RSP-100

Issue 12
August 2019

Spectrum Management and Telecommunications

Radio Standards Procedure

Certification of Radio Apparatus and

Broadcasting Equipment

Aussi disponible en français – PNR-100

 Preface

Radio Standards Procedure RSP-100, issue 12, Certification of Radio Apparatus and Broadcasting
Equipment replaces Radio Standards Procedure RSP-100, issue 11, Certification of Radio Apparatus
dated January 2016. This document sets out the certification procedure for radio apparatus and
broadcasting equipment that fall under Radio Standards Specifications (RSSs) and Broadcasting
Equipment Technical Standards (BETSs), respectively.

This document will be in force upon publication on Innovation, Science and Economic
Development Canada’s (ISED) website.

The following are the main changes:

1. Removed the following information or requirements, as they are included in RSS-Gen, General
Requirements for Compliance of Radio Apparatus:

• developmental licence
• labelling
• listing equipment in ISED’s Radio equipment list
• definitions of equipment categories
• radiocommunication antenna systems

2. Clarified that for handheld host devices, host certification (not modular certification) is required,
unless conditions for exemption are met (section 8.2).

3. Modified that the product marketing name (PMN) is required at the time of certification and added
information on temporary non-disclosure of the PMN (section 9).

4. Added certification requirements for stand-alone certified modules incorporated into a handheld or
wearable host product (section 10.1).

5. Added the requirement that a statement of compliance to the latest issue of the applicable
standard(s) be provided with certification services applications for new products or product
modifications when new testing to verify compliance is not needed (section 11).

6. Added non-RF modifications to Class I permissive changes (C1PC) (section 11.1).

7. Clarified that for a new multiple listing service application from an existing certification, the new
hardware version identification number (HVIN) must be different than the one from the existing
certification under the same applicant (section 11.5.1 b).

8. Replaced the Unique Product Number (UPN) and ISED Company Number under Product
Information with an ISED Certification Number (forms A, B and D).

9. Added the requirement that the lowest gain for each type of receiving antenna be submitted for
modular approval (form D).
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10. Updated the definition section and ISED contact information.

11. Restructured and reformatted the document.

Issued under the authority of

the Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development

____________________________________
Martin Proulx
Director General
Engineering, Planning and Standards Branch

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 Contents
1. Scope............................................................................................................................................... 1
2. Related documents ........................................................................................................................ 1
3. Inquiries ......................................................................................................................................... 1
3.1 Inquiries related to the certification procedure ................................................................... 1
3.2 Inquiries related to licensing ............................................................................................... 2
3.3 Inquiries related to Broadcasting Equipment Technical Standards .................................... 2
3.4 Inquiries related to Radio Standards Specifications ........................................................... 2
4. Equipment certification requirements ........................................................................................ 2
4.1 Canadian representative ...................................................................................................... 2
4.2 Applications for certification services ................................................................................ 3
4.3 CS-03 compliance ............................................................................................................... 3
4.4 Terminal equipment registration ......................................................................................... 3
5. Labelling requirements ................................................................................................................ 3
6. Listing requirements ..................................................................................................................... 3
7. User notices requirements ............................................................................................................ 4
8. Host/modular product requirements .......................................................................................... 4
8.1 Host product requirements .................................................................................................. 4
8.2 Modular approval and limited modular approval requirements.......................................... 4
9. New product(s) certification services .......................................................................................... 5
9.1 Description of key fields ..................................................................................................... 5
9.2 New Single Product Certification service ........................................................................... 6
9.3 New family product certification ........................................................................................ 6
10. Modification of certified products ............................................................................................... 7
10.1 Class I permissive changes (C1PC) .................................................................................... 7
10.2 Class II permissive changes (C2PC) ................................................................................... 8
10.3 Class III permissive changes (C3PC) .................................................................................. 8
10.4 Class IV permissive changes (C4PC) ................................................................................. 9
11. Certification services applications ............................................................................................... 9
11.1 Add New Product/Non-RF Product Modifications (C1PC) to Existing Certification
service ................................................................................................................................. 9
11.2 Add New Product/Product Modifications (C2PC) to Existing Certification service ......... 9
11.3 C3PC Product Modification service ................................................................................. 10
11.4 C4PC Product Modification service ................................................................................. 10
11.5 Multiple Listing of Certification service ........................................................................... 11
11.6 Transfer of Certifications service ...................................................................................... 11
12. Certification retention and audits ............................................................................................. 12
12.1 Responsible parties (applicant, manufacturers, importers, distributors and vendors) ...... 12
12.2 Post-certification audits, investigations and quality control ............................................. 13
12.3 Remedial action ................................................................................................................ 13
12.4 Disclosure of information ................................................................................................. 13
13. Glossary of commonly used terms and definitions .................................................................. 14
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Certification of Radio Apparatus and Broadcasting Equipment RSP-100

1. Scope

This Radio Standards Procedure (RSP) describes the requirements and process for obtaining and
maintaining certification of Category I equipment subject to Radio Standards Specifications (RSSs) or
Broadcasting Equipment Technical Standards (BETSs). Standards encompassing Category I equipment
are listed in the Category I equipment standards list.

2. Related documents

Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) documents are available in the Official
publications section of the Spectrum Management and Telecommunications website. Refer to the
following documents as needed:

• CS-03, Compliance Specification for Terminal Equipment, Terminal Systems, Network

Protection Devices, Connection Arrangements and Hearing Aids Compatibility

• DC-01, Procedure for Declaration of Conformity and Registration of Terminal Equipment

• RSS-Gen, General Requirements for Compliance of Radio Apparatus

• RSS-102, Radio Frequency (RF) Exposure Compliance of Radiocommunication Apparatus

(All Frequency Bands)
_____________
CS – Compliance Specification
DC – Declaration of Conformity
RSS – Radio Standards Specification

3. Inquiries

This section provides contact information for submitting inquiries related to certification and licensing
of equipment.

3.1 Inquiries related to the certification procedure

Inquiries may be submitted online using the General Inquiry form. Select the Certification and
Engineering Bureau radio button and specify “RSP-100” in the General Inquiry field.

Inquiries can also be sent by email or by mail to the following address:

Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

Certification and Engineering Bureau
Attention: Manager, Equipment Certification
P.O. Box 11490, Station H
3701 Carling Avenue (Building 94)
Ottawa ON K2H 8S2
Email: IC.CertificationBureau-Bureauhomologation.IC@canada

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3.2 Inquiries related to licensing

Inquiries related to licensing may be made through ISED’s regional or district offices. Contact
information for these offices is listed in Radio Information Circular RIC-66, Addresses and Telephone
Numbers of District Offices.

3.3 Inquiries related to Broadcasting Equipment Technical Standards

BETS inquiries can be sent by email or by mail to the following address:

Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

Engineering, Planning and Standards Branch
Attention: Broadcasting Group
235 Queen Street
Ottawa ON K1A 0H5
Email: ic.spectrumengineering-genieduspectre.ic@canada.ca

3.4 Inquiries related to Radio Standards Specifications

RSS inquiries may be submitted online using the General Inquiry form. Select the Regulatory Standards
Branch radio button and specify the RSS in the General Inquiry field (e.g. “RSS-Gen”).

Inquiries can also be sent by email or by mail to the following address:

Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

Engineering, Planning and Standards Branch
Attention: Regulatory Standards Directorate
235 Queen Street
Ottawa ON K1A 0H5
Email: ic.consultationradiostandards-consultationnormesradio.ic@canada.ca

Comments and suggestions for amending RSSs may be submitted online using the Standard Change
Request form or by mail to the above address.

4. Equipment certification requirements

This section provides information on equipment certification requirements.

4.1 Canadian representative

A Canadian representative is required when the applicant’s company address is not within Canada. The
applicant shall provide a signed Application and Agreement for Certification Services (see form A) in
which the details of the company representative in Canada shall be clearly identified.

The Canadian representative shall be responsible for responding to all enquiries from ISED regarding the
certified product(s), including providing audit samples at no charge to ISED. The applicant shall have a
valid Application and Agreement for Certification Services for as long as the certified product is offered
on the Canadian market.
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4.2 Applications for certification services

Applications for certification services shall be prepared and submitted in accordance with the process
described in this document.

The application shall contain all of the necessary information, including an Application Cover Letter that
describes the certification service being requested and the intended use of the radio product.

Test report(s) that meet the requirements of RSS-Gen shall be included, along with a completed Test
Report Cover Sheet (see form B).

Consult the Document Checklist for Certification (see form C), which contains a comprehensive list of
required documents to be submitted with the certification application (depending on the type of
certification service(s) requested).

• New Single Product Certification service (see section 9.2)

• New Family Product Certification service (see section 9.3)
• Add New Product/Non-RF Product Modifications (C1PC) to Existing Certification service (see
section 11.1)
• Add New Product/Product Modifications (C2PC) to Existing Certification service (see section
11.2)
• C3PC Product Modification service (see section 11.3)
• C4PC Product Modification service (see section 11.4)
• Multiple Listing of Certification service (see section 11.5)
• Transfer of Certifications service (see section 11.6)

Applications for Certification services shall be submitted online using ISED’s Equipment Certification
and Registration Services.

4.3 CS-03 compliance

In addition to the applicable RSS(s), radio apparatus that is designed to connect to the public switched
network shall also comply with CS-03 standards.

4.4 Terminal equipment registration

In addition to the requirements in this document, terminal equipment registration is also required in
accordance with the procedure described in DC-01.

5. Labelling requirements

The product shall meet the labelling requirements set out in RSS-Gen and the applicable standards.

6. Listing requirements

Certified equipment is subject to the Radio equipment list (REL) listing requirements set out in RSS-
Gen for Category I equipment classification.

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7. User notices requirements

User notices, which are required for radio/broadcast products as per the applicable RSS or BETS, shall
be included with each unit of the product offered for sale. The required notice(s) shall:

• be stated as specified in the applicable RSS or BETS in both English and French

• be shown in a conspicuous location in the user manual for the product or displayed on the product
(various formats are acceptable for providing the notices (e.g. in paper form, CD, DVD, or insert
with download link on the company’s website))

• identify the product version to which each notice pertains in cases where more than one notice is
required for multiple product versions

In cases where the user notices are only available in one language (English or French) at the time of the
certification process, the applicant shall provide a written declaration that the user notices will be in both
English and French when the product is made available for sale and/or lease in Canada.

8. Host/modular product requirements

Radio equipment designed as modules for installation in a host product may obtain product certification
as modular products provided that they meet the requirements in the applicable RSS(s) and section 8.2 of
this document. Host products alone (without modular products) are not required to be certified separately
provided that all the intentional radio emissions are generated by the certified modules.

8.1 Host product requirements

The module(s) shall be integrated into host products as per the requirements/instructions for intended
use/configuration provided by the module certificate holder.

Host products and associated modules (i.e. final product) shall meet all applicable requirements set out
in RSS-Gen, including the radio frequency (RF) exposure compliance requirements in RSS-102.

8.2 Modular approval and limited modular approval requirements

The applicant can obtain modular approval (MA) or limited modular approval (LMA) certification for a
module intended to be installed in a host product. The Modular Approval Attestation (see form D) shall
be submitted with the MA or LMA certification application.

The module certificate holder shall provide intended use/configuration instructions for module
integration into a host.

For handheld and/or wearable host devices (such as cellphones and smartwatches), host certification is
required since modular certification is not adequate unless the host contains only one transmitter module
for which the specific absorption rate (SAR) is exempted or below 0.4 W/kg. When a handheld/wearable
host contains multiple modules, host certification is required in all cases regardless of 1) whether the
transmission is only from one module at any time or from a number of modules simultaneously and 2)
the SAR value of the individual modules.
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8.2.1 Modular approval

For MA certification, the module shall meet all of the requirements as detailed in the Modular Approval
Attestation (see form D).

8.2.2 Limited modular approval

LMA certification may be granted when all of the following conditions are met:

a) a module does not meet one or more modular approval requirements as detailed in the Modular
Approval Attestation
b) the applicant is able to demonstrate in the Modular Approval Attestation how they will retain
control over the final installation of the product, such that compliance of the end product is assured
(in such cases, an operating condition on the LMA certificate for the module shall state that the
module is only approved for use in a specific host).

The applicant is permitted to obtain LMA certification for any module even if the module meets all the
requirements of MA. The applicant shall state the reason in the Modular Approval Attestation.

9. New product(s) certification services

The following sections have been prepared to assist the applicant when applying for product certification
services.

9.1 Description of key fields

• PMN — The Product Marketing Name (PMN) is required at the time of the certification. For
temporary non-disclosure of the PMN, the deferred REL/TAR (Radio equipment list and
Telecommunications Apparatus Register) listing function can be used.

• HVIN — The Hardware Version Identification Number (HVIN) is required for all products
for certification service application. As the HVIN is required to be on the product label or
accessible through e-labelling, any changes to the HVIN will require changes to the product
label and/or e-labelling.

• FVIN — The Firmware Version Identification Number (FVIN) shall be provided as

appropriate (if the product does not require firmware for operation, “N/A” shall be entered as
the FVIN).

• HMN — The Host Marketing Name (HMN) shall be provided when the module requires a
host product for RF and/or SAR/RF exposure testing.

• Equipment Description — A brief description of the type of product and the technology
used is required (e.g. “Router with WiFi,” “Smartphone with Bluetooth,” “WiFi,” “GSM,”
“LTE,” “NFC”).

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• Band Class and Technology — The band class and technology information for some types
of devices is required. This information shall be provided when prompted during the online
certification service application process.

9.2 New Single Product Certification service

A “New Single Product Certification” application for a single product version (final product or module)
may be granted provided that the applicant has never been granted certification for the assigned HVIN or
ISED Certification Number in the certification service application.

The certification service application shall include the following:

a) the PMN (which can be identical to the HVIN)

b) the FVIN, if applicable (otherwise “N/A” shall be entered as the FVIN)

c) the HMN for modular certifications when module compliance is assessed in a host

d) the documents required as per the checklist in form C

9.3 New family product certification

Multiple versions of a product design are permitted to be certified under a single family certification
service with one ISED Certification Number provided that all the product variants within a family
certification meet the following conditions:

a) the enclosure and general appearance of all product versions in a family certification shall be
identical except for enclosure colour and/or minor external cosmetic differences

b) two or more versions of a product with one printed circuit board (PCB) design with different
frequency bands/technologies enabled by software

c) a new version of a certified product which may have minor PCB modifications to improve existing
frequency bands/technologies and/or add non-RF features

d) all the product versions within the family certification shall be identical or have differences
permitted under Class I and III permissive changes

Two or more versions of a product with two or more PCB designs with different frequency
bands/technologies within identical enclosures are not permitted within a family certification.

An approval from ISED for an exceptional circumstance where the difference between the products
under family certification falls under Class II permissive changes shall be submitted with the
certification application.

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Certification of Radio Apparatus and Broadcasting Equipment RSP-100

9.3.1 New Family Product Certification service

A “New Family Product Certification” application for multiple versions of a product (final products or
modules) may be submitted provided that the applicant has never been granted certification for the
assigned HVIN(s) or ISED Certification Number in the application.

The application shall provide the following:

a) at least one field (PMN, HVIN or FVIN), which shall be unique to identify the different versions
of the product for new family certification

b) a detailed description of hardware and/or software similarities/differences (RF characteristics,

circuitry design, function, etc.) between all unique versions of unique PMN, HVIN and FVIN

c) the HMN for modular certifications when module compliance is assessed in a host

d) documents required as per the checklist in form C

9.3.2 Legacy product exemptions

Some telephone systems consisting of a base station and wireless handset(s) require radio certification
and terminal registration. ISED will accept one ISED certification/registration number under family
certification/registration for a base telephone unit and one or more wireless handsets sold with the base
unit. The base unit and the handset cannot have identical HVIN. Only identical handsets are permitted to
share the same HVIN.

Different products being sold together as a system (e.g. baby monitor systems or speaker systems) will
no longer be accepted by ISED under a family certification. A unique ISED Certification Number is
required for each transmitter.

10. Modification of certified products

Any modifications to a certified product may require recertification with ISED. The certificate holder
shall inform the certification body (CB) or ISED of any changes that may affect compliance with the
technical requirements of the regulations under which the product was originally certified. For
modifications as per the various permissive changes listed below in this section, the product certification
services as detailed in section 9 shall be used as appropriate to ensure that the modified product remains
compliant to the latest applicable standard(s) from ISED.

10.1 Class I permissive changes (C1PC)

The following changes under C1PC are permitted:

a) modifications that do not change the fundamental RF characteristics and that do not degrade the
unwanted emissions of the certified product

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Certification of Radio Apparatus and Broadcasting Equipment RSP-100

b) modifications that do not change physical characteristics significantly (which would require new
photographs to identify the modified product)

If the final product is designed to utilize more than one stand-alone certified module which are capable
of transmitting simultaneously, C1PC is applicable provided that all of the following conditions are met:

a) the final product is designed to be used at a distance of greater than 20 cm

b) the modules were certified for stand-alone configuration without taking into consideration co-
location or the operation with other antennas or transmitters

c) the sum of the Maximum Permissible Exposure (MPE) ratios for all simultaneously transmitting
antennas incorporated in the host device is below 1.0 at a distance of 20 cm

d) the final product meets all applicable standards

If the final product does not meet all conditions stated above, C4PC is applicable.

Notice to ISED is not required for Class I modifications unless the HVIN or PMN is also modified;
however, the certificate holder shall ensure that the product continues to remain compliant as per the
original RSS-102 attestation on file with ISED.

10.2 Class II permissive changes (C2PC)

The following changes under C2PC are permitted:

a) hardware modifications to the certified product that affect fundamental RF characteristics and/or
degrade the unwanted emissions of the product

b) modifications to a certified product that change the RF characteristics, but the requirements
established in the applicable RSS or BETS in the original certification are still met

c) modifications that change physical characteristics significantly (which would require new
photographs to identify the modified product)

d) any changes to the PMN or HVIN of the certified product

The addition of new frequency bands with hardware modification is not permitted. Refer to C3PC for
adding new frequency bands with firmware change.

Notice to ISED is required for Class II permissive changes.

10.3 Class III permissive changes (C3PC)

The following changes under C3PC are permitted:

a) firmware modifications to a certified product that affect the RF characteristics of the product

b) firmware modifications to enable frequency bands without hardware modification

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ISED will accept applications on a voluntary basis under C3PC in cases where firmware modifications
are made to disable the frequency bands without hardware modification.

Notice to ISED is required for Class III permissive changes and a new and unique FVIN shall be
provided.

10.4 Class IV permissive changes (C4PC)

A certified module(s) (LMA or MA) that is integrated into a new host product that results in changes to
the original reported RF emissions characteristics and/or RF exposure assessment is permitted under
C4PC, with or without firmware modification.

Notice to ISED is required for Class IV permissive changes and the HMN shall be provided.

11. Certification services applications

For all certification services listed in this section, the product in the application shall comply with the
latest applicable standard(s) and an assessment shall be conducted to determine if testing is required
based on the latest issue of the applicable standard(s). When no additional testing is required, a statement
of compliance to the latest issue of the applicable standard(s) shall be provided as part of the application.

11.1 Add New Product/Non-RF Product Modifications (C1PC) to Existing Certification service

The following shall be verified for the “Add New Product/Non-RF Product Modifications (C1PC) to
Existing Certification” service:

a) the product version must have at least one unique field (PMN, HVIN or FVIN) to identify different
versions if there is more than one product version in the application (the PMN, HVIN or FVIN
may be identical to or different from the existing certified version(s) of the product)

b) the HMN is provided for modular certifications when module compliance is assessed in a host

c) the modifications to the original certified product meet the conditions of Class I permissive
changes

d) documents required as per the checklist in form C are submitted and include:

(i) a detailed description between different versions of the product with photographs, block
diagrams, schematics and product literature, where applicable

(ii) a statement describing how the non-RF modifications to the product meet the Class I
permissive changes and/or family certification conditions

11.2 Add New Product/Product Modifications (C2PC) to Existing Certification service

The following shall be verified for the “Add New Product/Product Modifications (C2PC) to Existing
Certification” service:

a) the product version must have at least one unique field (PMN, HVIN or FVIN) to identify different
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Certification of Radio Apparatus and Broadcasting Equipment RSP-100

product versions if there is more than one product version in the application (the PMN, HVIN or
FVIN may be identical to or different from the existing certified version(s) of the product)

b) the HMN is provided for modular certifications when module compliance is assessed in a host

c) test report(s) are provided for any permitted hardware or software modifications to the original
certified product that may affect the RF characteristics

d) the modifications to the original certified product meet the conditions of Class II permissive
changes

e) documents required as per the checklist in form C are submitted and include:

(i) a detailed description of the firmware/hardware changes (RF characteristics, circuitry design
and functional capabilities) between different versions of the product with photographs,
block diagrams, schematics and product literature

(ii) a statement describing how the modifications to the product meet the Class II permissive
changes and/or family certification conditions

11.3 C3PC Product Modification service

The following shall be verified for the “C3PC Product Modification” service:

a) a new and unique FVIN is provided

b) the Modification Information Letter is submitted and includes:

(i) a detailed description of the RF characteristics and/or functional changes to the certified
product due to the firmware change

(ii) a statement describing how the modifications to the product meet the Class III permissive
changes certification conditions

c) documents required as per the checklist in form C are submitted

11.4 C4PC Product Modification service

The following shall be verified for the “C4PC Product Modification” service:

a) the SAR, RF exposure and/or NS evaluation(s) in the new host product are provided

b) test report(s) and updated RF emissions information are submitted if the module integration affects
the original RF emissions characteristics

c) the HMN(s) is provided

d) information regarding the module integration into a new host, including statements regarding
changes to the module’s original reported RF emissions characteristics and/or SAR, RF exposure
and/or NS evaluation(s) are provided
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Certification of Radio Apparatus and Broadcasting Equipment RSP-100

e) documents required as per the checklist in form C are submitted

11.5 Multiple Listing of Certification service

A new certification may be obtained based on an existing certification with an application of a “Multiple
Listing of Certification” service.

11.5.1 Information

Below is information related to certification falling under the Multiple Listing of Certification service:

a) the existing certificate holder or another entity/company (new applicant) may request a new
ISED Certification Number based on the existing certification of a product

b) the selected HVIN, PMN or FVIN under the new multiple listing application may be identical to
those used in the certification of the original applicant, provided that the HVIN has never been
used by the multiple listing applicant

11.5.2 Requirements

The applicant shall submit documents required as per the checklist in form C, including the following
information:

a) an ISED Certification Number for which certification has never been granted to the applicant

b) the product version(s), which must be identical (C1PC permitted) to those in the existing
certification

c) the Application Cover Letter, which includes:

(i) product details (ISED Certification Number, PMN, HVIN, FVIN when applicable) from the
existing certification and new application

(ii) a declaration that the new product version is identical to the certified product

(iii) a declaration that the documents on file with ISED from the original certification remain
unchanged and continue to be valid

d) an Original Applicant Authorization Letter from the existing certificate holder that includes:

(i) authorization for the existing certified product to be listed under the new applicant/company

(ii) product identification details (ISED Certification Number, PMN, HVIN and FVIN as
applicable) from the existing certification and new application

(iii) authorization for ISED officials to use documents it has on file from the existing certification

11.6 Transfer of Certifications service

Below is information related to the “Transfer of Certifications” service.

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Certification of Radio Apparatus and Broadcasting Equipment RSP-100

11.6.1 Full Transfer of Certifications service (company takeover)

The “Full Transfer of Certifications” service is applicable when one company takes over another
company.

The new applicant shall submit documents required as per the checklist in form C, including the
following information:

a) a signed statement indicating that the new company assumes all responsibilities associated with all
existing certifications from the existing certificate holder

b) a copy of the Original Applicant Authorization Letter authorizing ISED to:

(i) transfer the certificate ownership from the current certificate holder to the new
company/applicant

(ii) change the certificate file information to reflect the new certificate holder’s information (the
HVIN and ISED Certification Number shall remain unchanged)

11.6.2 Partial Transfer of Certifications service (product line takeover)

The “Partial Transfer of Certifications” service is applicable when one company takes over one or more
product line(s), but not all of the product lines, from another company.

The new applicant shall assign new ISED Certification Number(s) to all transferred certified product
lines and shall submit documents required as per the checklist in form C, including the following
information:

a) a signed statement indicating the new company/applicant assumes all responsibilities for the
product line(s) being transferred that are associated with the existing certifications from the
existing certificate holder

b) a copy of the Original Applicant Authorization Letter authorizing ISED to transfer the certificate
ownership to the new company/applicant and change the certificate file information to reflect the
new certificate holder’s information

12. Certification retention and audits

This section includes information on certification retention and audits.

12.1 Responsible parties (applicant, manufacturers, importers, distributors and vendors)

Certificate holders and all associated responsible parties (manufacturers, importers, distributors and
vendors) have a regulatory obligation to ensure that the product(s) continues to meet all applicable
standards throughout its entire life cycle.

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12.2 Post-certification audits, investigations and quality control

Post-certification audits will be conducted by ISED and the CB in order to ensure continuing
compliance. The technical acceptance certificate (TAC) holder shall provide random radio product
samples at the certificate holder’s expense, when requested by ISED or the CB, for post-certification
audit testing, or for determining radio interference.

In the event of an investigation of non-compliance, the certificate holder will be asked to provide ISED
with records of the quality control process, as well as any relevant information that could help identify
issues related to compliance. All certificate holders will be able to demonstrate a quality control process
used for production inspection and testing in accordance with good engineering practices.

12.3 Remedial action

When ISED determines a product is not compliant with applicable standard(s) and procedure(s), the
certificate holder will be asked to provide a satisfactory remedial action to bring the product back into
compliance. In the case where certificate holders are not reachable or unresponsive, the other responsible
parties (importers, distributors and vendors) will be contacted to take prompt and effective remedial
action.

12.4 Disclosure of information

The applicant shall indicate which information and documents submitted for certification are
confidential. The provisions of the Access to Information Act apply to all applicants.

Files provided to ISED for the following exhibit types qualify for confidential treatment:

• block diagrams
• operational description
• parts lists and tune-up information
• software defined radio and security information
• schematic diagrams

For files of other exhibit types, ISED may consider treating them as confidential if the applicant submits
a request with appropriate justification before the application for certification service is submitted to
ISED or a CB.

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13. Glossary of commonly used terms and definitions

Term Definition
Certification The process by which equipment is entered in the Radio equipment list
(REL) to signify that a product is certified and permitted to be
manufactured, imported, distributed, leased, offered for sale, sold,
installed or used in Canada.
Certification Body (CB) A foreign certification body that is designated under an international
agreement, convention or treaty to which Canada is party and that is
recognized by Canada under that agreement, convention or treaty as
competent to certify equipment, to the effect that the equipment
complies with the applicable standards; or a Canadian certification
body that meets the requirements set out in requirements for
certification bodies, as amended from time to time, published by ISED.
Certificate Holder A holder of a radio equipment certificate issued by either a recognized
certification body (CB) or ISED’s Certification and Engineering
Bureau (CEB).
Equipment Description A key field in which a brief description of the type of product is
required.
Firmware Version The FVIN identifies the firmware version used by the product, which
Identification Number controls/affects the RF characteristics of the product.
(FVIN)
Hardware Version The HVIN identifies hardware specifications of a product version. An
Identification Number HVIN is required for all products for certification applications.
(HVIN)
Host Product A final product that may or may not be certified and that contains one
or more certified module(s).
Host Marketing Name The HMN is the name or model number of a final product, which
(HMN) contains a certified radio module.
Product(s) The product(s) refer to radio apparatus and broadcasting equipment.
Product Marketing The PMN is the name or model number under which the product will
Name (PMN) be marketed/offered for sale in Canada.
Radio Equipment List A list of certified radio and broadcasting equipment maintained by
(REL) ISED.
Supplier A generic term for an entity, such as the manufacturer, reseller,
distributer, importer or other agent of equipment.

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