Canada has updated its regulatory framework for radio frequency exposure testing. Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) now integrates IEC/IEEE 62209-1528 AMD 1 into the national framework.
This Canada RF Exposure update brings Canadian requirements closer to international technical guidance. However, ISED keeps several national procedures in place for specific SAR testing scenarios.
Manufacturers and testing laboratories should review these exclusions carefully. They should not assume that every provision of the amended international standard now applies in Canada.
Canada RF Exposure Standard and Key Exclusions
ISED adopted IEC/IEEE 62209-1528 AMD 1 with several specific exclusions.
First, ISED does not apply Section 7.6, which covers time-period averaged Specific Absorption Rate (SAR). Instead, manufacturers must continue to follow Annex G of RSS-102.SAR.MEAS.
Additionally, ISED does not currently accept the test reduction methods described in Sections 7.9.3.1 e) and 7.9.3.7.
These sections address ways to reduce head phantom testing. They use peak spatial-average SAR (psSAR) results from flat phantom test configurations.
For these cases, manufacturers must continue using the existing Canadian testing approach.
Devices Used Next to the Ear
ISED also excludes Section 7.11 and its related sub-clauses.
This section covers devices used next to the ear during voice calls. For these products, manufacturers must continue to follow Section 5.10 and Annex E of RSS-102.SAR.MEAS.
Therefore, the international amendment does not replace the existing Canadian procedures for these devices.
What the Canada RF Exposure Update Means
The Canada RF Exposure update aligns part of the national framework with an amended international technical standard.
At the same time, ISED keeps local requirements for selected SAR testing procedures. These exclusions preserve the existing Canadian approach in specific testing scenarios.
Manufacturers should focus on the sections that ISED excluded. This is especially important for time-period averaged SAR, certain test reduction methods, and devices used next to the ear.
The update does not require action on previously approved devices, according to the information provided.
Organizations that monitor RF exposure requirements and wireless compliance changes can follow these developments through Entirety’s Regulatory Intelligence Service.
Impact Assessment
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Technical Standards?
Yes -
Type Approval & Market Access?
No -
Imports, Customs, Trade, or Market Surveillance?
No -
Spectrum Management?
No
