Validity Period for RF Certification in Thailand: Why It Lasts Forever But Not Always
Knowing the validity period of a Radio Frequency (RF) certificate helps you prepare for certificate renewal. In some countries, certificates are valid for three years, five years, or ten years. However, there are also some countries that do not have an expiration date.
In Thailand, RF certificates have no expiration date. However, there is one requirement that makes recertification mandatory. This is often overlooked by most manufacturers once they have obtained a certificate for a product.
In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the validity period for RF certification in Thailand. Understanding this will ensure your products remain compliant and can be legally marketed. You can also watch the full video to learn the requirements in detail.
Validity Period for RF Certification in Thailand
All RF certifications in Thailand—whether Class A, Class B, or a Supplier’s Declaration of Conformity (SDoC)—have no expiration date. This means that once issued, these certifications remain valid for the product’s entire lifespan.
The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) does not require renewal within a specific timeframe. However, renewal is required under one specific circumstance, and this is a requirement that is often overlooked by manufacturers.
Conditions Requiring Recertification
The absence of a validity period for RF certification in Thailand does not mean there is no recertification requirement. Changes to a product’s RF specifications will require you to update the certification.
The NBTC has several criteria that fall under the category of RF design modifications. The following are conditions that require you to undergo recertification:
- Replacement of the transmitter antenna
- Changes to transmission power or RF wave characteristics
- Replacement of an existing interface card
- Addition of a new interface card
These four hardware adjustments should not be taken lightly. Such changes directly affect how the device transmits and receives radio frequency signals.
The Important Things Manufacturers Must Be Aware Of
It is important for manufacturers to understand RF modification regulations from the outset. Narmadi Company often finds that many manufacturers make hardware changes during a product’s lifecycle, such as updating components, improving performance, or adding new connectivity features.
These changes fall under the category of RF design modifications. In Thailand, this requires recertification before the product can be marketed and used.
If you plan to make hardware updates, you need to consider this recertification process. The process is the same as applying for the initial certification. The lead time for RF certification in Thailand can be up to six weeks.
Lack of awareness of this requirement will inevitably delay your modified product’s entry into the market. In fact, it can cause your budget to balloon due to the costs of product storage and recertification.
Recertification Process
The recertification process will be the same as applying for new certification. We’ll briefly walk you through the process.
First, you’ll need to gather the required documents. There are nine documents you must prepare to apply for NBTC certification. These include:
- Application form
- Company registration certificate valid for less than 90 days
- Director’s ID card
- Department of Business Development (DBD) identification document
- Power of attorney
- Catalog
- Test report
- Laboratory accreditation certificate
- Photos of equipment
All documents must be submitted in person to the NBTC office, as there is currently no option for online submission. Once the documents are received, the NBTC will evaluate them.
The certificate will be issued as soon as you pass the document evaluation. If you fail, you will need to complete the missing or non-compliant documents and resubmit them.
The certificate’s issuance date marks the starting point for your product’s legal status in Thailand. Unlike in most countries, the NBTC certificate has no expiration date.
