Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) has issued an important reminder for 5 GHz devices that use Dynamic Frequency Selection (DFS). This reminder focuses on the Canada RLAN Standard transition and the date when ETSI EN 301 893 V2.2.1 becomes the required test standard for certain 5 GHz Radio Local Area Network equipment.
This update does not introduce a new standard. Instead, it reminds manufacturers of a key transition date and the conditions that apply to certification applications in Canada.
Canada RLAN Standard: Key Transition Date
ISED published Notice 2025-DRS0006 on September 10, 2025. The notice addressed the adoption of ETSI EN 301 893 V2.2.1 for 5 GHz WAS/RLAN equipment. The consultation period closed on November 19, 2025.
The key date is July 20, 2026. Until that date, manufacturers were able to use either ETSI EN 301 893 V1.8.1 or ETSI EN 301 893 V2.2.1 to show compliance with ISED’s DFS requirements.
However, after July 20, 2026, new certifications must use ETSI EN 301 893 V2.2.1.
Scope of the Canada RLAN Standard Reminder
The Canada RLAN Standard reminder applies to products covered under RSS-247. These include licence-exempt local area network devices and digital transmission systems.
The affected bands include 902-928 MHz, 2400-2483.5 MHz, 5150-5350 MHz, and 5470-5895 MHz.
Products that may fall within scope include routers, access points, mesh networking equipment, IoT devices, multimedia systems, and automotive infotainment platforms with wireless functionality.
Moreover, RSS-247 Issue 4 remains relevant. ISED published RSS-247 Issue 4 on July 24, 2025. It came into force on the publication date and replaced Issue 3. ISED provided a six-month transition period for applications under either Issue 3 or Issue 4. That period has now ended. Therefore, current certification applications must follow RSS-247 Issue 4.
DFS Testing and Documentation Considerations
For DFS testing, ISED accepts ETSI EN 301 893 as an alternative to KDB 905462. However, one important exception applies. In the 5600-5650 MHz band, ISED accepts ETSI EN 301 893 as the only method.
After July 20, 2026, the applicable version will be ETSI EN 301 893 V2.2.1.
Manufacturers should also review related documentation. This includes user manuals, labels, antenna information, and software security controls.
For example, access points and subordinate devices operating in the 5250-5350 MHz and 5850-5895 MHz bands may need an “indoor use only” warning. This requirement does not apply to OEM vehicle installations.
Additionally, user manuals for devices with detachable antennas should include the maximum permitted antenna gains. When applicable, they should also include antenna types, models, and worst-case elevation tilt angles.
Finally, manufacturers should confirm that software security measures prevent unauthorized changes. These controls help protect approved radio frequency parameters and DFS functionality.
Manufacturers planning new certifications or approval changes should review their testing roadmap now. They should also update technical documentation before submitting applications to ISED.
For support with certification planning and documentation readiness, Entirety’s Product Certification Service can help manufacturers prepare compliant submissions.
Impact Assesment
Technical Standards? 
Yes
Type Approval & Market Access? Yes
Imports, Customs, Trade, or Market Surveillance? 
No
Spectrum Management? Yes
