Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) has published Issue 6 of RSS-310, including Amendment 1, which updates the requirements for licence-exempt Category II radio apparatus.

This new issue replaces the previous 2020 version and introduces several significant changes, including expanded coverage for cable-locating equipment operating between 9 and 490 kHz, new requirements for stand-alone receivers and passive RFID tags, and revised user manual notices for underground radios.

The standard removes redundant test report and labelling requirements already covered in RSS-Gen, and clarifies exemptions for transmitters with very low input power and for equipment operating below 9 kHz. It also sets specific power and emission limits for various device types, such as underground radios and cable-locating equipment, and details the labelling and user manual information that must be provided.

A one-year transition period is provided, during which compliance with either Issue 5 or Issue 6 is accepted. After this period, only compliance with Issue 6 will be permitted for equipment manufactured, imported, distributed, leased, offered for sale, or sold in Canada.

These changes affect manufacturers, importers, distributors, and operators of licence-exempt radio equipment, who must review and update their compliance processes to align with the new technical and administrative requirements. The update aims to streamline regulatory obligations, improve clarity, and ensure continued compatibility with the broader Canadian regulatory framework.

Impact

Impact assessment: High.

Key reasons: Mandatory adoption of RSS-310 Issue 6 after the transition period for all relevant equipment.; Introduction of new and revised technical requirements for a broad range of licence-exempt radio devices.; Removal and simplification of certain compliance obligations, affecting labelling, user manuals, and test reports.; Expansion of scope to include additional device types, such as cable-locating equipment and passive RFID tags.

Who is affected?

Manufacturers, importers, distributors, and operators of Category II licence-exempt radio apparatus in Canada, as well as compliance consultants and testing laboratories.

Conclusion:

All stakeholders must promptly review the new requirements, update product documentation and processes, and ensure all affected equipment complies with Issue 6 by the end of the transition period to maintain market access in Canada.