Bluetooth Sig required?

WisBlock
1

Hi everyone,
I’m working on a project using an esp32 and BLE functionality, similar to Meshtastic devices. I’ve noticed that while RAKwireless’s devices are FCC compliant, only the RAK13401 appears in the Bluetooth SIG database. My project uses Bluetooth but doesn’t reference the Bluetooth logo or trademarks.

The Bluetooth SIG fine print states that businesses producing Bluetooth-enabled devices must be SIG members and list their products in the database, which involves fees (e.g., Declaration ID costs).

We’ve already spent $10K on emissions, immunity, and ESD testing, so I’m trying to understand if the additional Bluetooth SIG fees are mandatory for compliance. Has anyone navigated this with RAK modules or similar pre-certified Bluetooth modules? Are there ways to minimize costs while staying compliant?

Any insights or experiences would be greatly appreciated! Thanks,

2

Welcome to the forum @Ben_Pauza

Answer from our certification team:

Yes, according to Bluetooth SIG policy, all bluetooth product must be qualified. But most manufacturers seldom apply the BQB as of the high license fee.

We do not register, as the end device has to been registered, not the module.

1 Like
3

Interesting…
So, if someone were to sell a meshtastic starter kit inside an enclosure, claiming it was a ready-to-use product, they would then be responsible for Bluetooth licensing?

4

Correct, they should register it.