Federal Communications Commission DA 14-606
Before the
Federal Communications Commission
Washington, DC 20554
In the Matter of
VTech Electronics Limited
    )
    )
    )
    )
    )
    )
          File No.:  EB-SED-12-00005291
          Acct. No.:  201432100016
          FRN:  0022114102
ORDER
Adopted:  May 12, 2014 Released:  May 12, 2014
By the Deputy Chief, Enforcement Bureau:
1. The Enforcement Bureau (Bureau) of the Federal Communications Commission 
(Commission) has resolved its investigation into whether VTech Electronics Limited (VTech) unlawfully 
marketed its Wi-Fi Learning App Tablet, the InnoTab 2S, prior to obtaining the required FCC 
authorization. The Commission’s rules require that manufacturers or importers of electronics equipment 
first obtain FCC authorization before marketing or selling such equipment in order to prevent the 
potential for harmful interference to other lawful radio or electronic devices.  In response to the Bureau’s 
investigation, VTech admitted that it marketed the device before the Commission had certified that the 
InnoTab 2S met the applicable requirements.  To resolve the investigation, VTech will pay $19,000 and 
implement a three-year plan to ensure future compliance with these important requirements.
2. In this Order, we adopt the attached Consent Decree entered into between the Bureau and 
VTech.  The Consent Decree resolves and terminates the Bureau’s investigation into VTech’s compliance 
with the marketing rules set forth in Section 302(b) of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended 
(Act),
1
and Sections 2.803 and 2.1204 of the Commission’s rules (Rules).
2
3. The Bureau and VTech have negotiated the Consent Decree that resolves this matter.  A 
copy of the Consent Decree is attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference.  
4. After reviewing the terms of the Consent Decree and evaluating the facts before us, we 
find that the public interest would be served by adopting the Consent Decree and terminating the 
investigation 
5. In the absence of material new evidence relating to this matter, we conclude that our 
investigation raises no substantial or material questions of fact as to whether VTech possesses the basic 
qualifications, including those related to character, to hold or obtain any Commission license or 
authorization.
                                                
1
47 U.S.C. § 302a(b).
2
47 C.F.R. §§ 2.803, 2.1204.
                                                    Federal Communications Commission DA 14-606
2
6. Accordingly, IT IS ORDERED that, pursuant to Sections 4(i), 4(j), and 503(b) of the 
Act,
3
and Sections 0.111 and 0.311 of the Rules,
4
the Consent Decree attached to this Order IS 
ADOPTED.
7. IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the above-captioned investigation IS 
TERMINATED.
8. IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that a copy of this Order and Consent Decree shall be 
sent by first class mail and certified mail, return receipt requested, to King Fai Pang, Director, VTech 
Electronics Limited, 23/F, Tai Ping Industrial Centre, Block 1, 57 Ting Kok Road, Tai Po, Hong Kong,
and to David E. Hilliard, Esq., Wiley Rein LLP, Counsel for VTech Electronics Limited, 1776 K Street, 
N.W., Washington DC 20006.  
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
David Kolker
Deputy Chief, Enforcement Bureau
                                                
3
47 U.S.C. §§ 154(i), 154(j), 503(b).
4
47 C.F.R. §§ 0.111, 0.311.
                                                    Federal Communications Commission DA 14-606
Before the
Federal Communications Commission
Washington, DC 20554
In the Matter of
VTech Electronics Limited
    )
    )
    )
    )
    )
    )
          File No.:  EB-SED-12-00005291
          Acct. No.:  201432100016
          FRN:  0022114102
CONSENT DECREE
The Enforcement Bureau of the Federal Communications Commission and VTech Electronics 
Limited, by their authorized representatives, hereby enter into this Consent Decree for the purpose of 
terminating the Enforcement Bureau’s investigation into possible violations of Section 302(b) of the 
Communications Act of 1934, as amended,
1
and Sections 2.803 and 2.1204 of the Commission’s rules
2
pertaining to the marketing in the United States of its Wi-Fi Learning App Tablet, InnoTab 2S (InnoTab 
2S). 
I. DEFINITIONS
1. For the purposes of this Consent Decree, the following definitions shall apply:
(a) “Act” means the Communications Act of 1934, as amended, 47 U.S.C. § 151 et seq.
(b) “Adopting Order” means an order of the Bureau adopting the terms of this Consent 
Decree without change, addition, deletion, or modification.
(c) “Bureau” means the Enforcement Bureau of the Federal Communications 
Commission.
(d) “Commission” and “FCC” mean the Federal Communications Commission and all 
of its bureaus and offices.  
(e) “Communications Laws” means, collectively, the Act, the Rules, and the published 
and promulgated orders and decisions of the Commission to which VTech is subject 
by virtue of its business activities, including but not limited to, the Equipment 
Marketing Rules.
(f) “Compliance Plan” means the compliance obligations, program, and procedures 
described in this Consent Decree at paragraph 9.
(g) “Covered Employees” means all employees and agents of VTech who perform, or 
supervise, oversee, or manage the performance of, duties that relate to VTech’s 
responsibilities under the Equipment Marketing Rules, but excludes those 
employees or agents of VTech who perform factory labor associated with the 
                                                
1
47 U.S.C. § 302a(b).
2
47 C.F.R. §§ 2.803, 2.1204.
                                                    Federal Communications Commission DA 14-606
2
manufacture and assembly of radio frequency devices, those solely involved in the 
sales and marketing of radio frequency devices for distribution outside the United 
States and its territories, and those agents, if any, who perform independent testing 
of VTech’s radio frequency devices.
(h) “Effective Date” means the date on which the Bureau releases the Adopting Order.
(i) “Equipment Marketing Rules” means Section 302(b) of the Act;
3
Sections 2.803 and 
2.1204 of the Rules;
4
and other Communications Laws governing the marketing of 
radio frequency devices within the United States and its territories.
(j) “Investigation” means the investigation commenced by the Bureau’s June 6, 2013 
Letter of Inquiry
5
regarding whether the marketing of the InnoTab 2S by VTech 
complied with the Equipment Marketing Rules.
(k) “Operating Procedures” means the standard, internal operating procedures and 
compliance policies established by VTech to implement the Compliance Plan.
(l) “Parties” means VTech and the Bureau, each of which is a “Party.”
(m) “Rules” means the Commission’s regulations found in Title 47 of the Code of 
Federal Regulations.
(n) “VTech” means VTech Electronics Limited and its predecessors-in-interest and 
successors-in-interest.
II. BACKGROUND
2. VTech manufactures and markets electronic learning products, including the InnoTab 2S 
computer tablet.  Pursuant to Section 302(b) of the Act
6
and Sections 2.803 and 15.201(b) of the Rules,
7
an intentional radiator,
8
such as the InnoTab 2S, may not be marketed in the United States unless the 
devices has been properly authorized via the Commission’s equipment certification procedures.  Section 
2.803(a) of the Rules defines “marketing” as the “sale or lease, or offering for sale or lease, including 
advertising for sale or lease, or importation, shipment, or distribution for the purpose of selling or leasing 
or offering for sale or lease.”
9
  In addition, Section 2.1204 of the Rules prohibits—subject to certain 
exceptions not relevant here—the importation of a radio frequency device unless the device has been 
issued an equipment authorization from the Commission.
10
                                                
3
47 U.S.C. § 302a(b).
4
47 C.F.R. §§ 2.803, 2.1204.
5
See Letter from John D. Poutasse, Chief, Spectrum Enforcement Division, FCC Enforcement Bureau, to Mr. 
Colbert Tang, Senior Manager, VTech Electronics Limited (June 6, 2013) (on file in EB-SED-12-00005291).
6
47 U.S.C. § 302a(b). 
7
47 C.F.R. §§ 2.803, 15.201(b).
8
Section 15.3(o) of the Rules defines an intentional radiator as “a device that intentionally generates and emits radio 
frequency energy by radiation or induction.”  Id. § 15.3(o).
9
Id. § 2.803(a).  
10
Id. § 2.1204.
                                                    Federal Communications Commission DA 14-606
3
3. In response to a complaint that VTech was marketing the InnoTab 2S in the United States 
without authorization, the Bureau’s Spectrum Enforcement Division (Division) issued a Letter of Inquiry 
(LOI) to VTech on June 6, 2013.
11
  The LOI directed VTech to submit a sworn written response to a 
series of questions relating to its manufacture and marketing of the InnoTab 2S.
12
  VTech responded to 
the LOI on July 8, 2013.
13
  In its LOI Response, VTech stated that it contracted with an approved testing 
facility to test the InnoTab 2S, and that the testing facility notified VTech on October 10, 2012, that the 
InnoTab 2S complied with the FCC’s Part 15 requirements.
14
  VTech acknowledges that the equipment 
certification for the InnoTab 2S was not issued by the Commission until November 8, 2012, and that
VTech had marketed the device prior to issuance of the device’s certification.
15
  The Bureau and VTech 
entered into a tolling agreement to toll the statute of limitations.
16
III. TERMS OF AGREEMENT
4. Adopting Order.  The Parties agree that the provisions of this Consent Decree shall be 
subject to final approval by the Bureau by incorporation of such provisions by reference in the Adopting 
Order.
5. Jurisdiction.  VTech agrees that the Bureau has jurisdiction over it and the matters 
contained in this Consent Decree and that the Bureau has the authority to enter into and adopt this 
Consent Decree.
6. Effective Date; Violations.  The Parties agree that this Consent Decree shall become 
effective on the Effective Date as defined herein.  As of the Effective Date, the Adopting Order and this 
Consent Decree shall have the same force and effect as any other order of the Commission.  Any violation 
of the Adopting Order or of the terms of this Consent Decree shall constitute a separate violation of a 
Commission order, entitling the Commission to exercise any rights and remedies attendant to the 
enforcement of a Commission order.
7. Termination of Investigation.  In express reliance on the covenants and representations 
in this Consent Decree and to avoid further expenditure of public resources, the Bureau agrees to 
terminate the Investigation.  In consideration for the termination of the Investigation, VTech agrees to the 
terms, conditions, and procedures contained herein.  The Bureau further agrees that in the absence of new 
                                                
11
See supra note 5.
12
See id.
13
See Letter from David E. Hilliard, Counsel for VTech Electronics Limited, to Marlene H. Dortch, Secretary, 
Federal Communications Commission (July 8, 2013) (on file in EB-SED-12-00005291) (LOI Response).  
14
Id. at 2.
15
Id.  The Commission’s Office of Engineering and Technology (OET) subsequently dismissed VTech’s application 
for equipment certification for the InnoTab 2S because VTech’s testing facility did not properly test the device for 
localized specific absorption rate (SAR), as required by Section 2.1093 of the Rules, 47 C.F.R. § 2.1093.  See Letter 
from Mark Neumann, Chief, Equipment Authorization and Compliance Branch, FCC Office of Engineering and 
Technology, to VTech Electronics Limited, Attention Colbert Tang (Nov. 15, 2012).  SAR is a measure of the rate 
of energy absorption due to exposure to a radio frequency transmitting source.  See id. § 2.1093(d).  VTech’s testing 
facility subsequently retested the device, which OET found to be satisfactory.  On November 20, 2012, the 
Commission certified the device under FCC ID G2R-1568.  
16
See Tolling Agreement, entered into between John D. Poutasse, Chief, Spectrum Enforcement Division, FCC 
Enforcement Bureau, and David E. Hilliard, Esq., Wiley Rein LLP, Counsel to VTech Electronics Limited (Sept. 
10, 2013) (on file in EB-SED-12-00005291).
                                                    Federal Communications Commission DA 14-606
4
material evidence, it will not use the facts developed in this Investigation through the Effective Date, or 
the existence of this Consent Decree, to institute on its own motion any new proceeding, formal or 
informal, or take any action on its own motion against VTech concerning the matters that were the subject 
of the Investigation.  The Bureau also agrees that in the absence of new material evidence, it will not use 
the facts developed in this Investigation through the Effective Date, or the existence of this Consent 
Decree, to institute on its own motion any proceeding, formal or informal, or take any action on its own 
motion against VTech with respect to VTech’s basic qualifications, including its character qualifications, 
to be a Commission licensee or to hold Commission licenses or authorizations. 
8. Compliance Officer.  Within thirty (30) calendar days after the Effective Date, VTech 
shall designate a senior corporate manager with the requisite corporate and organizational authority to 
serve as Compliance Officer and to discharge the duties set forth below.  The person designated as the 
Compliance Officer shall be responsible for developing, implementing, and administering the Compliance 
Plan and ensuring that VTech complies with the terms and conditions of the Compliance Plan and this 
Consent Decree.  In addition to general knowledge of the Communications Laws necessary to discharge 
his/her duties under this Consent Decree, the Compliance Officer shall have specific knowledge of the 
Equipment Marketing Rules prior to assuming his/her duties.
9. Compliance Plan.  For purposes of settling the matters set forth herein, VTech agrees 
that it shall, within sixty (60) calendar days after the Effective Date, develop and implement a 
Compliance Plan designed to ensure future compliance with the Communications Laws and with the 
terms and conditions of this Consent Decree.  With respect to the Equipment Marketing Rules, VTech 
shall implement the following procedures:
(a) Operating Procedures on Equipment Marketing.  Within sixty (60) calendar days 
after the Effective Date, VTech shall establish Operating Procedures that all Covered 
Employees must follow to help ensure VTech’s compliance with the Equipment 
Marketing Rules.  VTech’s Operating Procedures shall include internal procedures 
and policies specifically designed to ensure that (i) prior to the initiation of marketing 
(as such term is defined in Section 2.803(a) of the Rules), all radio frequency devices 
to be marketed by VTech comply with applicable technical standards, have been 
properly authorized (via the certification, verification, or declaration of conformity 
procedures, as applicable), and comply with the applicable administrative 
requirements relating to equipment labeling and consumer disclosure;
17
and (ii) 
VTech complies with the requirements of Section 2.1204 of the Rules relating to the 
conditions under which radio frequency devices may be imported into the United 
States.
18
(b) Compliance Manual.  Within sixty (60) calendar days after the Effective Date, the 
Compliance Officer shall develop and distribute a Compliance Manual to all Covered 
Employees.  The Compliance Manual shall explain the Equipment Marketing Rules, 
including the obligations to secure an equipment authorization from the FCC prior to 
marketing a radio frequency device in the United States and to comply with the 
requirements of Section 2.1204 of the Rules relating to the conditions under which 
radio frequency devices may be imported into the United States, and set forth the 
Operating Procedures that Covered Employees shall follow to help ensure VTech’s 
compliance with the Equipment Marketing Rules.  VTech shall periodically review 
                                                
17
See 47 C.F.R.§ 2.803.
18
Id. § 2.1204.
                                                    Federal Communications Commission DA 14-606
5
and revise the Compliance Manual as necessary to ensure that the information set 
forth therein remains current and complete.  VTech shall distribute any revisions to 
the Compliance Manual promptly to all Covered Employees.  
(c) Compliance Training Program.  VTech shall establish and implement a 
Compliance Training Program on compliance with the Equipment Marketing Rules 
and the Operating Procedures.  As part of the Compliance Training Program, 
Covered Employees shall be advised of VTech’s obligation to report any 
noncompliance with the Equipment Marketing Rules under paragraph 10 of this 
Consent Decree and shall be instructed on how to disclose noncompliance to the 
Compliance Officer.  All Covered Employees shall be trained pursuant to the 
Compliance Training Program within sixty (60) calendar days after the Effective 
Date.  Any person who becomes a Covered Employee at any time after the initial 
Compliance Training Program shall be trained within thirty (30) calendar days after 
the date such person becomes a Covered Employee.  VTech shall repeat the 
compliance training on an annual basis, and shall periodically review and revise the 
Compliance Training Program as necessary to ensure that it remains current and 
complete and to enhance its effectiveness.
10. Reporting Noncompliance.  VTech shall report any noncompliance with the Equipment
Marketing Rules and with the terms and conditions of this Consent Decree within fifteen (15) calendar 
days after discovery of such noncompliance.  Such reports shall include a detailed explanation of (i) each 
instance of noncompliance; (ii) the steps that VTech has taken or will take to remedy such 
noncompliance; (iii) the schedule on which such remedial actions will be taken; and (iv) the steps that 
VTech has taken or will take to prevent the recurrence of any such noncompliance.  All reports of 
noncompliance shall be submitted on paper to the Chief, Spectrum Enforcement Division, Enforcement 
Bureau, Federal Communications Commission, Room 3-C366, 445 12th Street, S.W., Washington, DC 
20554, with a copy submitted electronically to Neal McNeil at Neal.McNeil@fcc.gov and to Ricardo 
Durham at Ricardo.Durham@fcc.gov.  
11. Compliance Reports.  VTech shall file Compliance Reports with the Commission ninety 
(90) calendar days after the Effective Date, twelve (12) months after the Effective Date, twenty-four (24) 
months after the Effective Date, and thirty-six (36) months after the Effective Date.
(a) Each Compliance Report shall include a detailed description of VTech’s efforts 
during the relevant period to comply with the terms and conditions of this Consent 
Decree and the Equipment Marketing Rules.  In addition, each Compliance Report 
shall include a certification by the Compliance Officer, as an agent of and on behalf 
of VTech, stating that the Compliance Officer has personal knowledge that VTech (i) 
has established and implemented the Compliance Plan; (ii) has utilized the Operating 
Procedures since the implementation of the Compliance Plan; and (iii) is not aware of 
any instances of noncompliance with the terms and conditions of this Consent 
Decree, including the reporting obligations set forth in paragraph 10 hereof.
(b) The Compliance Officer’s certification shall be accompanied by a statement 
explaining the basis for such certification and must comply with Section 1.16 of the 
Rules and be subscribed to as true under penalty of perjury in substantially the form 
set forth therein.
19
                                                
19
See id. § 1.16.
                                                    Federal Communications Commission DA 14-606
6
(c) If the Compliance Officer cannot provide the requisite certification, the Compliance 
Officer, as an agent of and on behalf of VTech, shall provide the Commission with a 
detailed explanation of the reason(s) why and describe fully (i) each instance of 
noncompliance; (ii) the steps that VTech has taken or will take to remedy such 
noncompliance, including the schedule on which proposed remedial actions will be 
taken; and (iii) the steps that VTech has taken or will take to prevent the recurrence 
of any such noncompliance, including the schedule on which such preventive action 
will be taken.
(d) All Compliance Reports shall be submitted on paper to the Chief, Spectrum 
Enforcement Division, Enforcement Bureau, Federal Communications Commission, 
Room 3-C366, 445 12th Street, S.W., Washington, DC 20554, with a copy submitted 
electronically to Neal McNeil at Neal.McNeil@fcc.gov and to Ricardo Durham at 
Ricardo.Durham@fcc.gov.
12. Termination Date. Unless stated otherwise, the requirements set forth in paragraphs 8 
through 11 of this Consent Decree shall expire thirty-six (36) months after the Effective Date.
13. Voluntary Contribution.  VTech agrees that it will make a voluntary contribution to the 
United States Treasury in the amount of nineteen thousand dollars ($19,000) within thirty (30) calendar 
days after the Effective Date.  VTech shall send electronic notification of payment to Neal McNeil at 
Neal.McNeil@fcc.gov, Ricardo Durham at Ricardo.Durham@fcc.gov, and Samantha Peoples at 
Sam.Peoples@fcc.gov on the date said payment is made.  The payment must be made by check or similar 
instrument, wire transfer, or credit card, and must include the NAL/Account Number and FRN referenced 
above.  Regardless of the form of payment, a completed FCC Form 159 (Remittance Advice) must be 
submitted.
20
  When completing the FCC Form 159, enter the Account Number in block number 23A (call 
sign/other ID) and enter the letters “FORF” in block number 24A (payment type code).  Below are 
additional instructions that VTech should follow based on the form of payment it selects:
? Payment by check or money order must be made payable to the order of the Federal 
Communications Commission. Such payments (along with the completed Form 159) must be 
mailed to Federal Communications Commission, P.O. Box 979088, St. Louis, MO 63197-
9000, or sent via overnight mail to U.S. Bank – Government Lockbox #979088, SL-MO-C2-
GL, 1005 Convention Plaza, St. Louis, MO 63101.
? Payment by wire transfer must be made to ABA Number 021030004, receiving bank 
TREAS/NYC, and Account Number 27000001. To complete the wire transfer and ensure 
appropriate crediting of the wired funds, a completed Form 159 must be faxed to U.S. Bank 
at (314) 418-4232 on the same business day the wire transfer is initiated.
? Payment by credit card must be made by providing the required credit card information on 
FCC Form 159 and signing and dating the Form 159 to authorize the credit card payment.  
The completed Form 159 must then be mailed to Federal Communications Commission, P.O. 
Box 979088, St. Louis, MO 63197-9000, or sent via overnight mail to U.S. Bank –
Government Lockbox #979088, SL-MO-C2-GL, 1005 Convention Plaza, St. Louis, MO 
63101.
If VTech has questions regarding payment procedures, it should contact the Financial Operations Group 
Help Desk by phone, 1-877-480-3201, or by e-mail, ARINQUIRIES@fcc.gov.
                                                
20
An FCC Form 159 and detailed instructions for completing the form may be obtained at 
http://www.fcc.gov/Forms/Form159/159.pdf.
                                                    Federal Communications Commission DA 14-606
7
14. Waivers.  VTech waives any and all rights it may have to seek administrative or judicial 
reconsideration, review, appeal, or stay, or to otherwise challenge or contest the validity of this Consent 
Decree and the Adopting Order, provided the Bureau issues an Adopting Order as defined herein.  VTech 
shall retain the right to challenge Commission interpretation of the Consent Decree or any terms 
contained herein.  If either Party (or the United States on behalf of the Commission) brings a judicial 
action to enforce the terms of the Adopting Order, neither VTech nor the Commission shall contest the 
validity of the Consent Decree or the Adopting Order, and VTech shall waive any statutory right to a trial 
de novo.  VTech hereby agrees to waive any claims it may have under the Equal Access to Justice Act
21
relating to the matters addressed in this Consent Decree.
15. Invalidity.  In the event that this Consent Decree in its entirety is rendered invalid by any 
court of competent jurisdiction, it shall become null and void and may not be used in any manner in any 
legal proceeding.
16. Subsequent Rule or Order.  The Parties agree that if any provision of the Consent 
Decree conflicts with any subsequent Rule or order adopted by the Commission (except an order 
specifically intended to revise the terms of this Consent Decree to which VTech does not expressly 
consent) that provision will be superseded by such Rule or Commission order.
17. Successors and Assigns.  VTech agrees that the provisions of this Consent Decree shall 
be binding on its successors, assigns, and transferees.  
18. Final Settlement.  The Parties agree and acknowledge that this Consent Decree shall 
constitute a final settlement between the Parties with respect to the Investigation.  The Parties further 
agree that this Consent Decree does not constitute either an adjudication on the merits or a factual or legal 
finding or determination regarding any compliance or noncompliance with the Communications Laws.
19. Modifications.  This Consent Decree cannot be modified without the advance written 
consent of both Parties.
20. Paragraph Headings.  The headings of the paragraphs in this Consent Decree are 
inserted for convenience only and are not intended to affect the meaning or interpretation of this Consent 
Decree.
21. Authorized Representative.  The individual signing this Consent Decree on behalf of 
VTech represents and warrants that he/she is authorized by VTech to execute this Consent Decree and to 
bind VTech to the obligations set forth herein.  The FCC signatory represents that he is signing this 
Consent Decree in his official capacity and that he is authorized to execute this Consent Decree.
                                                
21
See 5 U.S.C. § 504; 47 C.F.R. Part 1, Subpart K.
                                                    Federal Communications Commission DA 14-606
8
22. Counterparts.  This Consent Decree may be signed in any number of counterparts 
(including by facsimile), each of which, when executed and delivered, shall be an original, and all of 
which counterparts together shall constitute one and the same fully executed instrument.
_____________________________
John D. Poutasse
Chief, Spectrum Enforcement Division
Enforcement Bureau
_____________________________
Date
_____________________________
King Fai Pang
Director, VTech Electronics Ltd.
VTech Electronics Limited
_____________________________
Date