December 07, 2005
RFID regulations by FCC
Part 15 of the FCC’s rules for low-powered devices deals with RFID regulations. RFID devices are referred to as “intentional radiators”. These low-powered devices do not raise a serious threat of interference with other devices and hence can be operated without a license. All the same, RFID devices have to meet the RF emissions limitations and power restrictions as laid down by the FCC.
Intentional radiators such as RFID need to obtain certification from the FCC, obtaining the certification requires application containing legal information about the device and the filing party; technical report that includes RF test results, a block diagram of the instrument; and an explanation of the manner in which the instrument complies with FCC regulation. Intentional radiators operating at different frequencies are governed by different rules as per part 15. RFID products using the UHF 902-928 MHz band have to comply with rules in Section 15.247. The section stipulates that the systems should employ a frequency hopping spread spectrum modulation technique so as to derive the maximum reader transmitted power allowances. UHF readers are allowed to operate at a maximum power of 1 watt and can go up to 4 watt if they have a directional antenna and if they hop across at least 50 channels.
FCC regulations stipulate that it the manufacturer/importer is solely responsible for compliance and in case of non-compliance it is the manufacturer and not the retailer who faces stiff fines and disciplinary action. However, if such a case happens, then vendors too are affected as existing devices cannot be sold/operate anymore till further testing is done. Any major modification of the unlicensed devices, such as increasing the power levels requires recertification by the FCC. Before initiating business abroad, RFID vendors should understand the regulatory implications from the concerned agencies; these are the European Radio Communications Office (ERO) and the European Telecommunications Standard Institute (ETSI) in Europe, the Ministry of Public Management, Home Affairs, Posts and Telecommunications (MPHPT) in Japan, and the Standardization Administration of China (SAC) in China.
Even though RFID has still to gain wide currency, a number of bills have been introduced by the federal government concerning consumer privacy. In Europe, several laws have already been passed that need RFID-tagged products to carry a label informing this fact and that consumer data can be gathered only after the consumer has been informed and their consent is necessary for using that data.
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