47 CFR Part 15

47 CFR Part 15 is the section of Title 47 of the Code of Federal Regulations that governs radio-frequency (RF) devices in the United States. It is administered by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

The rules set conditions under which intentional, unintentional and incidental radiators may operate without an individual radio licence, provided that the applicable technical and operational requirements are met.

For an overview of the wider U.S. regulatory framework, see our FCC requirements for the United States.

Scope and Application

47 CFR Part 15 applies to a wide range of RF devices, including:

• Intentional radiators: devices that deliberately generate and emit RF energy, such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Zigbee and RFID products;

• Unintentional radiators: devices that generate RF energy for use within the device or send it by conduction without intentionally emitting it, such as digital devices, computers and switching power supplies;

• Incidental radiators: devices that generate RF energy during operation although they are not designed to generate or emit it, such as DC motors.

The applicable subpart and equipment-authorization procedure depend on the device and its functions.

Typical Compliance Process

• Classification: Identify the device functions, applicable Part 15 subparts and the required equipment-authorization procedure.

• Testing: Unintentional radiators are generally measured using ANSI C63.4, while intentional radiators are generally measured using ANSI C63.10. Testing for Certification must be performed by an FCC-recognized accredited testing laboratory; the same accreditation requirement does not apply to measurements under the Supplier’s Declaration of Conformity (SDoC) procedure.

• Authorization: Most unintentional radiators use the Supplier’s Declaration of Conformity (SDoC) procedure. Intentional radiators generally require Certification through an FCC-recognized TCB, although § 15.201 specifies limited categories that use SDoC.

• Documentation: For Certification, the application submitted to the FCC or a TCB includes the required technical exhibits. Under SDoC, the responsible party retains the compliance records and provides them to the FCC upon request.

Identification and Compliance Information

• An FCC ID is assigned to equipment authorized under the Certification procedure; equipment authorized solely under SDoC does not receive an FCC ID.

• The applicable Part 15 compliance information and interference conditions must be provided as required for the device and authorization procedure.

• Authorization and compliance with the applicable Part 15 requirements are required before covered equipment is marketed or imported into the United States.

Lifecycle Relevance

• Pre-compliance: Early measurements can identify emissions or operational issues before formal authorization testing.

• Market access: The selected SDoC or Certification procedure forms part of the compliance route for U.S. market entry.

• Product changes: Firmware updates and hardware modifications that may affect compliance must be assessed against the applicable FCC change rules.

Need Help?

We support testing and equipment authorization for devices subject to 47 CFR Part 15. Our accredited laboratories provide pre-compliance evaluations, Certification testing and documentation support for U.S. market access. Learn more about our FCC certification services.