FCC authorisation and marketplace documents for Bluetooth speakers in the US

1. Equipment authorisation under FCC Part 15

Bluetooth is an intentional radiator, so the device needs equipment authorisation before it can be marketed in the United States. Depending on the product and module, that can mean certification with an FCC ID, or a supplier declaration route for unintentional radiators.

Ask which route applies to the exact model, who holds the authorisation, and whether the FCC ID can be shown on the label. If you are re-branding the product, the responsible party arrangement needs to be clear before artwork is finalised.

2. What goes on the label

Labels carry the authorisation identifier where required, the model designation, electrical ratings, the importer or responsible party details, and any warning text your channel demands.

Label real estate is limited, especially on small speakers and on retail packaging. Confirm the label artwork together with the packaging sample, and check that barcode placement does not collide with compliance text.

3. State-level labelling and Proposition 65

California Proposition 65 is the most common state requirement buyers ask about. Whether a warning is needed depends on the materials in the product and its packaging, and the decision belongs to the seller.

Collect the material information you need from the supplier early: surface finishes, solder, cable insulation, printed inks. If a warning is required, the wording and placement have to be agreed with the packaging version.

4. Marketplace and retailer onboarding

Online marketplaces and buying offices typically request compliance documents, product images with defined backgrounds, packaging dimensions and weight, battery information, and sometimes test reports from recognised laboratories.

These requests arrive as a list, usually late. Ask the supplier for the pack before production finishes: it is far easier to fix an image specification than to reprint packaging after the goods are on the water.

5. Battery shipping and warehouse receiving

Lithium cells and packs need a UN 38.3 test summary plus the transport labelling for the chosen mode. Warehouses add their own rules: state-of-charge limits, packaging configuration, carton marking and appointment requirements.

If the goods go to a third-party logistics centre, share their receiving requirements with the factory before the cartons are printed. Carton marks that fail the receiving spec usually mean re-labelling at cost.

6. Before you approve the order

1. Which authorisation route applies, and who is the responsible party?

2. Does the label show the identifier, model, ratings and importer details?

3. Have you collected the material information needed for state labelling?

4. Can the supplier produce the marketplace document pack before shipment?

5. Do you have the UN 38.3 summary for the exact battery configuration?

6. Do the carton marks match your warehouse receiving requirements?