Regulatory Compliance News

Canada Proposes Adoption of Updated Measurement and Unlicensed Wireless Testing Standards Under Notice 2024-DRS0012

Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) issued Notice 2024-DRS0012, proposing the formal adoption of two updated technical test standards to refine equipment authorization procedures across the country. The initiative proposes adopting ANSI C63.2-2023, which governs specifications for electromagnetic interference and field strength measuring instrumentation across the 9 kHz to 40 GHz frequency spectrum, as well as ANSI C63.10a-2024, representing Amendment 1 to the established compliance testing procedures for unlicensed wireless devices. By updating these foundational testing guidelines, ISED aims to align Canadian technical regulations with evolving global measurement methodologies, ensuring high accuracy and repeatability during radio frequency compliance evaluations.

The proposed adoption of ANSI C63.10a-2024 introduces critical measurement updates, extending the standardized test frequency range up to 750 GHz to support emerging high-frequency and sub-terahertz radio applications. The amendment refines specific laboratory testing procedures, including frequency stability verification, emission maximization protocols for millimeter-wave hardware, and dedicated test setups for Ultra-Wideband (UWB) and Unlicensed National Information Infrastructure (U-NII) devices. To facilitate a smooth industry transition, ISED proposed a one-year transition window following final adoption. During this period, applicants may demonstrate compliance using either legacy testing methods or the updated ANSI C63.10-2020 framework amended by Corrigendum 1-2023 and Amendment 1-2024, after which full adherence to the combined standard becomes mandatory for new Category I equipment certifications.

For ANSI C63.2-2023, ISED outlined a shorter six-month transition period, recognizing that the revised instrumentation standard harmonizes existing test receiver specifications already utilized under ANSI C63.4-2014 and CISPR 16-1-1 references. Original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), recognized testing laboratories, and Foreign Certification Bodies (FCBs) must review their internal test procedures and measurement equipment calibrations to ensure readiness. Aligning technical construction files and test reports with these updated ANSI benchmarks ensures that wireless products targeting the Canadian market maintain uninterrupted certification pathways and comply with ISED’s ongoing market surveillance oversight.