In Thailand, the Radio Frequency (RF) certification application process does not require the submission of samples or local testing. You only need to submit a test report and other required documents.
This process is known as “paperwork” or “document evaluation.” The paperwork application for RF certification in Thailand is the most popular and recommended route. This is because the process is fast, the cost is low, and there is no need to submit samples.
In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the paperwork for an RF certification application in Thailand. You can also watch the full video to learn the requirements in detail.
What is a Paperwork Application?
The paperwork application for RF certification in Thailand is a document evaluation process conducted by the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC). This process does not require local testing because, as part of the application, you must already have a test report from an accredited laboratory.
You simply need to submit the complete set of documents directly to the NBTC office. The documents will then be evaluated to ensure that the submitted product meets Thai technical standards.
Lab requirements
The NBTC does not specify which laboratories are included in the list of approved laboratories. You may submit test reports from any laboratory worldwide that is ISO/IEC 17025-accredited and complies with CE or FCC standards.
Testing covers Radio Frequency (RF) and Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC). If your device requires additional testing, such as safety and Specific Absorption Rate (SAR), then the corresponding test reports must also be attached.
Document requirements
The test report must be submitted along with several other supporting documents. The following documents must be prepared by the applicant for RF certification in Thailand:
- Application form specified by the NBTC Office
- Company registration certificate (less than 90 days old)
- ID card or passport of the authorized director (issued by the Thai authority)
- Applicant's username and password from the Department of Business Development (DBD)
- Power of attorney authorization letter
- Catalogue or technical specifications
- Test reports, approval certificate, or certificate of conformity
- Laboratory accreditation certificate
- Equipment photos (front, back, sides, logo, and type or model)
The nine documents listed above apply to all types of Class A and Class B certifications, as well as the Supplier’s Declaration of Conformity (SDoC). However, for Class B, if you already have an existing NBTC certificate, you can attach it as a supporting document. All documents must be in Thai or English.
The Submission Process
After preparing all the documents listed above, the next step is to submit them in person to the NBTC office. Yes, you must submit them in person, as Thailand has not yet implemented an online application system.
Documents received at the NBTC office will be evaluated. You will then be notified whether your application has been approved or rejected. If it passes the evaluation, the certificate will be issued immediately. However, if it is rejected, you will need to correct the missing or incorrect documents and resubmit them for re-evaluation.
What we usually do before the submission process is ensure that all documents are complete and accurate from the start. That way, we have never had an application fail the evaluation.
When is Local Testing Required?
Local testing is not the recommended route for obtaining RF certification in Thailand. However, it may be necessary if circumstances require it.
Testing will be required if you do not yet have a test report from an accredited overseas laboratory. In this case, we will ask you to send samples for testing.
The testing itself can be conducted locally in Thailand or in another country. We will consider the appropriate testing costs and timeline.
We recommend that you already have a test report from an overseas lab so that we can proceed with the paperwork for the RF certification application in Thailand. This will make the process faster and less expensive.
