The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) of the United States provides guidance to help identify what type of goods require an equipment authorization prior to import.
The FCC regulates radio frequency (RF) devices contained in electronic-electrical products that are capable of emitting radio frequency energy by radiation, conduction, or other means.
These products have the potential to cause interference to radio services operating in the radio frequency range of 9 kHz to 3000 GHz.
Due to the plethora of electronic devices and infusion of wireless into all kinds of products from cookware, bedding, cloths, etc., it becomes unworkable to organize a list of every possible Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) code that requires FCC or may require FCC.
Below is a general guide that can help importers and brokers:
1. Goods that do not require a power source (AC, battery, solar, chemical, mechanical) are not regulated by the FCC.
2. Goods that require a power source but do not contain circuitry above 9 kHz do not require equipment authorization but are regulated by the FCC.
3. Goods that require a power source and contain circuitry above 9 kHz, but its parts, subassemblies, or the RF device itself is considered exempt under §15.103 do not require equipment authorization on the exempt parts (final product requires equipment authorization).
4. Goods that require a power source, contain circuitry above 9 kHz, and its parts, subassemblies, or the RF device itself is not considered exempt, require equipment authorization.
Examples of goods requiring equipment authorization prior to importatation are as follows:
- All Wireless Devices
- TV
- FM Radio
- CB Radio
- Other Radio Receivers
- Scanning Receiver
- Radar Detector
- TV Boxes
- Cable Boxes
- Computers and Peripherals
- Switching Power Supplies
- General Electronics
If you have further questions or an unsure about any of these cases, you may get help by submitting an inquiry to the FCC.