What is SRRC?
SRRC−State Radio Regulatory Commission is the authority responsible for granting the SRRC certificate. SRRC was established June 1st 1999. The SRRC certification is required for equipment and appliances that have a radio transmitting function. It is essential for both industrial and residential products; no differentiation is established between the two for certification purposes. For more information on our SRRC Services, see SRRC Certification Service.
For SRRC type approval, each and every model has to be certified. However, modular approval does allow for models in a series to be certified together. For certain categories of end products, a modular approval may negate the need for SRRC testing and certification altogether. Let’s go through the SRRC certification requirements relating to modular approval.
SRRC End Product Requirements Utilizing an SRRC Approved Module:
There are two types of SRRC module approvals for modules intended to be incorporated in end product systems. One is a Full Integral Module, and the other is a Partial Module. A Full Integral Module has the following characteristics:
- Integral antenna
- Power regulator
- Full shielding of RF unit
- Data buffering for modulator
A Partial Module is lacking in one of the areas identified above.
If an end product is utilizing an SRRC-certified Partial Module, the end product must be tested. For certain ITE and household appliances, however, it is possible to represent a series or family of end product models using a worse-case test specimen. This method is beneficial in that testing is not required on all models to be certified.
For the same ITE and household appliance category above, products using SRRC certified Full Integral Modules do not need to be tested or certified; only some markings and documentation are required.
In order to obtain SRRC certification on products not using pre-approved modules, or for certification of modules themselves, the design of the device must meet these technical aspects: appropriate transmit power, limitation of stray radiation, bandwidth range, and—most importantly—frequency allocation.
The Chinese government has strict frequency regulations. Certain frequency ranges are not approved for the public. It is important therefore to verify frequency allocations and transmit power requirements for products not utilizing pre-approved modules.
Documentation Requirements for Modular Approval
These documents apply to end products utilizing certified modules. Documents required for already embedded modules and those that have been recently exchanged or added are as follows:
Routine application
- Completed SRRC application
- Circuit diagram dictating how to use or embed the module
Application for added/exchanged products
- Copy of the end product certificate ⎯ the original certificate should be returned once you acquire the new one)
- Copy of old module certificate
- Copy of new module certificate
- Circuit diagram featuring how to use or embed the new module
SRRC Certification Process⎯ for New or Revised Certifications
The process involves following 4 steps:
- Submit the SRRC application
- Send samples/modules for testing to an accredited lab in China
- Provide test board that allows the module to operate in a test protocol mode. This should be available from the module manufacturer
- Receive the certification if approved after testing by relevant authorities
After the testing has been carried out, the report is reviewed by SRRC. The test standards for SRRC certification have yet to be revised, so there is no official procedure for handling the transition of a new standard. Based on other Chinese certification schemes, it is likely that a standard update would force un-timely certificate expirations within a relatively short transition period. G&M works to stay abreast of ever-changing requirements, and to find the best routes for our customers to comply with them.
Manufacturers often find the SRRC certification process to be challenging. In such a situation, they require expert certification support. At G&M Compliance, we offer necessary support to manufacturers and other parties who require product compliance certifications to sell their products on the Chinese market. For more information click on our SRRC Certification Service.