ICES-003 — Definition and Regulatory Context

ICES-003 applies to information technology equipment and other digital apparatus that generate or use timing signals or pulses at rates of at least 9 kHz for functions such as computation, data processing, control or display.

Equipment is classified as Class A or Class B in accordance with the applicable referenced measurement method. Class A equipment is equipment that, based on its characteristics, is highly unlikely to be used in a residential environment. Other equipment is treated as Class B and is subject to the more stringent residential limits.

Some products require additional standards:

• Wireless power transfer equipment may also be subject to RSS-216.

• An external power supply marketed with covered equipment is assessed with that equipment under ICES-003. A separately marketed supply is generally subject to ICES-001, although a supply intended exclusively for ICES-003 equipment may be authorized under ICES-003 when the specified conditions are met.

• For products with a radio transmitter, the digital-apparatus functions remain subject to ICES-003 where applicable, while the transmitter must also comply with the relevant Radio Standards Specifications (RSS).

Testing follows either CAN/CSA-CISPR 32:17 or ANSI C63.4 and must represent the configurations and operating modes expected to produce the highest emissions during normal use.

• Conducted emissions: Measurements at applicable wired ports, including AC mains measurements using the coupling network specified by the selected method.

• Radiated emissions: Measurements at the applicable distance on a suitable test site, using the detector and frequency range required for the equipment.

The test report must identify the equipment, configuration, operating modes, measurement method and results sufficiently to demonstrate compliance.

ICES-003 equipment is Category II equipment and does not require ISED certification or registration. Compliance is demonstrated through testing, recordkeeping and the prescribed bilingual label.

• Class A: CAN ICES-003(A) / NMB-003(A)

• Class B: CAN ICES-003(B) / NMB-003(B)

The label placed on each unit represents the supplier’s declaration of conformity with ISED requirements. The responsible party retains the supporting test report and makes it available to ISED upon request.

Products incorporating intentional transmitters must also follow the certification requirements of the applicable RSS standards.

The manufacturer or importer must retain the test report for as long as the equipment is manufactured, imported, distributed, leased, offered for sale or sold in Canada. The report must be made available to ISED upon request.

Records should clearly connect the tested configuration and applicable Class A or Class B limits with the product and bilingual compliance label placed on the market.

• Design and pre-compliance: Early emissions testing can identify issues before the formal compliance evaluation.

• Product changes: Hardware, firmware or configuration changes that may affect emissions should be assessed for continued compliance.

• Market surveillance: The responsible party must keep the supporting test report available throughout the period in which the product is supplied in Canada.

IB-Lenhardt AG provides accredited testing and compliance services for devices subject to ICES-003, including pre-compliance evaluation, emission testing, guidance on bilingual labeling, and full documentation support to ensure successful market access in Canada.

→ Learn more about our ISED Canada Compliance Services