ISED RSS-Gen

RSS-Gen is a general standard issued by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED). It outlines the certification, technical, and administrative requirements for all radiocommunication devices—licensed or license-exempt, except for broadcasting equipment—seeking approval under ISED's regulatory framework.

Scope and Application

RSS-Gen applies across all frequency bands and technologies and is used in conjunction with technology-specific RSS documents. It defines:

• General test requirements and procedures

• Labeling and user documentation

• Equipment authorization and certification obligations

• Conditions for license-exempt operation

• Requirements for spurious emissions and EMC

• Definitions of measurement methods and reference tolerances

RSS-Gen provides the foundation for all product-specific rules set forth in documents like RSS-247 (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth) or RSS-210 (low-power devices).

Key Administrative Requirements

• ISED Certification Number: Must be affixed to certified equipment

• Labeling Requirements: Physical and electronic labels must meet the applicable requirements. Issue 6 also permits QR code labeling and, for very small devices, placement of the label in the user manual or on the packaging.

• User Instructions: Must include specific notices and compliance declarations

• Declaration of Compliance: Must confirm conformity to all applicable RSS and RSS-Gen requirements

• Device Listing: Certified products must be listed in the Radio Equipment List (REL) before being marketed in Canada

Testing and Emissions Requirements

• Spurious Emissions: General emission limits and measurement tolerances apply

• Radiated and Conducted Emissions: Defined test setups depending on device type and interface (e.g., RF connector, AC line)

• Measurement Frequency Range: Depending on the equipment's operating frequency, unwanted emissions measurements may extend up to a maximum of 750 GHz

• Measurements Below 30 MHz: Issue 6 includes guidance for radiated emission measurements from 9 kHz to 30 MHz

• Equipment Modifications: Hardware or software modifications that may affect the radio characteristics or continued compliance of the equipment must be assessed in accordance with RSS-Gen

• Modular Transmitter Certification: Rules for embedded modules or radio subsystems

• Test Methods: All procedures must follow ISED-recognized methods, ensuring reproducibility and regulatory compliance

Authorized Foreign Certification Body (FCB)
We are recognized by ISED Canada to issue Technical Examination Certificates (TEC) for wireless devices seeking market access in Canada.

Learn more on our ISED Certification page.

Certification Context

RSS-Gen is always used in combination with one or more specific RSS standards, such as:

• ISED RSS-247 for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth

• RSS-210 for low-power license-exempt transmitters

• RSS-310 for license-exempt Category II radio apparatus that does not require certification

Stand-alone receivers and passive RFID tags, previously addressed in RSS-Gen, are now covered by RSS-310.

Note: The current version is RSS-Gen, Issue 6, published on July 30, 2026. During the one-year transition period, certification applications and compliance with either Issue 5 or Issue 6 are accepted. After the transition period, certification applications will only be accepted under Issue 6, and equipment manufactured, imported, distributed, leased, offered for sale, or sold in Canada must comply with Issue 6.

For an overview of the changes, see our update on RSS-Gen and RSS-310, Issue 6.