ITA Update August

In this publication, we list the latest changes and updates that affect the approval of products in international markets.

Brazil:
ANATEL opened public consultation No. 36/2024, intending to phase out 2G and 3G technologies

Recently, Brazil ANATEL issued Public Consultation No. 36/2024, proposing the eventual shutdown of 2G and 3G technologies. These technologies are considered outdated and insufficient to meet current customer demands for digital services. Phasing them out will allow greater focus on 4G and 5G technologies.

The public consultation closes on 18 Sep, 2024, and includes the following proposed changes:

Addition to Act No. 3151:

• 4.4: Certification of modules or final products classified as Personal Mobile Service Access Terminal Stations, which are compatible only with 3G or lower technologies, is not permitted.
• 4.5: Modules or final products classified as Personal Mobile Service Access Terminal Stations capable of making voice calls must support VoLTE (Voice over LTE) technology.

Addition to Act No. 3152:

• 4.5: Certification of mobile phones compatible only with 3G or lower technologies is not permitted.
• 4.6: Mobile phones must support voice calls using VoLTE (Voice over LTE) technology.

Approval for modules and products compatible only with 3G or lower technologies will be granted solely to meet spare part demands in the automotive industry and with express authorization from ANATEL's Certification and Numbering Management (ORCN).

Equipment compatible only with 3G or lower technologies, approved before this Act takes effect, can maintain their certifications without needing to adjust to the new requirements.

ANATEL will review contributions from the public consultation, update relevant items, and publish the Final Regulation. The release date for the Final Regulation is currently unknown and will depend on the volume of contributions received.

ANATEL Released new technical requirements for interactive educational screens

On 28 Jun, 2024, ANATEL issued Act No. 9960, outlining significant updates to the technical requirements for interactive screens used in educational settings. This update reflects ANATEL’s commitment to enhancing educational technology across classrooms by ensuring high standards of safety, performance, and compatibility.

Act No. 9960 specifies the approval of new technical parameters that interactive screens must meet to be used in educational environments. The act mandates a certification based on Type Testing with Periodic Evaluation every two years, indicating a robust approach to maintaining quality and compliance.

Key Changes Include:

• Inclusion in the Telecommunications Product Reference List, approved by Act No. 7280, of 26 Nov, 2020: Interactive screens for educational use are now part of the “RF Equipment” category, reflecting their critical role in modern education.
• Comprehensive Technical Evaluations: The act outlines detailed assessments for electrical safety, electromagnetic compatibility, and RF of the modules. These ensure the screens are safe, reliable, and secure under various operational conditions.
• Specific Requirements for Communication Interfaces: Devices must meet stringent standards for wireless and data communication interfaces, ensuring seamless connectivity and interaction.

The coverage of Act No. 9960 extends to interactive T-type products specifically designed for educational environments, which includes:

• Touchscreen Capabilities: The screen must be responsive to touch, whether by finger, a specific pen, or another object.
• Connectivity: It must have a wireless internet connection.
• Operating System: The system should support multidisciplinary applications that meet educational standards set by the Ministry of Education and the National Common Curricular Base.
• Application Installation: The device should allow for the installation of various applications.
• Design: The equipment is required to be a single piece without peripherals or cables for internal module connection, featuring a singular power supply point and a physical on/off button.

Notably, this act does not cover personal computers, tablets, Smart TV Boxes, projectors, or televisions with interactive frames. 

The new regulations will come into effect 180 days following their publication, giving manufacturers and educational institutions ample time to adapt to these changes

Haiti:
CONATEL Issues Reminder for CONATEL Compliance

Conseil National des Télécommunications (CONATEL) released a Circular on June 13, 2024, reminding equipment manufacturers, laboratories, and certification agencies that telecommunications, IT, and electronics products must be submitted to CONATEL for approval.

India:
MeitY Resumes Conducting Market Surveillance for All Registered Products

The Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY) has announced new market surveillance measures for products covered under the Electronics and Information Technology Goods (Requirement of Compulsory Registration) Order, 2021., and it would be effective from 5 Jul, 2024. The Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) has been entrusted with the task of supporting the Ministry in executing activities pertaining to Surveillance under the aforesaid Order. The samples under the surveillance would be selected using a random sample selection process. The samples would be purchased from the open market and submitted to designated BIS-recognized laboratories for testing by STPI. Manufacturers and licensees must bear the costs of surveillance and are required to update their contact details, provide necessary documents, and cooperate fully with the surveillance activities to avoid penalties under the BIS Act, 2016.

For detailed information, please refer to the link: Market Surveillance of products covered under Electronics and Information Technology Goods (Requirement of Compulsory Registration)

Ivory Coast:
ARTCI Warns Against Falsified Type Approval Certificates

Autorité de Régulation des Télécommunications/TIC de Côte d'Ivoire (ARTCI) issued a press release on July 1, 2024, informing that falsified certificates are in circulation and may mislead consumers. ARTCI urges everyone to use approved equipment. The list of approved equipment is available on the official website. Furthermore, ARTCI is reminding equipment manufacturers, operators, traders, and all other stakeholders of the obligation to obtain ARTCI approvals prior to the marketing of the equipment, according to Article 83 of Order No. 2012-293 of March 21, 2012.

For detailed information, please refer to the link: L’ARTCI MET EN GARDE CONTRE LES FAUX CERTIFICATS D’HOMOLOGATION

Malawi:
MACRA Issued a public notice stating the communications type approval regulations will be implemented soon

The Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) has announced a public notice that it plans to implement the 2023 communications type approval regulations.

The main contents are as follows :

• Type-approved equipment must be clearly labeled as such, indicating compliance with MACRA's Regulations.
• MACRA will be conducting rigorous market surveillance on type-approved equipment to ensure continued compliance with regulatory standards.

For detailed information, please refer to the link: Public Statement - Type Approval Regulations Implementation

Oman:
TRA Releases New Resolution No 1152/2/19/2024-12

Oman TRA released the new resolution no 1152/2/19/2024-12, which will come into force on August 1, 2024. The main changes are as follows:

• The certificate validity is changed from “Permanent” to “Four years”.
• E-labelling is acceptable.
• New label design is announced as below and the following devices are exempt from the requirement to place the type approval label:

1. Devices used for automotive-related applications that are pre-equipped in imported vehicles. 
2. Systems and interface cards that have already been installed in data center cabins before being imported into the Sultanate of Oman. 
3. All imported equipment for installation in the public telecommunications networks of licensees. 
4. Other exemption devices refer to resolution no. 14-1152/2/18/2024.