Ensuring UAV Wireless Communication Compliance: Regulatory Hurdles Not to Be Overlooked

Why Do UAVs Need Wireless Regulatory Certification?
It has become standard in the UAV industry for drones to be equipped with built-in wireless modules such as GPS, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. However, these features also render UAVs potential sources of high radio frequency (RF) interference towards other wireless incumbents. To ensure fair spectrum use and public safety, countries and regions worldwide have established mandatory certification regulations for products with wireless transmit capabilities. These regulations are not only essential for legal entry into target markets but also serve as critical entry points for international market expansion and commercial procurement.

Concise Overview of Major Wireless Regulations that Apply Across Different Regions

• United States (FCC): Verification of transmit power, frequency stability, spurious emissions testing, etc.
• European Union (CE RED Directive): Requires both transmit and receive resiliency tests to be conducted.
• Other Regulations: Canada (ISED), Japan (MIC), and Taiwan (NCC) have their own regulatory frameworks and frequency band restrictions.

SAR Testing: A Critical Indicator of Human Safety
For UAVs or accessories (such as wearable controllers) designed to operate within 20 centimeters of the human body, SAR (Specific Absorption Rate) testing is required under the regulations of various countries and regions. Using the SPEAG DASY robotic arm system, high-precision measurements are performed to meet FCC, CE, and other international standards, ensuring that the product’s electromagnetic absorption levels remain within safe limits for human exposure.

SGS Taiwan Wireless Laboratory is equipped with full anechoic and semi-anechoic chambers and SAR testing systems, providing a comprehensive RF testing platform that covers the frequency range from 9 kHz to 200 GHz. SGS provides clients with a one-stop, comprehensive wireless communication testing and certification service, helping to accelerate regulatory approvals, support simultaneous multi-country certifications, shorten time-to-market, and strengthen global market deployment. Contact us: SGS 📧 howard.chang@sgs.com