Meaning
Administrative regulations of the Federal Communications Commission govern the procedures for applying for a new grant of equipment authorization when no change in design, circuitry, or function has occurred. Under 47 CFR 2.933, a manufacturer can establish a new equipment identifier for an already certified radio module without performing new laboratory testing. This standard applies when a rebranded wireless transceiver is incorporated into a finished product without modifying its RF parameters.
Filing Requirement
Documentation submitted under this administrative channel must include a clear statement that the original equipment remains unchanged. The applicant must provide the FCC ID of the original grant along with the date of the original authorization. They must also supply photos of the exterior of the module showing the new labeling.
Certification Continuity
The maintaining of the original test data ensures that the product enters the market quickly and safely. The original grantee remains responsible for the hardware design, while the new applicant takes on the legal liability for compliance of the rebranded unit. This division of responsibility streamlines the supply chain.
Compliance Verification
Market surveillance of these devices relies on matching the new identifier to the original test reports. If the regulator selects the device for audit, the physical unit must match the original technical drawings. Any unapproved modifications invalidate the authorization.
