How to Get CE, RoHS and FCC Certifications for Products Made in China

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How to Get CE, RoHS and FCC Certifications for Products Made in China

Exporting electronics or other regulated products from Porcelana? You need the right certifications. CE, RoHS and FCC are common demands. Each has its own rules. This guide walks you through the steps. It also shows costs, timelines and how to work with Chinese factories and labs. No jargon. Just clear steps and tips.

Overview: Which certification do you need?

CE covers many product categories sold in the European Economic Area. It shows conformity with EU safety and EMC rules. RoHS is focused on hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment for the EU (and some other markets). FCC governs radio and electromagnetic emissions in the United States.

General process that applies to all three

  • Define the product and market.
  • Identify applicable directives or rules.
  • Choose an accredited test lab.
  • Get samples tested.
  • Create the technical file or documentation.
  • Affix marks or get FCC grant and label the product.
  • Keep records and supplier control documents.

CE Certification (EU)

Steps

  • Identify applicable directives (Low Voltage, EMC, Machinery, etc.).
  • Find harmonized standards for your product.
  • Test the product in an accredited lab (EMC, safety, etc.).
  • Create a Technical File: design drawings, BOM, risk assessment, test reports, user manual, production control.
  • Issue an EU Declaration of Conformity (in English plus required EU languages).
  • Affix the CE marking on the product and packaging.
  • Keep the technical file for at least 10 years after placing on the market.

Typical costs & timeline

Testing and certification usually costo between $1,000 and $5,000 per product. Complex equipment or Notified Body involvement raises costs. Expect 2–6 weeks for testing and paperwork if samples are ready.

RoHS Compliance (EU)

Steps

  • Confirm the product falls under RoHS scope.
  • Collect material declarations from component suppliers.
  • Have a lab perform RoHS testing for restricted substances (Pb, Hg, Cd, Cr VI, PBB, PBDE, plus additional phthalates under RoHS 3).
  • Document exemptions if any apply.
  • Prepare a Declaration of Conformity and maintain a Compliance File.

Costs & timeline

RoHS tests per product or component typically run $300–$1,500. Bulk testing for many components or failure análisis will cost more. Turnaround is often 1–3 weeks for standard labs.

FCC Certification (United States)

Determine the type

  • Unintentional radiator (digital devices) — usually requires testing and a Supplier’s Declaration of Conformity (SDoC).
  • Intentional radiator (Wi‑Fi, Bluetooth, cellular) — requires FCC certification or FCC grant via a Telecommunication Certification Body (TCB) and an FCC ID.

Steps

  • Identify the FCC rules applicable to your device (Part 15, Part 22/24, etc.).
  • Choose an FCC-recognized lab for EMC and RF testing.
  • Run conducted and radiated emission tests. For transmitters, run RF tests and SAR if applicable.
  • For intentional transmitters, submit to a TCB for certification and get an FCC ID.
  • Label products with FCC markings and include required user manual statements.
  • Keep test reports and documentation for at least 2 years.

Costs & timeline

FCC testing and certification costs range from $1,000 to $6,000 depending on device complexity. Certification for cellular or complex RF gear is on the high side. Plan 2–8 weeks for testing and paperwork, longer if you need an FCC ID.

Choosing labs and working with factories in China

Use CNAS-accredited or internationally recognized labs. Big names include SGS, Intertek, TUV Rheinland, Bureau Veritas, CTI. They have local labs in China. For FCC, use labs listed on the FCC’s accredited testing lab list.

When dealing with Chinese factories:

  • Ask for calidad control and test reports for incoming components.
  • Request material certificates and supplier declarations for key components.
  • Send pre-production samples for testing, not mass-production units.
  • Arrange witness testing or factory audits if possible.
  • Include compliance requirements in the purchase order and supplier contract.

Common pitfalls and how to avoid them

  • Assuming component compliance equals final product compliance. Test the finished product.
  • Using non‑accredited labs to save money. You may lose market access or face customs holds.
  • Skipping RF shielding and EMC design early. EMC fixes after production are costly.
  • Relying on supplier promises without documentation. Get written declarations and batch traceability.
  • Delaying documentation. Build the Technical File as development happens.

Quick compliance checklist

  • Identify directives/regulations for target market.
  • Create a Bill of Materials with supplier declarations.
  • Pick accredited testing labs (CNAS/FCC recognized).
  • Test prototypes and adjust design as needed.
  • Compile test reports and technical documentation.
  • Affix marks or obtain FCC grant and label product.
  • Store records and stay ready for market surveillance requests.

How Supplier Ally can help

Supplier Ally (sourcingall.com) coordinates testing, factory audits and supplier documents in China. We can find CNAS-accredited labs, schedule tests and help assemble the technical files. If compliance tasks are not your core strength, outsourcing saves time and risk. Think of us as your local compliance project manager, minus the suit.

Final notes

Get certification right before shipping. Non-compliant products can be stopped at customs, recalled, or fined. Start early. Test prototypes. Use accredited labs. Document everything. If you need help coordinating tests, audits, or paperwork in China, Supplier Ally is a phone llamar or email away.

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