Canada has launched a significant public consultation on RSS-Gen Issue 6, signaling important updates for radio equipment compliance. Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) is seeking comments on draft RSS-Gen Issue 6 (General Requirements for Compliance of Radio Apparatus) and RSS-310 Issue 6 (Licence-Exempt Radio Apparatus: Category II Equipment). Both drafts will replace their respective Issue 5 versions and introduce updated technical and procedural requirements. Stakeholders have until May 29, 2026, to submit comments.
These proposed changes are particularly relevant for manufacturers and compliance teams managing licensed and licence-exempt radio apparatus in Canada.
Key Changes Under RSS-Gen Issue 6 and RSS-310 Issue 6
Updated Emission Measurement Requirements
One of the most notable updates in RSS-Gen Issue 6 involves revised radiated emission measurement requirements. Specifically, unwanted emissions measurement will extend up to 750 GHz. This expansion may require manufacturers to reassess their current testing methodologies and laboratory capabilities.
Moreover, the drafts adopt revised ANSI C63 site validation standards. As a result, testing environments and validation procedures may need alignment with the updated framework.
Structural Reorganization and Equipment Reclassification
The draft standards also introduce structural reorganization of requirements, improving clarity and applicability. Additionally, stand-alone receivers and passive RFID tags are being relocated from RSS-Gen to RSS-310.
At the same time, data modem provisions have been removed from RSS-310 and redirected to other applicable standards. This redistribution of requirements means companies must carefully verify which standards now apply to their equipment categories.
Licensing Clarifications
Importantly, RSS-Gen Issue 6 includes clearer language regarding licensing requirements under the Radiocommunication Act. This clarification aims to improve understanding of regulatory obligations for licensed radio transmitters.
Who Is Affected?
The consultation directly impacts manufacturers of:
-
Short-range devices
-
Stand-alone receivers
-
Passive RFID equipment
-
Consumer electronics with embedded RF modules
-
Licensed radio transmitters
Companies should proactively review standard applicability, testing methodologies, and certification pathways. Additionally, technical documentation and internal compliance processes may require updates before final publication of the new issues.
For organizations navigating evolving wireless regulatory requirements, our Regulatory Intelligence Service provides structured monitoring and analysis of global Regulatory Updates and compliance changes.
Consultation Timeline
ISED has opened the public consultation period, with comments due by May 29, 2026. Stakeholders are encouraged to assess the draft revisions carefully and provide feedback within the consultation window.
This development represents an important piece of Regulatory Updates News in Canada’s wireless compliance framework, particularly for companies managing market access strategies in the Canadian market.
Impact Assessment
-
Technical Standards? ✅ Yes
-
Type Approval & Market Access? ✅ Yes
-
Imports, Customs, Trade, or Market Surveillance? ✅ Yes
-
Spectrum Management? ✅ Yes