Every business naturally wants to expand its market coverage as widely as possible. For a manufacturer, of course, if there’s an opportunity to tap into the wider market, why not?
When you market telecommunication products or product equipped with telecommunication features to outside of your country, that product must, of course, undergo the importation process.
Besides, it’s also mandatory for the product to comply with the rules and policies applied in that country. It’s as if your product is becoming a guest there. Since your product is the guest, it must follow the rules set by the host. And this compliance process of is commonly called “Wireless Type Approval”.
Wireless type approval is very important for the product distribution process. This process is carried out solely by the “host”, or by the target country, to ensure that the “guest” does not have a negative impact on them—in this case, the people and the environment in that country.
So, no wonder if the “host” will screen anyone or anything entering its territory. It’s exactly like when you want to enter a shopping mall, where security guards check your bags and belongings before you enter.
Product Wireless Type Approval Requirements
Ndekor Type Approval has been assisting with the wireless type approval certification process since 2008. From this experience, we understand that not all manufacturers fully grasp this requirement to access the global market access.
We often encounter manufacturer who asks whether the products they intend to market in a particular country must meet these requirements or not.
So, before moving forward with developing the right strategy to the success of wireless type approval process, it’s a good idea to consider the following points:
1. Having a Wireless System for Telecommunications
The wireless type approval process is conducted to obtain approval for the distribution of telecommunications products with wireless systems in a country.
Here, we need to understand a few terms usually used in this process. The first is “type approval.”
“Type” refers to the model of any product that requires to comply with certain requirements to be marketed in a country. While the process of complying with those requirements is called “Approval.” So type approval means the process required by a model/type of product to comply with the requirements.
Then there’s “wireless.” Generally speaking, this refers to a data transmission system that does not use cables. However, in some cases, type approval is also required by the cable-based data transmission systems.
So, what happens during this data transmission process? Essentially, each product connect to or communicate with one another. This is what is known as telecommunications.
Telecommunications itself is a type of communication that utilizes electromagnetic systems as a medium for data transmission, one of which is through wireless systems that utilize various electromagnetic waves (such as radio waves and light).
Wireless telecommunications systems have a very wide range, considering that electromagnetic waves in free space have a broad frequency of spectrum.
As a result, many technologies have been developed to use wireless mechanisms and function. Examples include Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, cellular networks, NFC, RFID, and so on.
For example, in Internet of Things (IoT)-based smart home products, many of these products feature wireless technology that allows the equipment to communicate with one another. And because these are also classified as wireless, these IoT products must undergo wireless type approval too. Here are a few other examples:
| Product Example | Wireless Features |
| Smart Door Lock | Bluetooth, NFC/RFID |
| Smart Lighting | Bluetooth, WiFi |
| Smart CCTV | Bluetooth, cellular, WiFi |
| Smart Air Conditioner | Bluetooth, WiFi, cellular |
Based on this explanation, if you wish to undergo the wireless type approval process, you need to determine whether your product has telecommunications features or not.
If yes, you must check does it use a wireless mechanism? If both conditions are met, you can proceed with this process, or even mandatory to proceed with this wireless type approval process.
2. Type Approval for Each Product Type or Model
It has already been explained that the approval obtained (usually in the form of a certificate) applies to each product model or type. However, in some countries, they also allow certification according to family or series.
This needs to be emphasized, given that each manufacturer may have different definitions regarding product types or models.
The problem is that these internally understood definitions may differ from the definitions of types and models based on each country’s regulations.
Ndekor Type Approval frequently encounters issues when certification applicants wish to submit multiple models, only to discover that those models are actually “the same model” according to the regulations of the target country.
Or on the contrary, a manufacturer may believe that two product samples they submitted for testing are different models, but under the target country’s regulations, they are considered the same model.
So, how should this be understood? Once again, regulations may vary from country to country. Generally, if two products have different telecommunications feature specifications, they are considered different models.
However, if two product models have the same telecommunications features but differ in other specifications unrelated to those features (for example, the number of buttons on a keyless entry system), they are likely to be considered as the same model.
3. Sold or Used in a Specific Region
Finally, you must also ensure clarity regarding the product’s status when it is distributed in a country—whether it is intended for sale or for use by a specific agency.
For example, test samples that will be used for this type approval process (if local testing is required in the destination country) typically do not need to be accompanied by a certificate when you import them into the destination country. F course, because the certificate is still not existed yet.
So, if the business model for selling the product isn’t fully developed yet, it’s best not to rush into it.
Another important point: you are not permitted to distribute products that could pose a hazard. This generally applies in all countries.
Examples of such products include jammers designed to disrupt RF signals, RF spoofing devices that transmit fake signals, repeaters/boosters to amplify signals, etc.
Products like these are usually exempted for national defense purposes. However, it must be accompanied with the exemption letter issued by the authority. That said, the wireless type approval process for these devices that are used for “specific purposes” may differ from the standard procedure.
Why is Wireless Type Approval Important?
We’ve already explained it from the government’s perspective. However, this wireless type approval process isn’t solely for their benefit.
Metaphorically, acting “polite” and “compliant” when visiting someone else’s home, you’ll also experience positive benefits.
This is exactly why wireless type approval is important because by entering overseas market, your products are like a guest for them. Besides, complying with the local rules may bring us more benefits. Here are some reasons why it also has a positive impact on your business.
1. Preventing Your Business from Becoming Illegal
Your company has been in business for decades. You’ve sold hundreds, even thousands, of products. Your company’s reputation in your home country is well-established. But suddenly, your company is labelled as illegal by another country!
You never intended for this to happen. Your products have never been proven to pose a risk to the users.
You simply didn’t know that the rules for selling your products in the other country differ from your home country.
The products have already been exported. Then, because they’re deemed illegal, they must be destroyed. Yep, your company will surely be in a bind because billions of dollars are lost.
Besides, your company could end up on that country’s blacklist. And yet, that country holds enormous potential. Your reputation is instantly ruined!
Remember the case of the TikTok ban in the United States? That’s exactly the kind of example we’re talking about (setting aside the political elements, of course).
2. Global Networking
Obtaining Wireless Type Approval isn’t just about getting a license. You’ll interact with various stakeholders throughout the process.
But if you use our service, this interaction can be minimized so you can focus on the other work. For example, with Ndekor Type Approval, we’re based in Indonesia. Let’s say you’re from China and want to use our services to obtain a product distribution license for Malaysia. You don’t have to go to Malaysia directly, or do the research there. Because our team will do those works.
So at the end, you can obtain the certificate to market your product in Malaysia. Besides, you’ll have the opportunity to market that product in Indonesia as well, by “leveraging” our expertise to gain more detailed insights regarding Indonesia.
With over a decade of experience managing this process for the Indonesian market, we certainly have all the resources you need.
From relationships with regulatory bodies (trust us, the impact is tremendous!) and knowledge of technical standards, to the finer details like handling product shipments.
Expanding your products into the Indonesian market will be easy and seamless!
3. Consumer Credibility
As we’ve explained, wireless type approval regulations vary from country to country depending on each nation’s specific conditions. One of these factors is the local consumer habits.
Your product may be simple but perform optimally as expected in Country A, and consumers there are satisfied.
However, in Country B, your product is deemed inadequate. No one in that country likes it. Upon closer inspection, your product’s specifications do indeed far below that country’s standards.
This is what will happen if you don’t understand the wireless type approval process. Ultimately, the effort you put into expanding into that country’s market won’t yield a commensurate return. In other words, you’ll lose money!
4. Products Held Up at Customs
Based on all the reasons above, let’s consider a hypothetical scenario: what happens if your product is distributed and used but does not comply with a country’s wireless type approval regulations?
Your product won’t be able to enter a country if it doesn’t meet the requirements!
The product will definitely be held up at customs and then returned to its country of origin. In the worst-case scenario, your product might even be destroyed. If this happens, how can your business operate?
What Actually Do in This Process?
To achieve the goal of ensuring the importance of wireless type approval as described above, this process certainly takes time.
Because if a defective product is allowed to enter the market due to negligence in rushing through this process, it is the citizens of the country where you distribute it who will suffer the consequences.
The lead time for this process may vary from country to country. However, if the entire process we will explain below is followed, it generally takes weeks or even months for your approval to be issued.
1. General Framework
Essentially, in the wireless type approval process, the product you intend to market in a country will be tested. This is to ensure that your product’s specifications—particularly its telecommunications features—comply with that country’s regulations.
Not all countries require testing to be conducted at a testing facility within their own borders. This means you can—or may be required to—conduct testing at a testing facility in another country that meets the qualifications set by that country’s regulations (this route is known as the “paperwork” process).
After testing, you will receive a test report. This is one of the documents you must submit to the regulatory bodies of your target country as part of the requirements.
However, this isn’t the only one!
There are many other documents required. Again, each country has different requirements. Generally, though, these documents are related to the legality of type approval applicant—which is your company.
Once all required documents have been submitted, the regulatory bodies will review them. Assuming everything meets the requirements, they will then issue a notice to you to make the payment for the certificate issuance.
The fees you pay also contribute to the country’s development.
Once that’s done, the regulatory bodies will generally issue a certificate confirming that your product is now legally authorized for distribution in that country.
There is one more requirement: most countries require you to affix a label indicating that your product has gone through this process. However, some countries do not require this.
2. Various Types of Testing
So, what types of testing are conducted as part of this wireless type approval? Generally, there are five types of testing. However, this depends on the telecommunications features present in your product.
a. RF Testing
RF, or Radio Frequency Testing, is a type of testing related to the use of radio waves as a medium for data transmission in the telecommunications technology embedded in your product.
b. Electrical Safety
This testing is conducted if your product is directly connected to a power source. If it uses a battery or is installed in another battery-powered product, this testing is not required.
As the name implies, Electrical Safety Testing is performed to ensure the safe use of electricity in your product.
To a greater or lesser extent, electrical issues in wireless products will affect the data transmission performance or telecommunications system of the product.
c. Laser Safety
This applies specifically to telecommunications products that use light waves as their data transmission medium.
This testing is performed on products with both wireless light-wave data transmission schemes (e.g., free-space optical products) and wired schemes (optical fibre cables).
d. EMC
EMC, or Electromagnetic Compatibility, is a test to ensure the compatibility of your product’s wireless telecommunications features with its surrounding environment. The assessment is conducted from two perspectives.
First, it ensures that your product’s telecommunications features continue to function optimally even when placed among other products with active wireless telecommunications features.
Conversely, this test ensures that your product’s telecommunications features do not interfere with the telecommunications performance of other products and not getting interfered by others.
e. SAR
Finally, there is the Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) test. Its purpose is to measure the amount of electromagnetic wave absorption that occurs in your body.
You can find many credible sources regarding the dangers of electromagnetic wave absorption in the body. This test is conducted to prevent such hazards.
One Certification Does Not Mean Worldwide Approval
As you gain experience with the wireless type approval process, you’ll come to understand that all the requirements your product must meet—as described above—are based on international standards such as ETSI, FCC, ITU, and others.
International standards are established to ensure that the technological features in your product are suitable for their intended use.
In addition to global safety, businesses involved in this technology remain healthy. No one holds excessive power or engages in fraudulent practices.
These provisions are then incorporated into the wireless type approval process and adopted by many countries. Generally, they are used to establish regulations regarding testing and the use of testing facilities.
However, this does not mean that a single certificate or proof of compliance obtained in one country is valid in another—even if it refers to the same international standards.
Every country has different conditions. These international standards serve as a reference but are still adapted to each country’s specific circumstances. Therefore, you must still comply with the regulations of that specific country.
Why are we discussing this? Because Ndekor Type Approval frequently encounters this misunderstanding, especially among clients with limited experience.
Contacting us to get an explanation regarding wireless type approval regulations in your target country is the easiest way to prevent mistakes that could lead to financial losses.
If you’re planning to expand your business into a new country, ask us right away!