Manufacturers need to know the lead time for Thailand type approval. Processing time is the most frequently asked question, especially when applying for NBTC certification for the first time.
Understanding the lead time for Thailand type approval will help you manage your business well. In this case, the criteria are set by the NBTC, or the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission, which is the authority responsible for regulating the approval process for telecommunications devices entering and circulating in the country.
The lead time for Thailand type approval is relatively short. This is because the most recommended method is paperwork. In this article, we will discuss in detail how long the process takes and why the local testing method is not recommended.
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The Important Thing by Understanding the Lead Time Process
A series of steps must be taken when applying for Radio Frequency (RF) type approval before a certificate can be issued. Understanding the process and its timeline will allow you to gauge many things.
The lead time for Thailand type approval can become a bottleneck in the overall product development cycle, especially in terms of business planning, market readiness, and budget planning.
- Business planning: Understanding the certification process allows your business to operate in a more organized manner, enabling you to calculate timelines accurately so product marketing can run smoothly before launch.
- Market readiness: Makes your product more market-ready without the risk of delays. Gives you a competitive edge.
- Budget planning: Helps you estimate expenses accurately and allocate funds effectively.
This is not just a technical issue. Understanding the lead time for Thailand type approval can indirectly affect financial performance and overall market success.
NBTC Certification Process
Before discussing the lead time for Thailand type approval, it is important to understand the application process itself. Generally, there are two approaches: document submission and local testing.
Both certainly have different processing times. Applications submitted through document evaluation typically have a shorter waiting period compared to local testing, which involves a longer testing process.
Document evaluation
Document evaluation or paperwork application for Thailand type approval is the recommended method for certification applications. This is because the process is short and more cost-effective. This will certainly affect your business calculations for the certification process in many countries.
The document evaluation process requires test reports from international laboratories that are accredited and meet NBTC standards. Specifically, the testing laboratory must hold ISO 17025 accreditation and comply with Conformité Européenne (CE) or Federal Communications Commission (FCC) standards.
Submitting documents means relying on the document requirements for Thailand type approval. The application process requires several documents to be submitted directly to the NBTC office. This is because Thailand has not yet opened online submission for certification applications.
The NBTC typically requires several days to evaluate submitted documents. Once reviewed, the documents are either accepted or rejected. If accepted, the certificate will be issued immediately. However, if not, you will need to complete the missing documents for re-evaluation by the NBTC.
Local testing
Local testing for Thailand type approval is not the recommended route. Dimulti can say that this is related to the longer process and higher costs involved.
Instead of spending a lot of money on the same process, you have other options if you don’t have test reports for the certification process yet. We can still help you with the testing process.
Instead of using a laboratory in Thailand, we can help with the process using a laboratory that is accredited and complies with NBTC standards. That way, you can get the same process at a cost that is certainly more business-friendly.
Lead Time for Thailand Type Approval
The Thailand type approval application process does take time. However, if you follow the recommended document submission procedure, the waiting period is relatively short.
Overall, the processing time starts from document submission to the NBTC office until the certificate is issued. For Class A or Class B types in Thailand, the waiting time is around six weeks. Meanwhile, for SDoC, certification is usually completed within two to four working days.
If the process involves local testing, the lead time will be longer. This is because samples must first undergo laboratory testing, which naturally extends the overall timeline.
Avoid obstacles in the certification process
The NBTC certification process is not necessarily without obstacles. When issues arise, the lead time for Thailand type approval can extend beyond the expected timeframe.
One of the most common issues is incomplete or incorrect documentation. Documents submitted to the NBTC that do not meet requirements will fail the evaluation process, delaying certificate issuance. This is why it is essential to ensure all documents are complete and accurate before submission.
Another common issue is the submission of test reports from international laboratories that are not ISO 17025 accredited or do not meet CE and FCC standards. Such reports will be rejected by the NBTC, requiring retesting. This additional step increases both time and cost, disrupting the original certification plan.
That concludes the overview of the lead time for Thailand type approval. In general, the recommended approach is document evaluation. This method offers a shorter timeframe and more affordable costs for businesses.
The time required for NBTC certification directly affects your business, particularly in terms of budgeting and market readiness. To ensure the entire process runs smoothly, it is important to anticipate and avoid potential obstacles during certification.
Delays in Thailand type approval can significantly impact your product’s market entry. To prevent this, you can contact Dimulti for consultation.
With a professional team with over 15 years of experience, your RF type approval issues will be resolved effectively and efficiently. This ensures that the process runs without obstacles, while keeping the NBTC certification waiting time as estimated.
