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    August 25, 2021

    ISED ICES-003 Issue 7-Reminder of new mandatory compliance requirement

    Innovation, Science and Economic Development (ISED) Canada has released Issue 7 of the Interference-Causing Equipment Standard, ICES-003, which covers Information Technology Equipment Including Digital Apparatus.

    This standard specifies the limits and methods of measurement of radiofrequency (RF) emissions, as well as the administrative requirements for information technology equipment (ITE). This includes devices or systems that generate and/or use timing signals or pulses with a rate of at least 9 kHz and employ digital techniques for purposes such as computation, display, control, data processing, and storage.

    There are three primary changes in Issue 7 from Issue 6:
    1. There are additional requirements which are applied to wireless power transfer device (such as a mobile phone wireless charger, etc.)

    2. Override limits have been eliminated, and ICES-003 now only has one set of limits. Both CISPR and ANSI test methods are still allowed. The radiated emissions limits are changed, and less stringent.

    3. ICES-003 compliance labeling requirements are specified in ICES-GEN, which are still to be placed on the equipment (or in the manual, if allowed)

    After a year-long period to transition, these mandatory requirement changes will come into effect as of 15 October 2021 and affects manufacturers and importers of ITE placing product units on the Canadian market.

    Products that are newly designed and ready to go to market should be tested according to this latest version. After the expiry of the transition period, all products subject to this standard that continue to be manufactured, imported, distributed, leased, offered for sale, or sold in Canada must comply with this new version [Refer ICES-GEN, 3.5].

    Products that were originally tested according to ICES-003 Issue 6 will need to establish compliance with ICES-003 Issue 7 if they are continuing to manufacture, import or sell product. To demonstrate compliance with the updated standard, a review of existing test reports is necessary to evaluate the changes as they relate to specific products. Depending on the situation, the test report can be reissued to reflect the compliance with ICES-003 Issue 7 standard or a document justifying compliance would be required. In many cases, testing is not required.

    ISED Canada carries out market surveillance activities to ensure products continue to comply with applicable requirements. For products which do not comply with ISED’s requirements, several different actions may be taken. These include fines to encourage compliance with regulatory requirements.

    With more than eighty years of experience, Nemko’s network of global wireless laboratories can perform comprehensive EMC emissions testing services, including tests according to ICES-003 Issue 7, as well as advise on the labeling and compliance requirements for electronic and electric equipment. A name that is widely recognized and accepted across the globe, Nemko follows the trends and changes within the industry to keep customers up to date on the latest requirements.

    Contact us today at info@nemko.com for more information.

    Vina Kerai

    Vina is located in Nemko’s US office and she is responsible for Nemko’s Telecommunications Certification Body programs. Vina has a proven track record of successfully implementing and managing certification programs with over 18 years of experience from R&D/engineering, compliance testing and certification to...

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