Manufacturers need to know who should be the applicant for Singapore type approval. The applicant is a key party in the IMDA certification process for accessing the Singapore market.
IMDA, or Infocomm Media Development Authority, is the agency that regulates Radio Frequency (RF) type approval for telecommunications equipment entering and circulating in Singapore. The applicant for Singapore type approval acts as a guarantor that the devices in circulation meet the established safety and quality standards.
“Who should be the applicant for Singapore type approval?” is a question often asked by international companies that want to market their products. This article will provide detailed explanations so that you can legally market your products in Singapore.
Also Read
The Regulation in Singapore
Understanding who is eligible to be an applicant for Singapore type approval is inseparable from the regulations that govern it. IMDA certification applicants are regulated in the Telecommunications (Dealers) Regulations in Part II about Licensing of Dealers and Part V about Import, Manufacturer and Sale of Telecommunication Equipment.
The content is as follows:
Part II
Dealer’s Class Licence
(5) Any holder of a Dealer’s Class Licence who is carrying on any business or trade as a dealer shall register with the Authority in such form and manner as the Authority may determine each of the premises under his control or occupation where he manufactures, imports, lets for hire, sells, or offers or possesses for sale any registered equipment or telecommunication equipment set out in the First Schedule.
Dealer’s Individual Licence
4.—(1) A dealer who wishes to manufacture, import, let for hire, sell, or offer or possess for sale any telecommunication equipment that is not —
(a) [Deleted by S 478/2005 wef 21/07/2005]
(b) registered equipment; or
(c) telecommunication equipment set out in the First Schedule,
shall obtain a Dealer’s Individual Licence.
Part V
Importation of telecommunication equipment
18.—(1) Any person who imports any telecommunication equipment shall, before such equipment is imported, notify the Authority of the intended import and furnish such particulars in such form as may be determined by the Authority.
Applicant for Singapore Type Approval
If you read the Telecommunications (Dealers) Regulations in Part II above, the requirements for becoming an applicant for Singapore type approval are clear. Applicants must be local suppliers or dealers in Singapore.
Local suppliers or dealers who wish to manufacture, import, or sell telecommunications equipment must first be registered and obtain a license. Applicants in this registration process must be companies registered with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) and hold a valid telecommunications dealer license from IMDA.
This does not mean that foreign manufacturers or brand owners cannot market their products in Singapore. They are only required to appoint a local representative, such as a local importer or distributor, who holds a valid license. This local entity will then act as the official applicant, certificate holder, and be responsible for product compliance.
Dealer licenses in Singapore are divided into two types: Dealer’s Class License and Dealer’s Individual License. The two types differ in terms of applying for telecommunications device certification in Singapore.
Dealer’s Class Licence
A dealer’s class license is an automatic permit that applies to dealers who handle telecommunications equipment that has been registered or approved by IMDA. Here is the list:
- Telephone (Standard/Multi-Feature/Image/Data/Switching)
- Telephone Line Interface
- Telephone Ancillary
- Autodialler
- Auto Answering/Recording Set
- Caller Identification Equipment
- Security Alarm System
- Facsimile Transceiver
- Voice Band Modem
- EFTPOS/CCAT
- Telex Equipment
- Digital Leased Circuit Equipment
- Other equipment as determined by the Authority
This license applies to all businesses that meet the requirements without the need to submit individual applications one by one. They are required to register their main business location, but do not need a separate license for each additional outlet.
Dealer’s Individual License
Dealer’s Individual License is a special license required for dealers who handle telecommunications equipment that is not listed above. These are typically non-standard devices, specialized equipment, or equipment for re-export.
This license is issued specifically per person/company for specific business activities. They are required to obtain a license for each location where the devices are stored or sold.
Why is the Applicant Status Important?
The examination of an applicant for Singapore type approval is conducted at an early stage, even before selecting the type of application to complete the application documents. This should not be overlooked, as many applications are rejected because the applicant’s status is not appropriate or they do not have a permit.
In this case, preparations are needed, including the appointment of a management representative who will be responsible for the Singapore type approval application. The appointed company will automatically become responsible for the entire certification process.
They will be responsible for managing users, consultants, or agents, as well as being responsible for their activities on behalf of the Applicant. The Management Representative will act as the liaison between the company and IMDA.
Companies are advised to consolidate all document requirements for Singapore type approval from the outset. If you do not yet understand the entire process, you can start by understanding the basics of Singapore type approval to gain a broader context.
Tips for IMDA Certification Applicants
For those of you who are applying for Singapore type approval, there are several tips you can apply. These may help you in the certification application process.
- It is recommended that the importer or local distributor be the applicant and certificate holder.
- If you do not yet have a local partner, appoint a company in Singapore that already has an IMDA dealer license.
- Consider using the services of a consultant or third party, such as Dimulti.
Those are the details regarding the applicant for Singapore type approval. We know that to apply for the certification process, the applicant must be a company registered with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) and hold a valid telecommunications dealer license from IMDA.
Every party wishing to apply must understand this. A complete lack of understanding of Singapore type approval will cause delays in the application process. To avoid this problem, you can consult with Dimulti.
You don’t need to worry. With over 15 years of experience and a professional team, your RF type approval issues will be handled properly. With us, you can access the global market with a transparent process that can be monitored in real-time. This will certainly enable you to access global compliance effectively and efficiently.
