Selling electronics online: FCC authorisation, FCC IDs and banned devices

Most sellers know a Bluetooth speaker needs FCC authorisation before it is sold. Fewer know the rule starts earlier: under US rules, a radio frequency device may not be marketed until it is authorised, and marketing includes advertising it for sale. A listing that goes up while the paperwork is pending is already outside the rule.

This page covers FCC authorisation, where the FCC ID belongs in a listing, the devices no one may promote, lasers, and what Walmart, Amazon, eBay and the EU ask.

What this page covers: Bluetooth and Wi-Fi products, smart home devices, drones, radios and walkie-talkies, chargers, cameras, laser products and surveillance devices.

The short version

• No radio frequency device may be marketed, advertising included, before FCC authorisation.
• Walmart wants the FCC ID in the description and in a clear image for drones and streaming devices.
• Advertising a device built mainly for secretly intercepting conversations is a federal crime.
• Laser products have FDA performance and labelling rules.
• Radio devices sold in the EU need CE marking.

When can you list a device that needs FCC authorisation?

Only once it is authorised. Federal rules say no one may market a radio frequency device until it has FCC authorisation, through certification or a Supplier's Declaration of Conformity, and marketing includes advertising the device for sale. That makes the date your listing goes live part of compliance: keep the listing in draft until the authorisation is in hand.

Amazon asks for evidence of FCC authorisation for electronics.

Where does the FCC ID go in a listing?

In the description and in a clear image of the label, for drones and streaming devices on Walmart, the most specific marketplace about it. Walmart's rules:

• Every electronics listing must carry all FCC-required labelling and warnings.
• Drones need the FCC ID in the description and an image of it on the product or package.
• Streaming devices need the FCC ID on the page and in one clear image.

A close, readable photo of the label on the device or the box covers the image part. Make it sharp enough that the characters can be read at full size.

Which electronic devices may not be promoted?

Surveillance devices, jammers and over-powered laser pointers may not be promoted:

• Surveillance devices. Advertising a device whose main use is secretly intercepting conversations is a federal crime. eBay keeps a separate policy for electronics and surveillance equipment.
• Jammers. Walmart prohibits signal jammers and radar detectors that interfere.
• Strong laser pointers. Laser products have FDA performance and labelling rules, and laser pointers above the allowed power may not be promoted for pointing. Amazon has a policy on laser products as well as on radio frequency devices.

Which words should electronics listings leave out?

Electronics listings should leave out three kinds of claim:

• Any claim that a device records or listens without the other person knowing.
• "FCC approved" or a similar phrase before authorisation, or for a product that has none.
• Any suggestion that a jammer or blocker stops signals.

What do Walmart, Amazon and eBay add for electronics?

Walmart, Amazon and eBay each add rules for electronics:

What do radio devices need in the EU?

Radio devices sold in the EU need CE marking under the Radio Equipment Directive, and EU listings must show the manufacturer, an image of the product, its identifiers and its warnings before purchase.

How Commicorn helps

• Your label, as printed. On the Untouched product route your photo's pixels are never redrawn, so the FCC ID and marks on your device stay exactly as printed. That is the image Walmart asks for.
• Claims that need proof are marked. For Amazon, the keyword step shows a certification keyword with a line saying a valid certificate is needed.

Questions sellers ask

Can I list a Bluetooth product before FCC authorisation?

No. A radio frequency device may not be marketed, advertising included, until it has FCC authorisation, through certification or a Supplier's Declaration of Conformity.

Does Walmart need an image of the FCC ID?

For drones and streaming devices, yes: the FCC ID in the description and a clear image of it on the product or package.

Does Walmart allow signal jammers?

No. Walmart prohibits signal jammers and radar detectors that interfere.

Can I sell a hidden voice recorder?

Advertising a device whose main use is secretly intercepting conversations is a federal crime. Leave out any claim that a device records or listens without the other person knowing.

Do electronics need CE marking in the EU?

Radio devices sold in the EU need CE marking under the Radio Equipment Directive.

Before you list

Have the FCC authorisation in hand, by certification or a Supplier's Declaration of Conformity, a sharp photo of the FCC ID label, and every FCC-required label and warning before the listing goes live; an EU listing also needs the CE marking and the manufacturer's details. On a borderline device, 47 CFR 2.803 decides when you may advertise it, and Walmart's electronics policy and Amazon's radio frequency device policy decide whether each marketplace takes it, all linked below.