In Singapore, the Radio Frequency (RF) certification process doesn’t take long. In fact, the country has the fastest process in Southeast Asia.
The lead time for RF certification in Singapore depends on the completeness of your documentation. Having all the necessary documents ready from the start will help with your budget planning, market readiness, and product launch schedule.
In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the lead time for RF certification in Singapore. You can also watch the full video to learn about the requirements in detail.
Why Lead Time Planning Matters
Product certification must be completed before the product is ready for shipment. Delays in preparing for the certification process will impact your business planning.
Certification timelines are not something to be overlooked. They need to be incorporated into your product roadmap so that the product can be launched on schedule.
A mistake in this regard could result in you having to cover storage costs while waiting for the certificate. This will automatically delay the product launch and cause your budget to balloon, meaning the product won’t be ready to enter the market.
Lead Time for RF Certification in Singapore
The paperwork method for RF certification in Singapore is the most recommended route. In this process, you simply need to submit all required documents through the GoBusiness Licensing Portal.
Since there is no local testing, you do not need to send samples or have them tested in a Singaporean lab. Naturally, the process will be faster than if you had to conduct testing first.
What sets the lead time for RF certification in Singapore through the paperwork process apart is its speed. From the submission of documents to the issuance of the certificate, it takes only three days. This is the fastest RF certification turnaround time in Southeast Asia.
The three-day process
Are you surprised by how fast the lead time for RF certification in Singapore is? Let us explain how this three-business-day process works.
On the first day, all prepared documents are submitted through the GoBusiness Licensing Portal. At this stage, payment must also be made so that IMDA can review your documents.
On the second day, IMDA will immediately review what you have submitted. They will check the type of registration, the completeness of the documents, laboratory accreditation, and technical compliance.
The third day determines whether your application passes the evaluation or not. If it passes the evaluation, the IMDA certificate will be prepared immediately for issuance and legalization.
Yes, it takes only three days if all requirements are complete and correct from the time you submit your documents. If not, your application will be deemed to have failed the evaluation, and the three-day process will not apply.
What is important in this process is that the documents are complete and accurate from the very beginning of the application. If any documents are missing or incorrect, you will fail the evaluation and the three-day process will not apply.
This will require you to submit the missing documents and resubmit your application. Not only that, but you will be asked to pay the fee again. Therefore, make sure all documents are complete before submitting them.
Three Things That Break the Three-Day Process
Many manufacturers, importers, and distributors make common mistakes that cause delays in the certification process. To complete the lead time for RF certification in Singapore on time, you need to avoid these potential mistakes. A three-day lead time can be delayed for three reasons.
1. Incomplete or incorrect documents
A single incomplete or incorrect document will prevent IMDA from proceeding with the process. This will result in you failing the evaluation.
In this case, you must complete the documents again, resubmit them, make another payment, and wait for the next available evaluation slot. The three-day period will start over from the beginning.
2. Test reports from unrecognized laboratories
Reports from laboratories other than those designated by IMDA will be deemed invalid. This will require you to retest.
Reports are only accepted from laboratories accredited under ISO/IEC 17025 and that meet CE or FCC standards. Additionally, IMDA also accepts laboratories covered under a Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA).
3. Incorrect registration type
The type of product you are applying for must match the registration pathway you have chosen. The required documents will vary depending on the registration pathway selected.
For example, Enhanced Simplified Equipment Registration (ESER) documents submitted for a General Equipment Registration (GER) product will not be accepted. You must verify the registration type you have chosen before preparing any documents.
