The U.S. Federal Communication Commission (FCC) is soliciting comments on their proposed rule which would eliminate the need to submit an FCC-740 Import Declaration when importing radio frequency (RF) devices capable of causing harmful interference into the U.S.
This declaration is currently filed electronically in a customs broker’s entry summary transmission to Customs and Border Protection (CBP) using information supplied by the importer or ultimate consignee.
If you would like to comment on this proposal, you have until October 9, 2015 to do so. The comment period, originally due by September 8, 2015, has been extended.
Other changes proposed by the FCC include:
- Implementation of optional electronic device labeling and warning statements.
- Elimination of the list of exempt unintentional radiators which utilize low level battery power and which do not contain provisions for operation while connected to AC power lines (cameras, musical greeting cards, quartz watches and clocks, hand-held calculators, and video games). This is due to the advance technology these products now have.
- An allowance for grants of provisional certification for unauthorized RF devices. Currently goods must be stored in a bonded warehouse, or be exported, while awaiting certification.
- Increases to the allowed quantity of devices imported for demonstration at trade shows, from 200 to 400 for those used in licensed services, and from 10 to 400 for other products.
- Expansion of the FCC’s ‘personal use exception’, where up to three devices may be imported for personal use, to include unlicensed devices.
- A requirement that all applications for certification include the contact information of a party located in the U.S. that is responsible for compliance.
Further details on these changes are available in the FCC’s July 17, 2015 Notice of proposed rulemaking.
Questions about this regulatory update may be directed to Livingston’s U.S. Regulatory Affairs group.