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Equipment Authorization FAQs

Labeling requirement in 47 CFR 15.19 indicate that a Part 15 device must not cause harmful interference and must accept interference.

This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

Question: Please explain exactly what the second part of this means? And please include an example of a design feature that would be prohibited by the second part of this statement?

Answer: You ask why our label (required in 47 CFR 15.19) indicates that a Part 15 device must accept interference. This refers to the fact that Part 15 devices are unlicensed and operate under a sufferance basis. As such the device is not protected against interference and the parties operating such a device can not seek redress from parties operating radio communication services. In other words they do not get protection from interference and thus must accept interference. Because of this, any part 15 device should be designed to operate robustly under all conditions.


Question: Where can I look up information on a piece of equipment if I know the FCC ID #?

Answer: The FCC maintains a database that can be searched on the internet. The database contains information on pending and granted applications for Equipment Authorization. You can search the for granted authorizations at http://www.fcc.gov/oet/fccid/ and pending applications with confirmation number at https://fjallfoss.fcc.gov/prod/oet/ "Application Status".


Question: Where can I obtain information on how to get my equipment approved by the FCC?

Answer: The OET Laboratory Division Electronic Filing Home Page (https://fjallfoss.fcc.gov/prod/oet/index.html) has information about electronic filing. See "Download Electronic Filing Instructions"


Question: Where can I look up information on a piece of equipment if I know the FCC ID #?

Answer: The FCC maintains a database that can be searched on the internet. The database contains information on pending and granted applications for Equipment Authorization. You can search the for granted authorizations at http://www.fcc.gov/oet/fccid/ and pending applications with confirmation number at https://fjallfoss.fcc.gov/prod/oet/ "Application Status".


Question: Does my computer equipment require approval by the FCC?

Answer: Computer equipment that is marketed exclusively for use in business and industrial environments is called Class A equipment and requires verification (self approval) by the manufacturer. Personal computer equipment marketed for use in residential environments is called Class B and requires either certification by the FCC or self-approval under the Declaration of Conformity process. You can obtain information regarding both of these processes from the Office of Engineering and Technology Application Filing web page. For more information see OET Bulletin No. 62 Understanding The FCC Regulations for Computers and other Digital Devices.


Question: Our company is interested in building a PC "clone" computer for resale using off the shelf name brand parts. We need to know if the computer needs any type of FCC authorization and/or paperwork.

Answer: It sounds as though you want to assemble a computer under our Declaration of Conformity (DoC) rules. Please read the information below. If you have any further questions please correspond with labinfo@fcc.gov.


Question: What do I need to do when I import electronic equipment and radio transmitters into the United States.?

Answer: Rules governing Importation are found in: 47 CFR 2.1201 Subpart K Importation of Devices Capable of Causing Harmful Interference. (see FCC Rules and Regulations)

Typical RF devices are microwave ovens, virtually any product containing a computer microprocessor, telephones with memory or advanced features, video cameras and recorders, transmitters and transceivers, and most receivers including television receivers.

When RF devices are imported into the United States, a declaration is required that states how the equipment meets appropriate FCC standards. This declaration is made on the FCC Form   or through a means of electronic filing available to qualified filers through the U.S. Customs Service. The Customs Service and the FCC work together to enforce the importation declaration requirement.

An FCC Form 740 or the equivalent declaration filed electronically through Customs must be filed for each type of RF device represented in a shipment and each time a shipment is imported into the customs territory of the United States.

Information on equipment standards and equipment authorization requirements is available in OET Bulletin number 61 entitled "FCC Equipment Authorization Program for Radio Frequency Devices." It is available from the forms contractor at 800 418-3676.

Additional information regarding the FCC Form 740 may be obtained by contacting Michael Crowe at (202) 418-2863.


Question: I wish to locate a test laboratory in my area; is there a list of laboratories in my area available?

Answer: A List of Contract Test Sites is available from our Internet site at http://www.fcc.gov/oet/info/database/testsite/. To obtain a listing of European labs per US-EU MRA EMC Annex, download an Acrobat pdf document here: European Test Labs List


Question: Where can I obtain a copy of the FCC Rules and Regulations?

Answer: The FCC Rules and Regulations are available from our Internet site at http://www.fcc.gov/oet/info/rules/.


Question: What form do I need when requesting an equipment authorization from the FCC?

Answer: The Form 731 is required to be used when requesting an equipment authorization from the FCC, in order to legally market in the United States any equipment that is subject to Certification, Notification and Type Acceptance as defined in the Commission's Rules. The Office of Engineering and Technology Application Filing web page has information about both paper and electronic filing.


Question: How do I get to the Office of Engineering and Technology Laboratory in Columbia, MD?

Answer: The Office of Engineering and Technology Laboratory is located on Oakland Mills Road in Columbia, MD.


Question: I would like to understand more about the FCC Part 15 regulations for low power, non-licensed transmitters. Where can I find more information?

Answer: The OET Bulletin No. 63 has been prepared to provide a basic understanding of the FCC regulations for low power, unlicensed transmitters, and includes answers to some commonly-asked questions.




Last Updated/Reviewed on: Thursday, November 08, 2001 


If you have questions about this web page or would like more information pertaining to OET please send email to oetinfo@fcc.gov

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