Qi Wireless Charging – Standards and Compliance
Developed by the Wireless Power Consortium (WPC), Qi is the leading global standard for wireless power transfer, operating in the 110–360 kHz range with power profiles from 5 W to 25 W.
With more than 10,000 certified products, it enables safe and interoperable charging across smartphones, wearables, and accessories worldwide.
For manufacturers, achieving WPC certification and regulatory compliance involves WPC interoperability testing, EMC and health assessments, and region-specific requirements across North America, Europe, APAC, and Latin America.
Working on Qi certification for your product?
Connect with our testing lab for WPC interoperability testing, EMC/health assessments, and multi-region approvals.
Key Takeaways
Technology
Qi uses inductive power transfer with optimal energy transfer at 5–10 mm distance, achieving 70–80 % system efficiency.
The charging process ensures interoperability through standardized coil designs, communication protocols, and magnetic alignment for consistent cross-device performance.
Certification & Safety
WPC certification and testing verify power-transfer efficiency, Foreign Object Detection (FOD), and protocol compliance in accredited laboratories.
EMC and health compliance includes EMC emissions and immunity evaluations, RF exposure analysis, and SAR evaluation where applicable.
Regulatory Outlook
Global deployment depends on the regulatory framework by region, with requirements from CE (EU), FCC (USA), ISED (Canada), MIC (Japan), ANATEL (Brazil), and others.
The following section outlines the functional principle of Qi wireless charging and its main system components.
Technology Overview
Operating through magnetic induction, Qi wireless charging works like an air-core transformer: a transmitting coil generates an alternating magnetic field that induces voltage in the receiving coil. The induced energy is rectified and managed by the receiver to safely charge the battery.
A complete Qi system is composed of three key elements:
Power Transmitter (pad): Coil and ferrite structure operating at 110–205 kHz in Qi v1.x or at 360 kHz in Qi 2.
Power Receiver (device): Integrated coil and rectifier circuit inside the smartphone, wearable, or accessory. It converts the induced AC into DC and manages charging parameters, including thermal protection and overcurrent/overvoltage management.
Control and communication loop: Bidirectional signaling via load modulation enables power control, device identification, charging status updates, and foreign object detection (FOD) to prevent unwanted heating of metallic objects.
Qi Power Profiles
Qi defines four primary power profiles that specify power transfer behavior between transmitters and receivers:
BPP (Baseline Power Profile) – up to 5 W, standard inductive charging
EPP (Extended Power Profile) – up to 15 W, higher efficiency for faster charging
MPP (Magnetic Power Profile) – up to 25 W, fixed magnetic alignment
APP (Active Alignment Power Profile) – up to 25 W, dynamic coil positioning
Some receivers additionally support MCPE (Mobile Communication Protocol for Energy) or MCPM (Multiple Coil Power Management) to handle magnetic accessories or multi-coil designs.
Power profile classification directly impacts regulatory testing requirements: higher power levels (15 W and above) typically require more extensive RF exposure assessment and may trigger additional evaluation thresholds depending on jurisdiction.
Qi 2 Evolution
Qi 2 introduced magnetic alignment and higher power levels while maintaining backward compatibility.
Qi 2.0 (2023): Introduced the Magnetic Power Profile (MPP) for improved coupling efficiency.
Qi 2.2 (2025): Increased MPP to 25 W, added Active Alignment (APP), enhanced USB-C integration, and improved Foreign Object Detection (FOD).
All Qi 2 profiles remain fully backward-compatible with earlier Qi v1.x devices, ensuring seamless interoperability across generations.
→ For detailed Power Transmitter (PTx) and Power Receiver (PRx) configurations defined in Qi v2.0 – v2.2, see Qi Wireless Power Profiles.
Charging Process & Interoperability
A Qi charging session follows a defined sequence:
Detection & Initialization - When a device is placed on the pad, the transmitter detects its presence
Power Negotiation - Transmitter and receiver perform a handshake to determine the supported power level (BPP, EPP, or MPP)
Power Delivery - The transmitter ramps up power gradually until the battery is charged or specified limits are reached
Standardized communication protocols and coil designs ensure interoperability: any Qi-certified device can charge on any Qi pad. Qi2 further improves efficiency and speed through magnetic alignment, reducing energy loss and enabling more consistent performance.
Device Class Adaptations
Different device classes require specific implementations:
True wireless earbuds - Typically support Qi-BPP (5 W) and work with standard Qi pads
Smartwatches - Often use proprietary charging solutions due to smaller coil dimensions and tighter placement tolerances, and are generally not covered under standard Qi certification
WPC Certification & Testing Requirements
Before a product can carry the Qi logo, it must undergo Wireless Power Consortium (WPC) certification. This certification ensures compliance with Qi specifications for safety, interoperability, and performance. Tests are conducted by authorized laboratories according to official WPC test plans.
WPC Certification Process
Qi certification follows a five-step process managed by the Wireless Power Consortium (WPC):
Key Test Categories
Power Transfer & Efficiency
Verifies reliable delivery of specified power levels (5 W, 15 W, 25 W)
Confirms minimum efficiency thresholds and thermal stability under load
Interoperability
Ensures universal compatibility across Qi-certified devices
Products are validated against WPC reference transmitters and receivers (golden units)
Foreign Object Detection (FOD)
Detects metallic objects (e.g., coins, rings) and prevents hazardous heating
Evaluated with standardized WPC FOD test kits
Communication Protocol
Validates digital handshake, timing, and data packets during initialization and charging
Communication occurs via load modulation
Safety Functions
Confirms shutdown on over-temperature, voltage spikes, or device removal
Includes checks for magnetic coupling and coil quality
Advanced Measurement Parameters
In addition to the core test categories, WPC certification evaluates electromagnetic parameters that determine wireless charging performance and safety:
Coupling Factor (k): Quantifies energy transfer efficiency between transmitter and receiver coils depending on alignment and distance. Higher coupling improves efficiency; Qi2 magnetic alignment ensures more consistent coupling than free positioning.
Magnetic Flux Density in the Gap: Ensures field strengths between coils remain within safety limits to prevent excessive electromagnetic exposure. Measurements verify compliance with international EMF safety standards.
Coil Quality Factor (Q): Represents the ratio of energy stored to energy lost per cycle. Higher Q values indicate lower resistive losses and better efficiency. WPC testing verifies that Q factors meet specification requirements while maintaining sufficient bandwidth for reliable operation.
Modulation Index: Determines accuracy and stability of load modulation for communication between transmitter and receiver. Testing verifies that modulation parameters remain within tolerance across various operating conditions, ensuring reliable power negotiation and safety functions.
These advanced parameters form the technical foundation of Qi compliance and are also relevant in regulatory evaluations of EMC and safety performance. See: Regulatory Requirements by Region.
Test Systems & Equipment
For Qi certification, authorized laboratories employ automated platforms such as the nok9 CATSII, the only fully WPC-authorized system. These systems include standardized transmitters and receivers, electronic loads, and measurement devices covering all required test cases.
Many laboratories also offer EMC pre-screening to identify potential regulatory compliance issues early in the development process. For details on EMC and EMF testing requirements, see: EMC & Health Compliance.
Important: WPC Qi certification ensures interoperability and safety but does not replace regulatory approvals (e.g., CE marking, FCC authorization), which must be addressed separately.
Qi2 Magnetic Alignment & FOD Testing
Real-time demonstration of Qi2 magnetic placement verification, communication protocol monitoring, and foreign object detection in our authorized test laboratory.
EMC & Health Compliance
Quick Overview
- EMC Testing: Ensures devices don't cause interference and operate correctly under external disturbances (emissions and immunity testing)
- EMF Assessment: Verifies safe electromagnetic field exposure levels (magnetic fields, SAR, nerve stimulation)
- Test Equipment: Specialized chambers, field probes, spectrum analyzers, and monitoring systems
Regulatory Context
EMC and EMF compliance requirements vary by region. The European Union requires EN 300 330, EN 301 489, and EN 62311 under the Radio Equipment Directive (RED). The United States enforces FCC Part 15/18 with EMF guidelines. Canada mandates ISED RSS-102, including strict nerve stimulation requirements per SPR-002.
→ See Regulatory Requirements by Region for complete certification pathways and market-specific requirements.
Regulatory Requirements by Region
Wireless charging devices require regulatory approval before market entry. Certification requirements, testing procedures, and technical standards vary significantly by region.
The following overview covers the primary regulatory authorities, standards, and key requirements for each major market, including critical compliance considerations.
| Region / Market | Details |
|---|---|
| USA |
Authority / Standard: FCC Part 18 (ISM), FCC 15.209, KDB 680106 Key Conditions: RF exposure testing mandatory (MPE/SAR) Details: See Americas |
| Canada |
Authority / Standard: ISED (RSS-216, RSS-102) Key Conditions: Nerve stimulation testing mandatory (PNS) Details: See Americas |
| Brazil |
Authority / Standard: ANATEL (restricted radiation) Key Conditions: Homologation mandatory; LF frequency restrictions apply Details: See Americas |
| EU |
Authority / Standard: RED (EN 300 330, EN 62311) Key Conditions: EMF assessment mandatory; spurious emission limits Details: See Europe |
| China |
Authority / Standard: MIIT (WPT regulation 2024) Key Conditions: Frequency window restricted (100–148.5 kHz) Details: See APAC |
| Japan |
Authority / Standard: MIC (no radio certification) Key Conditions: PSE safety mandatory; EMC voluntary (VCCI) Details: See APAC |
| South Korea |
Authority / Standard: RRA (KC certification) Key Conditions: EMF and EMC testing mandatory Details: See APAC |
| Region / Market | Authority / Standard | Key Conditions | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| USA | FCC Part 18 (ISM), FCC 15.209, KDB 680106 | RF exposure testing mandatory (MPE/SAR) | See Americas |
| Canada | ISED (RSS-216, RSS-102) | Nerve stimulation testing mandatory (PNS) | See Americas |
| Brazil | ANATEL (restricted radiation) | Homologation mandatory; LF frequency restrictions apply | See Americas |
| EU | RED (EN 300 330, EN 62311) | EMF assessment mandatory; spurious emission limits | See Europe |
| China | MIIT (WPT regulation 2024) | Frequency window restricted (100–148.5 kHz) | See APAC |
| Japan | MIC (no radio certification) | PSE safety mandatory; EMC voluntary (VCCI) | See APAC |
| South Korea | RRA (KC certification) | EMF and EMC testing mandatory | See APAC |
Detailed Requirements by Region
FAQs on Qi Wireless Charging and Regulatory Requirements
Do Qi transmitters and receivers require separate certifications?
Yes, in most jurisdictions. The wireless charging transmitter (pad/base) and receiver (typically integrated into the device) are evaluated separately. The transmitter undergoes EMC testing, RF exposure assessment, and emissions testing as a standalone product. The receiver is assessed as part of the host device (e.g., smartphone), often requiring additional SAR evaluation per FCC KDB 648474 or equivalent.
Each component needs its own certification unless explicitly covered under modular approval policies. In practice, receiver modules are usually certified together with the host device under a single FCC ID or CE approval, but planning for separate test campaigns and certification timelines is recommended.
Can I reuse FCC or CE test reports for other markets?
Partially, but reuse is limited. While certain test data (e.g., emissions measurements, device specifications) can support applications in other regions, most markets require local testing or re-evaluation. For example, ANATEL (Brazil) mandates testing at accredited Brazilian labs and does not accept FCC/CE reports as replacement. Canada’s ISED requires unique PNS (nerve stimulation) testing not performed for FCC. The EU Declaration of Conformity (DoC) requires testing to harmonized EN standards, not FCC Part 18.
Cross-recognition is the exception, not the rule, and exists mainly in bilateral agreements such as EU–UK or EU–EFTA. Budget for market-specific testing; cross-use of reports can only reduce, but not replace, local requirements.
What if my Qi device operates above China’s 148.5 kHz frequency limit?
Under the new Chinese regulation for wireless charging devices (effective September 2024), mobile and portable products must operate within the permitted frequency bands of 100–148.5 kHz, 6765–6795 kHz, or 13 553–13 567 kHz, with a rated transmission power not exceeding 80 W.
Devices operating outside these bands—such as certain fast-charging implementations above 148.5 kHz—are considered noncompliant and may be prohibited from import or sale in China. Manufacturers should address this early in development, as post-design adjustments are complex and costly.
Is EU Declaration of Conformity (DoC) sufficient, or do I need a Notified Body?
For standard Qi wireless chargers using harmonized standards EN 300 330, EN 301 489-1/-3, EN 62311), self-assessment via DoC without Notified Body involvement is typically sufficient. This assumes full compliance with harmonized standards covering all essential requirements of the Radio Equipment Directive (RED).
However, if your device uses non-harmonized standards (e.g., EN 303 417 for narrowband WPT), incorporates novel technologies, or cannot fully demonstrate conformity via harmonized standards, Module B+C assessment by a Notified Body may be required. In practice, Notified Body involvement for mainstream Qi chargers is rare but can be triggered by gaps in standards coverage. Consult with your test lab or regulatory body early to determine the appropriate conformity route and avoid delays.
Looking for Support?
Our accredited labs provide full compliance testing for inductive wireless power transfer devices, from Qi v1.x to Qi 2.2, including interoperability validation, EMC testing, RF exposure assessment, and multi-country conformity evaluation.
Further Reading & Official Resources
Selected Qi Wireless Charging Regulations by Key Market
-
Wireless Power Consortium – Qi Standard & Certification
Official Qi standard and certification program: WPC
-
ETSI EN 300 330 (SRD)
Standard for Short Range Devices under RED: ETSI (PDF)
-
ETSI – EN 303 417 (WPT systems)
Technical standard for wireless power transfer systems under the Radio Equipment Directive (RED), currently not harmonized: ETSI (PDF)
-
ETSI – EN 301 489-1 (EMC for radio equipment)
Base EMC standard for radio devices: ETSI (PDF)
-
ETSI – EN 301 489-3 (EMC for SRD including WPT)
Specific EMC requirements for short-range devices: ETSI (PDF)
-
IEC / VDE – EN 62311 (Assessment of devices for human exposure)
Evaluation of RF exposure for electronic devices: VDE Verlag
-
FCC – Part 18 (Industrial, Scientific, and Medical Equipment)
Regulation covering ISM devices, including wireless power transfer systems: eCFR
-
FCC – 47 CFR 15.209
Radiated emission limits; general requirements: eCFR
-
ISED Canada – RSS-216 (Wireless Power Transfer Devices)
Standard for wireless power transfer devices: ISED
-
ISED Canada – RSS-102 (RF Exposure Compliance)
Requirements for RF exposure compliance: ISED
Additional Resource
-
TAMSys by IB-Lenhardt AG – Type Approval Management System
A centralized compliance platform for managing radio certification, regulatory data, and certificate tracking across major markets including the EU, USA, Canada, and more.
→ TAMSys – Type Approval Management System
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 October 2025.