In today’s era, every device that utilizes radio frequencies, such as WiFi, RFID, and the Internet of Things (IoT), can be launched globally. However, international type approval certification remains local. All telecommunications devices may be able to operate physically around the world, but regulations in each country are still the determining factor in whether you can sell them.
International type approval is key to legally and commercially entering a country’s borders. It is not just a document; this certification is a strategic tool that transforms device specifications into market access, trust, and commercial scalability.
Not as marketing material or a supply chain contract, international type approval sits at the intersection of technology and law. It codifies the technical specifications of a product with each country’s spectrum and safety regulations.
What does International Type Approval Actually Mean?
Telecom type approval is a certification process that manufacturers must undergo to meet the technical, safety, and legal requirements of a country. The certification process involves laboratory testing to ensure product compliance with local regulations.
Every device that uses radio frequencies must comply with the allocated frequencies and restrictions. This is to ensure that the device is safe to use and does not interfere with other communication services.
Some of the laboratory tests that need to be carried out include:
- Radio Frequency (RF) Testing: The process of evaluating wireless signal transmission.
- Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Testing: The process of testing devices to ensure they do not interfere with other devices.
- Electrical Safety Testing: The process of ensuring that devices are safe to use.
- Laser Safety Testing: The process of testing laser-based devices.
- Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) Testing: The process of evaluating RF energy exposure in humans.
Why Type Approval Is More Than Just Compliance?
This is not just a matter of compliance; type certification will help increase market access, build credibility, and become a strategic tool for innovation. Through rigorous testing, this certification validates the safety and quality of products.
This is not just bureaucracy; type certification should be seen as a competitive advantage. This is because certified products will enter the market with higher user confidence.
By obtaining certification in each target market country, manufacturers gain the following benefits:
- Global market access: Enables product sales in various countries.
- Builds credibility and reputation: Ensures products meet strict safety, technical, and quality standards.
- Strategic tool for innovation: Compliance from the outset allows companies to focus on innovation and change the game in adapting to consumer needs.
The Global Regulatory Map
To achieve global market access, the biggest challenge lies in mapping. This is because radio type approvals cannot cover all regions. Regulations applicable in America will differ from those applicable in Asia. In fact, even on the same continent, reports from one country may not be recognized in another.
Each country has different requirements for applicants for radio type approval. Here are some examples that apply in ASIA:
- Indonesia DJID Certification: Certificate holders must be distributors, importers, or registered local brand representatives.
- SIRIM Malaysia Certification: Applicants must be the importers, distributors, or registered local manufacturer representatives. However, for an additional fee, the importer of record (IOR) can use the company name.
- Thailand NBTC Certification: It is recommended to appoint the actual importer, use local representative services, or use the name of a Thai agent as the certificate holder.
- Singapore IMDA Certification: It is recommended to use an importer or distributor as the certificate holder.
- Philippines NTC Certification: Manufacturers, importers, or distributors are allowed to apply.
- Vietnam MoST Certification: The certificate holder must be a registered local company, which is a subsidiary of the manufacturer, importer, distributor, or local representative of the manufacturer.
- TRC Cambodia Certification: Certificate holders are distributors, importers, local representatives of the brand, or local agents.
- TEC MTCTE and WPC ETA India Certification: Applicants must be representatives of foreign manufacturers, subsidiaries, or authorized local entities.
Practical Roadmap: From Design to Certificate
To obtain international certification, the process must begin at the design stage. There are several things that manufacturers need to prepare to facilitate this process. The following are the things that need to be prepared:
- Initial stage: Manufacturers need to ensure that the device complies with frequency limits, laboratory testing requirements, and safety requirements from the outset.
- Preliminary testing: Detect potential technical issues before entering the official testing process, thereby saving time and costs.
- Integrated testing plan: Align with the requirements of the target marketing country by meeting RF, EMC, safety, SAR, technical documentation, local representative compliance, certification application, and certificate issuance requirements.
- Post-approval: Conduct regular updates, market surveillance, and technical change reporting.
Companies can easily access global markets by understanding the telecom type approval roadmap. Product marketing in each target country becomes faster.
Choosing a Testing Partner
To help companies navigate the complexities of different regulations in each country, companies need to collaborate with experienced testing partners. This is essential for penetrating global markets accurately and efficiently.
Our Services
Dimulti, as a Product Compliance Specialist, is ready to be your partner in helping you penetrate global markets. Its services include document preparation, pre-compliance testing for RF, EMC, Electrical Safety Testing, Laser Safety Testing, SAR, and the issuance of certificates.
Not only that, Dimulti can be your partner in regulatory consulting, assistance in coordinating with international laboratories, and acting as a local representative in countries that require domestic applicants.
With experience since 2008, Dimulti is the best partner choice for manufacturers and importers. Cooperation can begin with regulatory research, certification planning, and type approval management for telecom and RF products.
Dimulti has extensive experience and a global network of partners, making it easy for manufacturers to enter the global market. The right partner will be the bridge for manufacturers to smoothly obtain international type approval.