Bluetooth Device Compliance: FCC, CE & Bluetooth SIG Requirements
Complete guide to regulatory compliance for Bluetooth devices. Understand when certification is required, how pre-certified modules simplify compliance, and what you need to know about FCC, CE marking, and Bluetooth SIG qualification.
Key Takeaways
Pre-Certified Modules Simplify Everything
Products using pre-certified Bluetooth modules can reference the module's FCC ID and only need a simple Declaration with Bluetooth SIG - no expensive testing required.
SIG Membership is Free
Adopter membership with Bluetooth SIG costs nothing. You only pay when listing products ($4,000-8,000 for Declaration).
Regional Certifications Overlap
FCC (USA), CE (EU), and UKCA (UK) are the main requirements. Many countries accept these certifications through mutual recognition agreements.
Blue Maestro Products Are Fully Compliant
All Blue Maestro products carry FCC, CE, and UKCA marks with full Bluetooth SIG qualification - ready for global deployment.
Two Paths to Bluetooth Compliance
The complexity and cost of Bluetooth certification depends primarily on whether you use pre-certified modules or design custom hardware.
Using Pre-Certified Modules
Recommended for MostThe simplest path for most manufacturers. Use a Bluetooth module that already has FCC/CE/SIG certification.
Requirements
- No additional RF testing required
- Host product must meet non-radio requirements
- Module's FCC ID can be used on product labeling
- Bluetooth SIG Declaration (not full qualification) may suffice
Full Product Certification
Required when designing custom Bluetooth hardware or modifying certified modules beyond grant conditions.
Requirements
- Complete RF testing at accredited lab
- FCC ID registration and listing
- Technical documentation package
- Full Bluetooth SIG Qualification required
Regional Compliance Requirements
Bluetooth devices must comply with regional radio regulations and Bluetooth SIG trademark requirements.
| Region | Authority | Requirement | Applies To | Blue Maestro Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | FCC | Part 15.247 Certification | Intentional radiators in 2.4 GHz band | ✓ FCC ID listed on all products |
| European Union | CE / RED | Radio Equipment Directive 2014/53/EU | All radio equipment sold in EU | ✓ CE marked, Declaration of Conformity available |
| United Kingdom | UKCA | UK Radio Equipment Regulations | Radio equipment sold in Great Britain | ✓ UKCA marked for UK market |
| Canada | ISED | RSS-247 Certification | 2.4 GHz digital transmission systems | ✓ IC ID listed on all products |
| Global | Bluetooth SIG | Qualification/Declaration | Products using Bluetooth trademarks | ✓ All products qualified with Bluetooth SIG |
Bluetooth SIG Membership & Qualification
The Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) manages the Bluetooth specification and trademarks. Understanding membership levels and qualification paths is essential for bringing products to market.
Membership Levels
Adopter Member
FreeBasic membership level for companies using Bluetooth technology
- License to use Bluetooth technology
- Access to specifications
- Ability to qualify products
- Use of Bluetooth trademarks on qualified products
Associate Member
$9,000/year (small) or $42,000/year (large)Enhanced benefits for companies actively developing Bluetooth products
- All Adopter benefits
- Early access to draft specifications
- Participation in working groups
- Enhanced technical support
Qualification vs Declaration
Declaration
For products using only qualified Bluetooth subsystems with no modifications
Qualification
For new designs or modified Bluetooth implementations
Common Misconceptions About Bluetooth Certification
All Bluetooth products require expensive certification
Products using pre-certified modules only need a Bluetooth SIG Declaration (not full Qualification) and can reference the module's FCC ID.
Bluetooth SIG membership is expensive
Adopter membership is free. You only pay qualification/declaration fees when listing a product, typically $4,000-8,000 for declaration.
We need separate certifications for each country
CE covers all EU countries, FCC covers USA, and many countries accept these certifications or have mutual recognition agreements.
Using "Bluetooth" in marketing requires qualification
True - but using pre-certified modules makes this a simple Declaration process, not full Qualification.
Bluetooth Product Compliance Checklist
Follow this checklist when preparing to bring a Bluetooth product to market:
1. Bluetooth Module Selection
- Choose a pre-certified Bluetooth module with FCC ID
- Verify module has CE/RED Declaration of Conformity
- Confirm module is Bluetooth SIG qualified
- Document module certifications for your records
2. Bluetooth SIG Registration
- Register as Adopter member (free)
- Complete Product Declaration listing
- Pay product listing fee
- Receive QDID for your product
3. FCC Compliance (USA)
- Reference module's FCC ID on product labeling
- Include required FCC statements in documentation
- Ensure antenna/installation doesn't void module certification
4. CE/UKCA Marking (EU/UK)
- Prepare Declaration of Conformity
- Compile technical documentation
- Apply CE and/or UKCA mark to product
- Identify EU Responsible Person if required
5. Product Labeling
- Include FCC ID (or reference module FCC ID)
- Apply CE and UKCA marks where applicable
- Add Bluetooth logo only after SIG qualification
- Include required regulatory statements
Blue Maestro Compliance Standards
All Blue Maestro products are designed and manufactured to meet the highest regulatory standards, ensuring worldwide deployment with confidence.
FCC Certified
All products tested and certified under FCC Part 15.247 for the US market. FCC ID clearly displayed on products and documentation.
CE Marked
Full compliance with EU Radio Equipment Directive 2014/53/EU. Declaration of Conformity available for all products.
UKCA Marked
UK Radio Equipment Regulations compliance for Great Britain market. Products carry UKCA marking alongside CE.
Bluetooth SIG Qualified
All Bluetooth products fully qualified with Bluetooth SIG. QDID listings available for verification.
Need compliance documentation for your project? We provide Declaration of Conformity, FCC/IC IDs, and Bluetooth QDID information on request.
Request DocumentationFrequently Asked Questions
What is FCC Part 15.247 for Bluetooth devices?
FCC Part 15.247 regulates intentional radiators operating in the 2.4 GHz ISM band, which includes Bluetooth and WiFi devices. It sets limits on transmit power, antenna specifications, and spurious emissions. All Bluetooth devices sold in the United States must either have their own FCC ID or use a pre-certified module with an existing FCC ID.
Do I need Bluetooth SIG certification to use Bluetooth?
If you want to use the Bluetooth name, logo, or trademarks on your product or marketing, you must be a Bluetooth SIG member and either qualify or declare your product. Products using pre-certified modules typically only need a Declaration (not full Qualification), which is simpler and less expensive.
What is the difference between Bluetooth SIG Qualification and Declaration?
Qualification requires testing and is for new Bluetooth designs or modifications. Declaration is a simpler process for products built entirely from already-qualified subsystems (like using a pre-certified BLE module without modifications). Declaration requires no additional testing and has lower fees.
How much does Bluetooth certification cost?
Using pre-certified modules: $500-2,000 for paperwork plus $4,000-8,000 for SIG Declaration. Full certification with custom hardware: $15,000-50,000+ including FCC testing, CE testing, and SIG Qualification. Most temperature sensor products use pre-certified modules, keeping costs in the lower range.
What is CE marking for Bluetooth devices?
CE marking indicates compliance with EU Radio Equipment Directive (RED) 2014/53/EU. It requires testing for radio performance, electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), and electrical safety. Products must have a Declaration of Conformity and technical documentation available. CE marking allows sale throughout the EU and EEA.
Is Bluetooth SIG membership required?
Yes, if you want to use Bluetooth trademarks. You must be at least an Adopter member (free) and complete the Qualification or Declaration process. However, if you're using pre-certified modules and can meet Declaration requirements, the process is straightforward.
Can I sell Bluetooth products without certification?
No - selling uncertified radio equipment is illegal in most jurisdictions and can result in fines, product seizures, and market bans. However, using pre-certified modules greatly simplifies the path to compliance, often requiring only paperwork rather than expensive testing.
How long does Bluetooth certification take?
Using pre-certified modules: 2-4 weeks for paperwork and SIG Declaration. Full certification with custom hardware: 8-16 weeks including lab testing, documentation, and regulatory submissions. Planning certification early in product development helps avoid delays.
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