Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) - Type Approval process

What is Type Approval?

In each country, there are various regulatory approval processes that all telecommunication equipment in the region needs to comply with. Type Approval method makes sure that the equipment in question fulfils the country's regulatory requirements.

According to Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) and Frequency Allocation Board of Pakistan (FAB) standards, PTA conducts a similar Type process to ensure the authenticity and functioning of all telecommunication equipment.

What are the required features of a device for Type approval?

Here are some of the basic parameters that need to be fulfilled during the regulatory process.

1. The equipment needs to operate in the permissible frequency range of the region.

2. It does not operate in violation of telecommunications standards.

3. It does not have any cryptic function that is not allowed by the country.

4. The radio-emission levels are within the allowed range by the country.

How to get Type approval for a device?

Application for the Type approval

The telecommunication equipment manufacturer has to send an approval request to check the viability of their equipment according to the regulation standards of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA).

After checking its compliance with the Type Approval Regulation of Pakistan, PTA reviews this application and accepts or rejects it.

Basic requirements for the Type approval

Here are some of the requirements for Type approval by PTA of a device.

i. Application for approval along with required documents.

ii. Sample of the device in question.

iii. Submission of all applicable fees.

iv. Type approval GSMA code issuance for IMEI devices.

The required documents include technical description, user manual, datasheet Declaration of Conformity (DoC), and other reports such as EMC, RF, and safety test reports.

Submission of the device sample

Usually, submitting a device sample is mandatory to get tested according to the requirements of PTA. But it can be exempted in a few cases, such as when the device has a high cost (more than 2,000 US $) or when it is enormous in size. The exemption depends on the discretion of the PTA.

Assessing the application for Type approval by PTA

After receiving an application for Type approval, the sample of the device and the required documents, PTA goes on with their assessment process for the approval. They check the functioning of the sample device, OS, and hardware testing performance and verify the documents and test reports.

PTA can ask for additional documents for Type approval from the applicant. They can also ask for a technical demonstration of the device for checking its functioning.

Whitelisting of IMEI devices

The whitelisting process of all IMEI devices is done by issuing NOC/COC to the device applicant. NOC is "No Objection Certificate", and COC is "Certificate of Compliance”. COC is also required at the time of customs clearance of the equipment.

Import of telecommunication equipment takes place via an automated application process lodged online at Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) DIRBS portal. PTA allows for shipment of up to five devices by a specific entity for testing and trial and submission to PTA type approval process.

Type approval certificate

Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) issues a Type approval certificate to the device applicant only if the following aspects are fulfilled.

i. An application form that is filled accurately and completely with the required undertakings.

ii. Verification of safety test reports, Declaration of Conformity (DOC), RF, and EMC.

iii. Completion of sample testing according to the authority requirements.

iv. Alignment of the technical parameters of the device with Doc and test reports of the device.

The Type approval certificate of PTA validity is unlimited. There may be a requirement for re-approval if the application introduces changes to the device's hardware. As per the Type regulation approval requirements of the PTA, software changes or upgrade does not require re-approval.

The applicant can also get a duplicate copy of the Type approval certificate from the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) by submitting a duly filled application form that is signed along with the authority fees.

How can Type approval certificates be helpful for the applicant?

There are many ways in which the Type approval certificate is helpful to the applicant, some of which are:

i. The Pakistan Type Approval certificate helps streamline import activities of the device to Pakistan. A Type approval certificate holder can save a lot of time in customs clearance by including the certificate with other commercial shipment documents. The shipment clearance becomes easier and saves marketing and customs clearance overhead time.

ii. It is easier for the applicant of the Type approval in marketing and selling the product across Pakistan with the Pakistan Type Approval certificate and helps with market share and competitive dynamics.

iii. It is easier to work with local importers when you are a Type certificate holder of a device. You only need to provide the certificate to the importer. The shipment customs will be cleared quickly, considering all other requirements such as NTN, active WEBOC account, etc., are fulfilled.

FAQ’s

Do all telecommunication devices require type approval?

Not all equipment is subject to type approval, and PTA issues a list of equipment from time to time that does not require type approval.

Here is the latest list of equipment that is exempted from Pakistan Type approval according to type approval regulation 2021:

i. Devices that are not sim-based.

ii. Devices that are only GPS-based.

iii. Networking devices such as switches, storage devices, servers, firewalls.

All other devices except for these need Type approval for import or manufacture.

How to label a device that has Type approval?

There are specific labelling requirements for PTA Type approved equipment that is:

· There should be the wording “Approved by PTA” and the Type approval certificate number on the label.

· The label can be affixed to any part of the device or the packaging. It can even be attached to the user manual of the device.

· If the device only works in conjunction with a terminal having a display, the label can be electronic.

Do the approved devices need re-approval in a specific case?

The approved device must retain the hardware and design requirements after the PTA type approval. The Type approval certificate might also need updating if there are any changes in the company ownership of the device, change in address, or manufacturing detail changes after notifying them to PTA.

The bottom line

This detailed overview of the Type approval process by the PTA might help you get approval for your device. You can contact us at info@edgenow.co with any questions regarding the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority Type approval process.