CE, FCC, ROHS & Other Certifications: What Do They Mean?

What is FCC certification?

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) certification is mandatory for electronic products sold in the United States that can emit radio frequency energy. This certification ensures that electronic devices bdo not cause harmful interference with other wireless communications.

Why is it important?

FCC certification is required by law for applicable products sold in the U.S. market. Without it, products may be denied entry, and manufacturers can face significant fines. It also assures consumers that the device won't interfere with their other electronic equipment.

FCC Mark

The FCC mark

Standards Organization	Federal Communications Commission
Effective Region	United States
Product Category	Electronic Equipment
Legal Status	Bears No Legal Weight

Testing requirements

FCC testing typically includes measurements of radiated and conducted emissions, frequency stability, power output, and bandwidth. Products are classified as either intentional radiators (devices designed to emit radio waves) or unintentional radiators (devices that emit radio waves as a byproduct of operation).

Process and timeline

The FCC certification process involves testing at an accredited laboratory, preparation of technical documentation, and submission of an application. The timeline typically ranges from 2-4 weeks for simple devices to several months for complex products.

What is CE marking?

CE marking indicates that a product complies with European Union health, safety, and environmental protection legislation. It is mandatory for many products sold within the European Economic Area (EEA).

Key directives

For electronic devices, the most relevant directives include:

• Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Directive 2014/30/EU
• Low Voltage Directive (LVD) 2014/35/EU
• Radio Equipment Directive (RED) 2014/53/EU
• Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) Directive 2011/65/EU

CE Mark

The CE mark

Effective Region	European Economic Area, Turkey, and UK
Effective since	1993
Product Category	Various Products
Legal Status	Mandatory
Website	CE Marking Official Website

Self-declaration vs. third-party assessment

For many products, manufacturers can self-declare compliance with CE requirements. However, products with higher risks often require assessment by a notified body. The process involves testing, technical documentation preparation, and drafting a declaration of conformity.

Testing requirements

CE testing for electronic products includes compliance with the relevant directives, ensuring the product adheres to safety, electromagnetic compatibility, and environmental protection standards. In some cases, the product may need to be assessed by a notified body.

Process and timeline

The CE certification process involves product testing, technical documentation preparation, and the drafting of a declaration of conformity. For simpler products, this process may take 2-4 weeks, but for more complex devices, it can take several months to complete.

What is RoHS?

The Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) directive limits the use of certain hazardous materials in electronic and electrical equipment. Originally established in the EU, similar regulations have been adopted worldwide to reduce environmental and health risks.

Restricted substances

The current RoHS 3 directive (2011/65/EU + 2015/863) restricts the following 10 substances:

RoHS Mark

The RoHS mark

Standards Organization	European Union / Global
Effective Region	Worldwide (mainly EU)
Product Category	Electronic & Electrical Equipment
Legal Status	Mandatory in EU, voluntary elsewhere

Testing requirements

RoHS testing typically includes material analysis to detect restricted substances and ensure concentrations are below the allowable limits. Tests often use X-ray fluorescence (XRF), wet chemical analysis, or other validated methods.

Process and timeline

The RoHS compliance process involves collecting material declarations from suppliers, performing laboratory tests, compiling technical documentation, and obtaining CE marking if sold in the EU. The timeline may range from a few weeks for simple products to several months for complex assemblies.

What is EPA compliance?

In the United States, products that make pesticidal, antimicrobial, or disinfecting claims—such as insect repellents, rodenticides, disinfectants, and air purification devices with sterilization functions—must comply with regulations enforced by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Compliance indicates that the product has been evaluated for safety, effectiveness against target pests, and proper labeling according to U.S. law.

Why is it important?

EPA compliance is required for regulated products to be legally sold or distributed in the U.S. market. It helps protect consumers and the environment by confirming that products meet established safety and efficacy standards. For certain products like pesticides, chemical-based devices, or engines,

EPA Compliance

The EPA mark

Regulatory Body	U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Effective Region	United States
Product Category	Pesticides, Disinfectants, Pest Control Devices
Legal Status	Mandatory for regulated products

EPA may issue a formal certificate or compliance notice. For simpler products, EPA typically provides a notification confirming registration and regulatory compliance rather than a formal certificate.

Evaluation requirements

EPA evaluation focuses on the effectiveness, safety, and environmental impact of a product. This can include laboratory testing against target pests or microorganisms, toxicity studies, and review of labeling accuracy. Unlike CE or FCC marks, EPA compliance emphasizes the active function and safety of the product rather than purely technical specifications.

Process and timeline

Manufacturers submit detailed product information, including formulation, efficacy studies, safety reports, and labeling. EPA reviews this data to determine whether the product meets regulatory standards. The review timeline varies: simple products may take 2–3 months, while chemical-based, pesticide, or engine products may require 6–12 months or longer, depending on the complexity of testing and review. Upon successful evaluation, EPA issues either a formal certificate, a compliance notice, or a registration notification, depending on the product category.