SRRC Certification for Lighting: Compliance & Market Access in China

For lighting manufacturers and traders, SRRC certification is not only a mandatory requirement for wireless compliance but also an essential key to legally entering the Chinese market.

SRRC (State Radio Regulation of China), also known as SRMC certification, is a mandatory certification system implemented by China's national radio regulatory authority. Since June 1, 1999, the Ministry of Information Industry has required all radio transmission equipment sold or used in China to obtain Radio Type Approval Certification.

For lighting enterprises and traders, understanding and obtaining SRRC certification is a crucial step for wireless-enabled lighting products to enter the domestic market. Especially after the implementation of China's E-commerce Law in 2019, major e-commerce platforms have strengthened controls on this certification, and products that do not meet requirements will be forced off the shelves.

I. Market Value and Necessity of SRRC Certification

• Legal Mandate: All radio transmission equipment sold or used in China must obtain type approval, with a certificate and approval code issued
• Market Access Requirement: Most e-commerce platforms and offline channels require SRRC certification for wireless lighting products
• Quality Assurance: Demonstrates compliance with national radio management requirements and meets basic quality expectations of regulators and consumers

II. Scope of Applicable Products

SRRC certification applies to all lighting products with radio transmission capabilities:

• Bluetooth lighting: Bluetooth table lamps, ceiling lights, etc.
• Wi-Fi smart lighting: Lighting products controllable via Wi-Fi
• 2.4G wireless remote-controlled lighting: Devices using 2.4GHz band for remote control
• Other wireless communication lighting: Products using other wireless technologies

Note: Even lighting products with partial wireless control functions fall within the certification scope.

III. Core Testing Items

SRRC certification includes comprehensive technical testing:

• Power measurement: Verify transmission power complies with standards
• Frequency range test: Confirm operating frequency within approved range
• Frequency tolerance test: Check frequency deviation within allowable limits
• Occupied bandwidth test: Measure bandwidth where signal energy concentrates
• Spurious emission test: Evaluate unwanted radiation during operation

These tests ensure radio equipment meets regulations for frequency, bandwidth, power, tolerance, and out-of-band emissions.

IV. Certification Process and Timeline

1. Application and document preparation: Submit application form and technical documents
2. Sample testing: Send products to an accredited laboratory for comprehensive testing
3. Report review: Authorities review the test report
4. Certificate issuance: Receive SRRC certificate upon approval

Typical timeline: 4-5 weeks, depending on product complexity

V. Required Technical Documentation

• Completed Radio Transmission Equipment Type Approval Application Form (original)
• Business license copy
• Technical specifications, circuit diagrams, block diagrams, user manual
• Product photos (front, side, with connectors and antennas shown)
• Product nameplate (showing model, serial number, CMIIT ID)
• Antenna gain specifications
• Bill of materials for key RF components
• Frequency channel table (if multiple channels)

VI. Common Issues and Solutions

• Test failures: Optimize circuit design, adjust transmission power, improve filtering
• Incomplete documentation: Understand requirements in advance and seek professional guidance
• Extended timelines: Conduct pre-testing and plan schedule accordingly

VII. Selecting a Certification Partner

Consider these factors when choosing a certification partner:

• Technical capability: Complete testing equipment and experienced engineers
• Industry experience: Familiarity with lighting product requirements
• Authorization Qualification: Recognized by China's radio regulatory authority
• Local support: Provide local assistance and rapid response