With the official commercialization of the 6GHz band in WiFi7, the difficulty of router export certification has increased significantly. Different countries have varying emphases on RF compliance requirements, and overlooking details may lead to failure in laboratory testing.
Significant Global Differences in 6GHz Band, Avoid Blind Universal Application
One of the core advantages of WiFi7 is its support for the 6GHz band, but currently, global policies on 6GHz openness vary greatly. The same hardware cannot adapt to all markets, and blindly enabling 6GHz functionality will likely result in direct certification failure.
Country-Specific Certification Requirements
1. United States: FCC Certification (Part 15E)
Core Certification Requirements
Frequency Band Specification: The full 5.925-7.125GHz band is open. Strict control of transmission power and out-of-band spurious emissions is required to comply with RF parameter limits.
Technical Testing: MLO (Multi-Link Operation) stability testing must be completed, focusing on frequency drift and power fluctuations during link switching.
Documentation Submission: Complete test reports, circuit diagrams, PCB layouts, BOM lists, and test mode activation procedures must be submitted to an FCC-recognized TCB (Telecommunication Certification Body).
Labeling Requirements: The FCC ID must be permanently marked on a non-removable part of the device, with font height ≥1mm, clearly legible.
2. European Union: CE/RED Certification (EN 303 687)
Core Certification Requirements
Frequency Band Specification: Only the 5.945-6.425GHz band is open. 6GHz devices must mandatorily integrate an AFC (Automatic Frequency Coordination) dynamic frequency selection system to support dynamic frequency selection and avoid interference.
Cybersecurity: Starting from 2026, CRA (Cyber Resilience Act) cybersecurity reporting obligations will be enforced. Compliance with EN 18031-1 standard and alignment with GDPR data security requirements are required.
RF and Safety Testing: SAR (Specific Absorption Rate) testing must cover all 2.4/5/6 GHz bands. WPA/WPA2 encryption protocols are prohibited, and WPA3-Enterprise is mandatory.
Documentation Retention: Technical documentation must be retained for 10 years, including compliance declarations, security incident response plans, and firmware update mechanism descriptions.
3. United Kingdom: UKCA Certification
Core Certification Requirements
Report Specification: EU CE test reports cannot be directly reused. They must be reissued by a UKCA-recognized body or undergo report conversion to ensure testing standards align with UK local requirements.
Labeling Requirements: Starting from 2025, devices must display both the UKCA mark and certification number. Products bearing only the CE mark will be rejected by customs. Mark dimensions must comply with UK official specifications.
Local Liaison: A UK local agent must be appointed to handle certification applications, documentation submission, subsequent compliance checks, and assist with market surveillance inspections.
4. Japan: TELEC Certification
Core Certification Requirements
Power Limits: The 6GHz band EIRP is strictly ≤23dBm, lower than European and American standards. 2.4/5GHz band power must also comply with Japanese local limits.
Functional Testing: Focus on testing MLO multi-link switching stability, covering all link combination scenarios to avoid frequency drift and power fluctuations.
Module Requirements: Prioritize using WiFi7 modules already certified by TELEC (e.g., Intel BE200). Whole-device testing should focus on verifying module compatibility.
Documentation Submission: Japanese version user manuals, compliance declarations, and test reports must be submitted. Labels must include Japanese compliance markings.
5. Southeast Asian Markets (Indonesia/Vietnam)
Indonesia
Certification Requirements: Starting from 2026, 6GHz WiFi7 devices must be tested in locally recognized laboratories in Indonesia. Complete test reports and compliance declarations must be submitted.
Considerations: Prioritize laboratories in MRA (Mutual Recognition Agreement) partner countries to seize the window period. Prepare 6GHz band usage declaration documents in advance to avoid extended testing cycles after new regulations take effect. Device labels and documentation must include Indonesian language versions.
Vietnam
Certification Requirements: No special 6GHz band restrictions, but certification must be approved by agencies recognized by the Vietnamese Ministry of Information and Communications. Vietnamese language labels and manuals must be submitted.
Considerations: Ensure Vietnamese translations of documents and labels are standardized and unambiguous. Engage a local Vietnamese agent in advance to assist with certification applications and customs registration.
6. Other Emerging Markets (China/India/Brazil/Middle East)
China/India/Brazil
The 6GHz band is not yet open. Even if the hardware has 6GHz disabled by default, additional certification materials are required if it has 6GHz capability. It is recommended to permanently disable 6GHz via firmware before export and avoid mentioning 6GHz functionality in product promotion. If experimental permits are needed, prepare materials at least 6 months in advance.
Middle East Market
Certification through local telecommunications regulatory authorities is required, with focus on cybersecurity and RF compliance. A local importer/agent must be appointed to handle subsequent compliance maintenance, while also aligning with local cross-border data transfer regulations.
Albania and Other Emerging European Markets
Pay attention to the latest local cybersecurity certification plans, disclose relevant cybersecurity information as required, complete corresponding security level assessments, and avoid compliance omissions.
Important Considerations
Global WiFi7 certification rules are continuously evolving, especially regarding 6GHz band policies and cybersecurity requirements. Enterprises must monitor policy changes in target markets in advance to avoid certification invalidation due to policy updates.
