Canada ISED Adopts ETSI EN 301 893 V2.2.1 for 5 GHz DFS

Canada: ISED Adopts ETSI EN 301 893 V2.2.1 for 5 GHz DFS Testing Under RSS-247

Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) has updated the accepted test method for Dynamic Frequency Selection (DFS) on 5 GHz Wireless Access Systems / Radio Local Area Network (WAS/RLAN) equipment. As of July 20, 2026, new certifications submitted under RSS-247 must demonstrate DFS compliance using ETSI EN 301 893 V2.2.1 (2024-11). The previous version, ETSI EN 301 893 V1.8.1 (2015-03), is no longer an accepted basis for new certification.

This is a change to an accepted test method, not a re write of the underlying radio standard. It matters most to manufacturers, importers, test laboratories, and certification bodies bringing Wi-Fi and other 5 GHz wireless products to the Canadian market.

What changed

ISED published Notice 2025-DRS0006 on September 10, 2025, proposing to adopt ETSI EN 301 893 V2.2.1 (2024-11) the harmonised standard for 5 GHz WAS/RLAN access to radio spectrum as a method for demonstrating compliance with ISED's DFS requirements. The consultation closed on November 19, 2025.

A six-month transition period followed, during which either ETSI EN 301 893 V1.8.1 (2015-03) or V2.2.1 (2024-11) could be used to demonstrate DFS compliance. That transition period closed on July 20, 2026. ISED's Normative Test Standards and Acceptable Alternate Procedures register now lists ETSI EN 301 893 V2.2.1 (2024-11) as the applicable version for DFS testing after that date. ISED notes that the updated version provides additional information for client devices with radar detection.

ETSI EN 301 893 V2.2.1 and the 5 GHz DFS bands

Under RSS-247 Digital Transmission Systems, Frequency Hopping Systems and Licence-Exempt Local Area Network Devices in the 902–928 MHz, 2400–2483.5 MHz, 5150–5350 MHz, and 5470–5895 MHz bands, ETSI EN 301 893 is accepted as an alternative to the FCC's KDB 905462 procedure for DFS testing. There is one exception: in the 5600–5650 MHz band (the weather radar sub band), ETSI EN 301 893 is the only accepted method.

The practical effect is that DFS test evidence prepared against the older V1.8.1 procedure is no longer sufficient for new Canadian certification applications. Any product relying on DFS to protect radar systems in the affected 5 GHz sub-bands must be evaluated against ETSI EN 301 893 V2.2.1.

Typical products in scope include routers, access points, mesh networking nodes, subordinate/client devices, IoT gateways, multimedia systems, and automotive infotainment platforms with 5 GHz wireless functionality.

What this means for manufacturers

• New certifications must use V2.2.1. From July 20, 2026, any new RSS-247 certification involving 5 GHz DFS functionality must be supported by test evidence generated under ETSI EN 301 893 V2.2.1 (2024-11). V1.8.1 reports are no longer accepted for new applications.

• Confirm your test lab is aligned. Verify that your test laboratory and certification body have transitioned their DFS procedures to V2.2.1 before you submit. Re-testing may be required where existing evidence was produced under V1.8.1.

• The 5600–5650 MHz exception is strict. In this weather radar sub band, ETSI EN 301 893 is the sole accepted DFS method there is no KDB 905462 alternative.

• Review supporting documentation. ISED has flagged that manufacturers should also review associated materials user manuals, labelling, antenna information, and software/security controls for consistency with RSS-247 requirements.

• Existing valid certifications. This change addresses the test method for new certifications. Products already certified are not automatically invalidated by the transition; however, significant modifications, re certifications, or new model submissions fall under the current requirement. Confirm the treatment of your specific certificate with your certification body.

• Distinguish this from RSS-247 Issue 4. The DFS test method change is separate from the July 24, 2025 publication of RSS-247 Issue 4 (see editorial note). Both are relevant to current applications, but they are different instruments with different transition dates.

  
  

Certification impact summary

Item	Detail
Regulatory framework	RSS-247 (Digital Transmission Systems, Frequency Hopping Systems, Licence-Exempt LAN Devices)
Change	Accepted DFS test method updated to ETSI EN 301 893 V2.2.1 (2024-11)
Superseded method	ETSI EN 301 893 V1.8.1 (2015-03) — no longer accepted for new certifications
Operative date	July 20, 2026 (end of six-month transition)
Scope of equipment	5 GHz WAS/RLAN devices with DFS in the 5250–5350 MHz and 5470–5725 MHz ranges within RSS-247's bands
Bands where ETSI is the ONLY method	5600–5650 MHz (weather-radar sub-band)
KDB 905462 status	Remains an accepted alternative for DFS testing outside 5600–5650 MHz
Who is affected	Manufacturers, importers, test laboratories, certification bodies
Nature of obligation	Certification/test-method requirement (not an operator or spectrum-licensing obligation)
Instrument	ISED Notice 2025-DRS0006; reflected in ISED's Normative Test Standards register

Timeline and required actions

Date	Event	Required action
Jul 24, 2025	RSS-247 Issue 4 published (in force on publication; replaced Issue 3)	Ensure applications follow RSS-247 Issue 4 (its own six-month transition has ended)
Sep 10, 2025	ISED Notice 2025-DRS0006 issued, proposing adoption of ETSI EN 301 893 V2.2.1	Review the notice; assess DFS product portfolio exposure
Nov 19, 2025	Consultation on Notice 2025-DRS0006 closed	—
Through Jul 20, 2026	Six-month transition (V1.8.1 or V2.2.1 accepted for DFS)	Migrate DFS test procedures to V2.2.1; schedule any re-testing
Jul 20, 2026	Transition ends V2.2.1 becomes the required DFS method	Submit all new 5 GHz DFS certifications with V2.2.1 evidence only
Ongoing	New submissions and re certifications	Confirm lab/CB alignment; review manuals, labels, antenna data, security controls