Self-verification
The manufacturer or importer ensures that its products undergo the necessary testing to confirm that the product complies with the relevant technical standards and retains the test reports, and the FCC has the right to require the manufacturer to submit samples of the equipment or test data for the product. Devices that are eligible for self-certification include commercial computers, receivers for TV and FM, and industrial, scientific, and medical devices not intended for mass consumer use under FCC Rule Part 18.
Declaration of Conformity
The responsible party for the equipment (typically the manufacturer or importer) tests the product at an FCC-designated qualified testing facility to ensure that the equipment complies with the relevant technical standards and retains the test report, and the FCC has the right to require the responsible party to submit samples of the equipment or test data on the product. Equipment to which the Declaration of Conformity applies includes home computers and peripherals, residential broadcast receivers, ultra-regenerative receivers, other receivers under FCC Rule Part 15, television interface equipment, cable system termination equipment, and industrial scientific and medical equipment for mass consumer use under Part 18. The responsible party shall cause the device to bear the following markings:
ID Certification
The FCC reviews samples (or photographs) and test data submitted by the applicant and authorizes an FCC ID number for the device if it meets the requirements of the FCC rules. Devices eligible for certification include low-electricity transmitters such as cordless telephones, remote controls for automatic doors, radio-controlled toys and security alarm systems, Part 15 devices that intentionally emit radio-frequency energy, Part 18 industrial, scientific, and medical devices for mass consumer use, automated variable-frequency receivers and super-regenerative receivers, television interface devices, and home computers and their peripherals. The responsible party shall cause the equipment to be marked with the FCC ID:
Note: If two or three types of approvals apply to a particular device, it is the choice of the responsible party.