot access, test SIM profile, or eUICC/UICC replacement (if applicable) | |
| Support Equipment | ||
| Laptop | Laptop with all required drivers and test software pre-installed | |
| Cabling | Data and power cables (≥ 2 m for environmental testing)3 | |
| Converters | Required cable converters (e.g., USB to serial) with working drivers | |
| Receiver Testing | Visual or digital indicator of packet reception (e.g., LED, FER/PER); companion device if required4 | |
Footnotes:
1 A user manual or software guide helps avoid delays during configuration and setup.
2 A battery eliminator is preferred for voltage variation testing and longer test cycles.
3 For climatic testing, long cables allow the DUT to remain inside the chamber during configuration.
4 For proprietary receiver technologies (e.g., IEEE 802.15.4), a matching transmitter sample (companion device) may be required.
Radio Testing Workflow
Once your documentation and test samples have been submitted, the testing process follows a defined sequence. This helps ensure traceability, transparency, and efficient communication throughout your project.
FAQ – Practical Questions
Can I send a regular production sample for testing?
In most cases, no. Compliance testing typically requires specially prepared samples, often with antenna connectors or modified firmware for test mode access.
Do I need to provide a test SIM for cellular devices?
Yes. Your device must be SIM-unlocked and allow insertion of a test SIM. For soldered eUICCs (MFF2), a modified sample or remote provisioning may be necessary.
What if my device has no external interface for test mode control?
You must provide a reliable method to enter and control test modes. This may include pre-configured USB access, serial interfaces, or documented hardware button sequences.
Which documents should I include when submitting my device?
You should provide all relevant materials required to set up and test the device effectively. This includes completed application forms, detailed configuration instructions (with screenshots, if possible), and the user manual or software guide for test mode activation. PDF format is acceptable as long as the content is complete and clearly structured.
What happens if my sample fails during testing?
Your project manager will contact you to discuss the result. A re-test can be scheduled after technical adjustments or with an updated sample.
Need Help?
For any technical questions regarding your test project, get in touch with us. Our team will connect you with the appropriate project lead.
Further Reading & Official Resources
Regulatory Portals
-
FCC – Radio Frequency Device Rules (USA)
Available at: Federal Communications Commission – Equipment Authorization
-
ETSI – Standards for Wireless Communications (Europe)
Available at: European Telecommunications Standards Institute
-
ISED – Radio Standards and Certification (Canada)
Available at: Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
-
MIC – Technical Regulations for Radio Equipment (Japan)
Available at: Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC)
This is a curated selection of key sources. For full and up-to-date regulatory documentation, please refer to the official portals of the relevant authorities. All references were verified as of March 2025.
Related Pages
For further regulatory information, see: