In Southeast Asia, the Philippines is known as a growing technology market. This is due to the increasing demand for telecommunications products.
Therefore, before marketing their products in this country, manufacturers, importers, or distributors must understand RF certification in the Philippines. By obtaining this certification, you can be sure that your telecommunications products are safe and comply with applicable regulations.
By understanding the comprehensive guide to RF certification in the Philippines, you will make your products easier to market and use there.
What is RF Certification in Philippines?
RF certification in the Philippines is regulated by the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC). The Commission is an agency under the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT).
The Commission is responsible for establishing communication technology standards, product testing practices, and issuing certificates of conformity. This RF type approval certificate is commonly referred to as an NTC certificate.
The purpose of the NTC certificate is to ensure that devices are safe, compatible, and do not interfere with other devices when in use.
Products Requiring Certification
Essentially, products requiring RF certification in the Philippines are not limited to telecommunications products. However, all products that have telecommunications features or use radio frequencies must also be certified.
In the Philippines, these products are divided into three different certification classifications: Radio Communications Equipment (RCE), Customer Premises Equipment (CPE), and Grant Equipment Compliance (GEC).
Radio Communications Equipment (RCE)
RCE is the classification for devices with radio-frequency features. Examples include Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, wireless charging, and other short-range devices.
Customer Premises Equipment (CPE)
CPE is the classification for devices used to access public telecommunications networks. Examples include GPON devices, analog phones, and fax machines.
Grant Equipment Conformity (GEC)
GEC is a classification for devices that combine the functions of RCE and CPE. Examples include smartphones, 4G and 5G devices, and wireless access points.
Who Can Apply for Certification?
It is important to know who is eligible to apply for RF certification in the Philippines before submitting an application. In this regard, the Philippines differs from its neighboring countries, most of which only allow local companies to apply.
When applying for an NTC certificate, foreign companies may register directly as certificate holders. In other words, manufacturers do not need to partner with a local company to apply for certification.
It is important to note that the manufacturer and the applicant must be the same company. However, this does not mean they cannot be different entities. If they differ, include a power of attorney that explains this. This is because information covering both parties will be listed on the certificate.
NTC Certification Process
The RF certification application process in the Philippines focuses on paperwork or document evaluation. No local testing is required to apply for certification.
This means that applicants must already have test results from an ISO/IEC 17025-accredited laboratory overseas, in accordance with CE or FCC standards. The test results include Radio Frequency (RF), Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC), and safety testing.
Document requirements
Documents play a crucial role in the application process. It’s not just about test results from accredited overseas laboratories. Several other supporting documents are required and will be evaluated.
The required documents include:
- Application form
- Power of Attorney
- Product specification declaration
- Manufacturer’s declaration of conformity
- RF test report
- EMC test report
- Safety test report
Submitting document and evaluation
Once all the required documents have been gathered, the next step is to submit them in person at the NTC office. Why must they be submitted in person? This is because the NTC has not yet implemented an online application system.
After you submit the documents, you’ll need to make a payment before they're evaluated. Once the documents have been evaluated and approved, you’ll need to make another payment for the certificate to be issued. Only then will your NTC certificate be issued.
Lead Time and Certificate Validity
The lead time for RF certification in the Philippines, particularly the paperwork process, is longer than in other Southeast Asian countries. Once the documents are received, the certificate is issued in about 20–25 business days.
This is because the Philippines has not yet implemented an online application system. Consequently, the process is not as fast as in some countries that have already adopted online systems.
Although the wait is quite long, the NTC certificate is valid indefinitely, provided there are no changes to the RF specifications. Modifications are permitted as long as they involve only changes to the applicant’s name, address, or model name.
Label Requirements
After obtaining RF certification in the Philippines, telecommunications products must meet the NTC’s official labeling requirements. The label consists of three components: the letters “ESD” (short for Equipment Standards Division), the NTC product classification scheme, and a seven-digit certificate number.
This label must be affixed to the product, packaging, or user manual. The NTC permits electronic labeling, but the physical label must still be present, as it remains a primary requirement.