Wireless Power Transfer Compliance and Certification: What Manufacturers Need to Know

Wireless Power Transfer (WPT) enables electrical energy to be transferred from a power source to a device without a direct electrical connection.

The technology is used in smartphones, wearables, medical devices, industrial equipment and electric vehicles.

For manufacturers, however, wireless charging is not automatically just an electrical safety topic. Depending on the technology, operating frequency, power level and communication functionality, requirements relating to radio equipment, EMC, electromagnetic fields and market access may also apply.

A typical compliance process may involve:

WPT technology → Frequency and power → Charging and communication method → RF/EMC → RF exposure → Market-specific requirements → Product documentation

This article explains the technology, describes common applications and outlines the main regulatory differences between Europe, the USA and Canada.

1. What Is Wireless Power Transfer?

Wireless Power Transfer refers to the transfer of electrical energy from a transmitter to a receiver without a direct conductive connection.

Many products use magnetic or electromagnetic fields to transfer energy. The transmitter and receiver contain corresponding coils or other coupling elements.

The main technical approaches include:

Inductive power transfer: Energy is transferred through magnetic coupling between transmitter and receiver coils.
Resonant inductive power transfer: The transmitter and receiver are tuned to work together, potentially improving energy transfer under particular conditions.
Capacitive power transfer: Energy is transferred through electric fields using appropriate electrodes.
RF-based power transfer: Energy is transmitted using electromagnetic waves. This differs from the inductive WPT systems used in many conventional charging applications.

The technical implementation affects both the performance characteristics and the regulatory assessment.

2. What Is WPT Used For?

Wireless Power Transfer is used where electrical energy needs to be supplied without a conventional plug or direct electrical contact.

Consumer electronics

Smartphones
Smartwatches and other wearables
Wireless headphones and charging cases
Wireless charging pads
Accessories and peripheral devices

Medical products

Certain medical sensors
Wearable medical devices
Selected implantable or non-implantable systems
Devices where electrical contacts are undesirable

Medical products may also need to meet additional medical and product-specific requirements.

Industrial and IoT products

Sensors and measuring instruments
Industrial control and operating devices
Equipment installed in difficult-to-access locations
Systems designed to avoid or reduce plug-in contacts
Selected automated charging and power supply systems

Automotive and e-mobility

Wireless charging for electric vehicles
Charging applications for smaller electric vehicles
Wireless power transfer in selected vehicle components

High-power automotive applications have substantially different technical and regulatory considerations from a small consumer charging pad.

3. Intelligent vs. Non-Intelligent Charging

For compliance purposes, it is not only the energy-transfer method that matters. It is also important to understand whether the transmitter and receiver exchange information and how that information is used.

The terms intelligent charging and non-intelligent charging are used differently in practice. A regulatory assessment should therefore be based on the actual functionality rather than these labels alone.

Non-intelligent charging

In a simplified non-intelligent charging system, energy is transferred without a dedicated exchange of data between the transmitter and receiver to manage the charging process.

This does not necessarily mean that the system has no control or monitoring functions. Internal power regulation and protective functions may still be present.

The key question is whether information is transmitted through the WPT interface, for example to manage charging.

Intelligent charging

In an intelligent charging system, the transmitter and receiver exchange information to control or monitor energy transfer.

Functions may include:

Detecting a suitable receiver
Communicating the charging state
Controlling or adjusting transmitted power
Detecting unsuitable objects
Transmitting status information
Confirming control commands
Monitoring the charging process

Communication may take place over the WPT interface itself or through a separate radio connection.

Important: A separate Bluetooth, Wi-Fi or other radio interface must be assessed in addition to the power-transfer function.

Why does this distinction matter?

Communication functionality can affect how a WPT device is classified for regulatory purposes and which radio requirements apply.

In Canada, for example, RSS-216 distinguishes WPT devices partly according to whether information is transmitted on the WPT frequency. This classification affects the applicable requirements and authorization procedure.

4. WPT Is Not Automatically a Conventional Radio Communication Interface

WPT systems transfer energy. They should therefore not automatically be treated in the same way as conventional communication transmitters such as Bluetooth or Wi-Fi.

Nevertheless, WPT systems can generate electromagnetic emissions and may fall within the scope of radio-related regulatory requirements, depending on the technology and operating conditions.

The assessment should consider questions such as:

Which frequency or frequency range does the system use?
Which power-transfer technology is implemented?
Is the WPT frequency also used to transmit data?
Are separate radio modules present?
How much power is transferred?
Which operating modes are supported?
How close can the device be to the human body?
Is the product stationary, mobile or wearable?

The answers help determine which standards and tests are relevant.

5. Regulatory Requirements in Europe

5.1 Radio Equipment Directive (RED)

In the European Union, WPT devices may fall within the scope of the Radio Equipment Directive 2014/53/EU (RED).

The RED establishes essential requirements relating to:

Health and safety
Electromagnetic compatibility
Efficient use of the radio spectrum

Whether a particular WPT device is considered radio equipment under the RED, and which conformity assessment procedure applies, must be determined based on its technology and regulatory classification.

5.2 ETSI EN 303 417

A key standard for certain WPT systems is:

ETSI EN 303 417 — Wireless power transmission systems

The standard covers WPT systems using technologies other than RF beam systems and operating in the following frequency ranges:

19–21 kHz
59–61 kHz
79–90 kHz
100–300 kHz
6 765–6 795 kHz

It specifies technical characteristics and measurement methods for the systems within its scope.

Important: EN 303 417 does not automatically cover every WPT technology or frequency range. For other frequencies or transfer methods, manufacturers need to determine which regulatory requirements and standards apply instead.

5.3 ETSI EN 300 330

ETSI EN 300 330 is another important standard for certain radio equipment and inductive applications in the lower frequency range.

It may be relevant where the particular device or function falls within its scope. However, it should not be treated as a universal substitute for assessing whether EN 303 417 applies.

The selection of the applicable standard must be based on the actual technology, frequency and regulatory classification.

5.4 EMC: ETSI EN 301 489

The ETSI EN 301 489 series may also be relevant to radio equipment.

In particular:

ETSI EN 301 489-1: General EMC requirements for radio equipment and services.
ETSI EN 301 489-3: Specific conditions for certain Short Range Devices within the standard’s scope.

The applicable standard and edition must be checked for the product concerned. EN 301 489-3 is not automatically the correct EMC standard for every WPT system.

5.5 Other European requirements

Depending on the product, additional requirements may include:

RED Article 3.1(a): Health and safety
RED Article 3.1(b): Electromagnetic compatibility
RED Article 3.2: Efficient use of the radio spectrum
Product-specific safety standards
RF exposure or electromagnetic-field requirements
Additional radio requirements where other radio modules are integrated

The precise assessment depends on the product, its intended use and the applicable harmonised standards.

6. Regulatory Requirements in the United States

In the United States, WPT devices are assessed under the FCC rules. The applicable requirements depend, among other things, on whether the device is treated as a WPT system under FCC Part 18, as an intentional radiator under FCC Part 15, or under more than one rule part.

6.1 FCC Part 18

FCC 47 CFR Part 18 covers Industrial, Scientific and Medical (ISM) equipment.

Depending on their technical implementation and regulatory classification, WPT charging functions may fall under Part 18.

Part 18 should not be assumed to apply solely because a device transfers energy wirelessly. The device’s actual function and the applicable FCC provisions must be examined.

6.2 FCC Part 15

FCC 47 CFR Part 15 may also be relevant.

Part 15 may apply to radio communication functions or certain WPT devices, depending on the implementation.

The FCC explains that WPT devices transmitting information between the transmitter and the powered device must be authorized under the appropriate Part 15 rules for intentional radiators. Where a device has separate charging and communication modes, Part 18 and Part 15 may apply to their respective operating modes.

6.3 FCC KDB 680106

An important FCC document for evaluating WPT devices is:

FCC KDB Publication 680106 — Wireless Power Transfer

This guidance addresses the equipment authorization process for WPT devices under Part 15 and/or Part 18.

It is particularly useful when determining which rule parts apply to the charging and communication functions of a particular device.

6.4 RF exposure

WPT devices must also be evaluated against the applicable FCC human RF exposure requirements.

The FCC’s WPT guidance indicates that both Part 15 and Part 18 devices must comply with the applicable FCC RF exposure limits.

6.5 Additional radio modules

If the product includes Bluetooth, Wi-Fi or another radio connection, those functions must be considered separately.

Authorization of the charging function does not automatically cover additional radio functions.

7. Regulatory Requirements in Canada

In Canada, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) is responsible for the relevant regulatory requirements.

The central WPT document is:

RSS-216 — Wireless Power Transfer Devices

ISED RSS-216, Issue 3, published on 3 September 2024, establishes requirements for WPT devices, including WPT transmitters and receivers.

RSS-216 addresses the WPT function. Other functions in the device may also be subject to additional ISED standards.

Issue 3 includes changes relating to:

Increased separation distances for certain WPT applications
Expanded frequency ranges
Requirements for devices operated on or in the body
Measurement methods based on ANSI C63.30, with ISED-specific deviations
RF exposure requirements
Application of RSS-Gen and ICES-Gen

7.1 RSS-Gen and ICES-Gen

Depending on the device classification, RSS-216 is used with the applicable general requirements:

RSS-Gen: General requirements for radio apparatus compliance
ICES-Gen: General requirements for interference-causing equipment

RSS-216 specifies when the respective general requirements need to be applied.

7.2 ANSI C63.30

RSS-216 Issue 3 references:

ANSI C63.30-2021 — Methods of Measurement of Radio-Frequency Emissions from Wireless Power Transfer Equipment

The standard is applied together with the deviations specified in RSS-216.

7.3 RSS-102

For RF exposure assessment, RSS-216 references:

RSS-102 — Radio Frequency (RF) Exposure Compliance of Radiocommunication Apparatus

The specific assessment depends on the device type, power, operating conditions and separation distance.

7.4 Device classification and authorization

RSS-216 distinguishes WPT devices according to their functionality, including whether they transmit information on the WPT frequency.

The classification affects whether certification is required or whether another conformity procedure can be used. It should therefore be established early in the project.

8. Comparison: Europe, USA and Canada

The regulatory approaches differ between these markets. A test report or authorization for one market should not automatically be assumed to demonstrate compliance in the others.

Topic	European Union	United States	Canada
Main regulatory framework	RED 2014/53/EU, where applicable	FCC rules, particularly Part 15 and/or Part 18	ISED RSS-216
Important WPT references	ETSI EN 303 417; other applicable radio standards depending on the device	FCC KDB 680106; applicable provisions of Part 15/18	RSS-216 Issue 3
EMC / emissions	Applicable RED and EMC standards, potentially including EN 301 489	Requirements of the applicable FCC rule part	RSS-216 together with RSS-Gen and/or ICES-Gen
Measurement methods	Methods specified by the applicable standards	Applicable FCC rules and guidance	ANSI C63.30-2021 with RSS-216 deviations
RF exposure	Applicable requirements based on the product and operating conditions	FCC RF exposure requirements	RSS-102
Additional radio modules	Separate assessment of each radio technology	Separate assessment under applicable FCC rules	Additional RSS requirements may apply

This table is intended as a planning overview. It does not replace verification of the current standard editions, regulatory classification and specific product configuration.

9. Why Product Architecture Matters

The compliance assessment should not be based solely on the WPT controller or charging IC.

The finished product and its operating modes are what matter.

Relevant factors include:

WPT transmitter and receiver
Coils, antennas and shielding
Power stages and switching frequencies
Control and communication methods
Enclosure and mechanical integration
Power supply
Additional radio modules
Simultaneous operation of multiple radio technologies
Intended separation from the body
Stationary, mobile or wearable operation

A WPT module tested in a particular reference configuration does not automatically cover every integration into a host product.

Changes to the coil, shielding, enclosure, power control or firmware can also affect the characteristics of the complete system.

10. Common WPT Compliance Mistakes

Treating WPT as only a safety issue

Wireless power transfer may also trigger radio, EMC and exposure requirements.

Treating intelligent charging as only a software feature

If information is transmitted on the WPT frequency, this may affect the regulatory classification.

Ignoring the frequency ranges covered by a standard

A standard covering specific frequency ranges is not automatically suitable for every WPT technology.

Assuming FCC Part 18 is the only US requirement

Depending on the communication function and operating modes, Part 15 and other requirements may also apply.

Treating RSS-216 as the only ISED requirement

RSS-216 addresses the WPT function. Additional radio modules or product characteristics may require further standards.

Assuming module testing covers the finished product

The final configuration, including coils, shielding, enclosure, electronics and firmware, must be considered.

Leaving RF exposure until the end of the project

Intended use, transferred power and separation distance can affect product design and test planning.

11. Recommended Compliance Workflow

1. Define the product and application

Document:

Product type and intended use
Target markets
Operating environment
Intended users and installation conditions
Stationary, mobile or wearable operation

2. Describe the WPT technology

Record:

Inductive, resonant, capacitive or RF-based technology
Operating frequency or frequency range
Transferred power
Transmitter and receiver configuration
Coils, electrodes or other coupling elements

3. Identify charging and communication functions

Determine:

Whether data is transmitted over the WPT interface
Whether a separate radio connection is present
Which charging management and protection functions are implemented
Which operating modes are supported

4. Identify market requirements

For example:

EU → RED assessment → applicable radio and EMC standards

USA → FCC Part 15 and/or Part 18 → KDB 680106 and other applicable requirements

Canada → RSS-216 → RSS-Gen/ICES-Gen, ANSI C63.30 and RSS-102, where applicable

5. Define the RF, emissions and EMC test scope

The test plan must match the actual technology, operating frequencies and product architecture.

6. Evaluate RF exposure

Determine which requirements apply based on power, operating mode, separation distance and intended use.

7. Assess integration and changes

Review module documentation and test conditions. Assess changes to coils, antennas, shielding, enclosure, firmware or radio functions for their impact on compliance.

8. Prepare the documentation

The technical documentation should clearly reflect the actual product configuration, applicable requirements and assessments performed.

12. Conclusion

Wireless Power Transfer enables contactless energy transfer and is used in a wide range of consumer, medical, industrial and automotive applications.

For manufacturers, it is essential to consider not only the energy transfer itself but also communication functions, frequencies, power levels, product architecture and intended use.

The main regulatory references differ by market:

EU: RED 2014/53/EU and, depending on the application, ETSI EN 303 417 and other applicable radio and EMC standards.
USA: FCC Part 15 and/or Part 18, together with KDB 680106 and other applicable requirements.
Canada: RSS-216 Issue 3 in conjunction with RSS-Gen and/or ICES-Gen, ANSI C63.30 and RSS-102, where applicable.

The distinction between intelligent and non-intelligent charging is particularly relevant when information is transmitted over the WPT interface or when additional radio modules are present.

A robust compliance plan therefore starts with a complete description of the WPT functionality and product architecture—not simply with the selection of a test standard.

How ScopeRight Helps

ScopeRight helps manufacturers define the compliance scope of products incorporating radio technologies and wireless functions.

Based on the product configuration, relevant regulatory requirements, standards, tests and estimated laboratory effort can be identified in a structured way.

For products with multiple radio technologies, it is important to consider not only individual modules but also their integration and possible simultaneous operating modes.

The result is a structured test plan that can be used as a basis for discussions with test laboratories and for further project planning.

Define the scope first. Then test what is actually required.

ScopeRight