SAR measures the rate at which radio frequency (RF) energy is absorbed by the human body. Because RF energy does have an effect on the body, worldwide compliance testing regulations have been set by authorities in each country. These include the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), European Union (EU), Innovation Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED), Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA), and Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA).

Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about how these worldwide compliance testing regulations affect you as a manufacturer.

International SAR Regulations

It’s important to note that SAR exposure limits vary from country to country. In the US and Canada, mobile devices are required to meet a limit of 1.6 W/Kg measured from 1 g tissue volume. In order for a device to gain FCC or ISED certification and be allowed to be sold in either country, the maximum SAR level cannot exceed this. In the EU, the SAR limit of a device is 2.0 W/Kg measured from 10 g tissue volume. 

The SAR test reports you’ll need for your device will depend on the country or countries your product will be sold in. When it comes to worldwide compliance testing, different countries have different certifications, meaning they require different reports.

If your products require SAR testing, you can find published RF exposure regulations for many countries or contact us for help. Remember that if your product fails to meet SAR regulations in a country or region, you will not have access to that market.

Canada

Canada’s requirements are the most precise. The requirements in this country include CE and FCC certification requirements along with requirements of its own. This makes obtaining certification in Canada a little more challenging than in other countries. 

Just like in the US, Canada requires that devices that emit RF energy and operate at or below 6 GHz with a separation distance of up to 20 cm (8.5 inches) between the user and the device undergo SAR testing. 

Worldwide Compliance Testing at RF Exposure Lab

We have both the accreditation and experience to efficiently and cost-effectively perform SAR testing for the US, Canada, Europe, Australia, South Korea, and more. You can see our full list of worldwide compliance testing standards here.

If you manufacture devices that must undergo SAR testing and will be sold in multiple countries, the importance of working with an experienced, A2LA accredited testing lab cannot be overstated. Ignoring SAR regulations will bar your product from the market and can potentially lead to serious consequences. At RF Exposure Lab, we always strive to make sure our clients understand what is required for their products because we only perform the required testing and nothing more. When clients begin working with us early in the process of manufacturing a device, we’ll also help with design suggestions to ensure that your product’s design doesn’t impact its SAR results. Through our unique expertise and commitment to our clients, we guarantee accurate testing and results.

Working with an experienced SAR testing lab as early as possible in the manufacturing process will help you successfully get through the maze of SAR regulations and ensure that your product is compliant.

We offer testing services for a variety of wireless devices such as cell phones, wireless modems, laptops and tablets, medical products, and much more. If you’re looking for worldwide compliance testing help provided with speed, accuracy, expertise, and integrity, contact us to get a quote for our services.