Regulatory News dated Q2/2017

ENACOM released the updating regulation No. 5186-E/2017 for low power devices, including following changes:

• an update of the output power for some frequency bands such as 401-402 MHz, 402-405 MHz. 405-406 MHz and 433.075-434.775 MHz;
• the addition of the 3.1-10.6 GHz band for UWB;
• the frequency band widening from 24.25-25.8 GHz to 22-26.25 GHz for vehicle radars using UWB technology.

The Autorité Nationale de Regulation des Telecommunications (ARTP), Niger’s Regulatory Authority, published new information regarding their Standard vs Simplified Procedure for Type Approvals:

• The Simplified procedure is only possible in case a Certificate of Conformity has been issued by recognized Conformity Assessment Bodies (CAB) or Regulatory Authorities. In all other cases, the Standard procedure is mandatory. At present, only the Standard procedure is in place, however the ARTP is currently working on agreements with Regulatory Authorities and CABs to get the Simplified procedure established.
• When a device has been approved, following information must appear on its label:
  • Approval date and number;
  • Identification of the model, lot or serial number;
  • Manufacturer or supplier name

NTC of Philippines published in Memorandum Circular No. 03-06-2017 some changes:

Taiwan’s National Communication Commission (NCC) officially announced that a simplified Declaration of Conformity (DoC) scheme will be adopted effective July 1, 2017 to regulate the following list of Bluetooth Devices:

• Bluetooth Mouse
• Bluetooth Keyboard
• Bluetooth Headset
• Bluetooth Selfie Stick
• Bluetooth Stylus Pen
• Bluetooth Speaker, only D.C. powered

Under the new DoC scheme, the approval process will not require local testing as FCC test reports can be leveraged.

MIC, Vietnam’s Ministry of Information and Communications, announced that as of 2017-06-01 local test reports for 2G and/or 3G devices will no longer be accepted for Type Approval.

Applications for these products must have test reports (for the 2G/3G portion) issued by a recognized foreign laboratory, as listed on MIC’s MRA list for 2G/3G.

Due to the numerous complaints from local importers and local manufacturers about this new policy, MIC appears to be reconsidering their decision. A final decision by MIC is expected soon. Until then, local test reports for 2G/3G technology are no longer accepted.

Pakistan’s Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has extended its list of devices which are exempt from Type Approval in Pakistan, adding Wi-Fi Access Points Operating in ISM Band (2.4-2.5 GHz, 5725-5.875 GHz) and conforming to PTA ISM Band Regulation SRO 287(I)/2016. This list was published May 26, 2017 as follows:

1. Networking Equipment (Switches, Firewalls, Servers, Storage Devices)
2. Laptops /Desktops/Personal Computer (PC)
3. Tablet PC with Wi-Fi only Functionality (Non-Sim based devices)
4. GPS only devices
5. Smart Watches with Bluetooth/Wi-Fi functionality only (without SIM or tracking features)
6. RFID/Bluetooth/NFC devices
7. Wi-Fi Access Points operating in ISM Band (2.4 – 2.5 GHZ, 5725 – 5.875 GHz) and conforming to PTA ISM Band Regulation SRO 287(I)/2016

The listed devices do not require a Type Approval/No Objection Letter (NOC) from PTA, and may be directly imported as per customs procedures.

It has come to our attention on 2017-05-17 that Djibouti's Ministère de la Culture et de la Communication, chargé des Postes et des Télécommunications (MCPT) has resumed Type Approval procedures. The MCPT had placed all Type Approval applications on hold in 2013 due to planned changes to its spectrum management system. NoType Approval certificates willbe issued in the meantime.

The following information has been obtained regarding the reinstated Type Approval policy:

• No online application (only paperwork)
• No samples required
• 5 year validity for the certificates
• Foreign manufacturers still allowed to hold the Approval
• 3-4 weeks estimated lead-time
• No requirements for labelling

It is yet to be determined which equipment type is affected by the new policy and what impact it may have on products already on the market.