In Southeast Asia, Malaysia is one of the most attractive technology markets. This is due to its rapid digital growth.
Therefore, before marketing their products in this country, manufacturers, importers, or distributors must understand RF certification in Malaysia. This certification ensures product safety and compliance with applicable regulations in the country.
By understanding the complete guide to RF certification in Malaysia, you can more easily market and use your products in this country.
What is RF Certification in Malaysia?
Radio Frequency (RF) certification in Malaysia is known as SIRIM certification. It is a tool used to ensure that products meet technical requirements and operate without interfering with other devices.
SIRIM stands for Standards and Industrial Research Institute of Malaysia. It is a certification body that conducts conformity assessments and issues certification approvals for telecommunications and wireless products.
SIRIM is an extension of the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), the agency responsible for telecommunications and multimedia regulations in Malaysia.
Products Requiring Certification
SIRIM Certification is not limited to mobile phones; its scope is quite broad. Generally, Malaysian RF certification is divided into three categories: wireless, wired, and free-space optical products.
Wireless products include smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, Bluetooth devices, Wi-Fi products, and more. Wired products, on the other hand, include Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), Subscriber Line Integrated Digital Network (ISDN), Private Automatic Telephone System (PABX)/Keyboard Phone, and many more.
Who Can Apply for Certification?
Not just any company can apply for RF certification in Malaysia. Only companies registered in the country can apply for certification and become certificate holders.
Therefore, local representation is crucial for foreign manufacturers to market their devices. Don't make the mistake of choosing the wrong partner in this application process.
SIRIM Certification Process
The process for applying for RF certification in Malaysia is relatively straightforward. The popular testing method in the country is paperwork, or document evaluation.
Local testing in Malaysia is typically used only for mobile devices and some IPv6 products.
Using the paperwork method means that applicants must have test results from an overseas laboratory accredited to ISO/IEC 17025. Test results generally adhere to CE or FCC standards for RF, EMC, and safety testing.
Document requirements
In addition to test results from the overseas lab, you will also need to submit several additional documents. The following are the document requirements for RF certification in Malaysia:
- Product Specifications
- Product Photos
- Product Photos with Brand Name and Model as Labels
- Complete CE or FCC Test Reports
- EMC and Safety Test Reports for mobile products and drones only
- Trademark Statement
Submitting the document and evaluation
Once all the documents have been collected, the next step is to submit them to SIRIM and await the scheduled evaluation date. The certificate will be issued and legalized immediately after passing the evaluation.
If the evaluation is deemed unsuccessful, the remaining documents must be completed. SIRIM will then re-evaluate the documents.
Lead Time and Certificate Validity
The entire RF certification application process in Malaysia generally takes about two weeks for document submission. However, for mobile devices and certain IPv6 products that require local testing, the process can take four to six weeks.
The validity period of SIRIM certification is five years. You can extend it if there are no changes to the product specifications. The extension process will follow the same process as when you first applied for the certificate.
Label Requirements
After obtaining RF certification in Malaysia, the next step is to meet the product labeling requirements. All certified devices must also carry the official MCMC label.
This logo includes the MCMC mark and the certificate holder's identification number. The label can be affixed physically or electronically (e-labeling).