Anatel Certification

Anatel certification is an important process for companies wishing to sell telecommunications products in Brazil. Anatel stands for Agência Nacional de Telecomunicações and is the Brazilian regulatory authority for telecommunications. The goal of Anatel certification is to ensure that telecommunications products comply with Brazilian technical regulations and that product safety and quality are guaranteed. The certification is mandatory and without it the products cannot be sold or used. The process is very complex and requires detailed testing and certification of the product components as well as the manufacturing process. There are specific requirements for each type of telecommunications product, including radios, cell phones, WLAN devices and other equipment.

Which products are affected by Anatel?

The Anatel certification applies to all products used in the telecommunications sector that are sold or used in Brazil. This includes devices that communicate via radio waves, as well as wired devices such as routers, modems and switches. Both technical and non-technical products are affected, including cell phones, tablets, computers, televisions, Bluetooth devices, remote controls, GPS systems and many others. There are also specific requirements for wireless networks and other infrastructure used by telecommunications companies. It is important to note that Anatel certification is mandatory and products sold or used in Brazil are not legal without certification.

What does "telecommunications products" mean?

In the context of Anatel, "telecommunications products" refers to a variety of electronic devices that use radio frequencies or are used to transmit signals over a wired or wireless connection. These include, for example, cell phones, WLAN devices, Bluetooth products, satellite phones, antennas, radios, modems, televisions, set-top boxes and many other products used in the communications and IT industries. Telecommunications products are regulated by law in Brazil, and manufacturers must meet Anatel certification requirements in order to sell their products in the Brazilian market.

Anatel marking: cost, duration and validity

• How much does Anatel certification cost?
  The cost of Anatel certification varies depending on the type of product and the amount of testing and assessment required. It is therefore difficult to give an exact price without knowing the details. As a rule, however, companies must expect a considerable outlay for testing and certification.
• How long does it take to get certified?
  The duration for Anatel certification can vary depending on the complexity of the product, the type of tests and the testing laboratory. However, the process usually takes several weeks or even months. It is therefore advisable to take care of certification early to avoid delays in product launch.
• How long is the Anatel marking valid?
  The validity period of the Anatel marking varies depending on the type of product and the legal requirements. As a rule, the certification is valid for a period of 2 to 5 years, after which the product must be re-certified. It is important to keep track of the validity period and start the renewal process in time to avoid delays in product launch.

Anatel certification requires compliance with specific technical standards and regulations to ensure that products are safe, effective and reliable. Meeting these requirements can be a complex and time-consuming task, especially for companies new to the Brazilian market. That's where Regul.ai comes in: our software greatly simplifies the certification process by providing you with all the documents you need and showing you what requirements must be met in order to receive successful certification. This not only saves time and money, but also ensures a smooth and stress-free certification process.

What is the certification process for an Anatel certification and what steps are necessary to obtain a successful certification?

The certification process for an Anatel certification consists of various steps. First, the manufacturer must apply for a so-called "Anatel procedure number". For this purpose, various documents must be submitted, such as technical specifications, test reports and proof that the product has been certified according to international standards. The product must then be tested in an accredited laboratory to verify compliance with the Anatel requirements. If the product meets all requirements, the manufacturer can apply for final certification. Once this is granted, the product must be marked with the appropriate label. There are specific deadlines within which the labeling must be done. The entire certification process can take several weeks or even months, depending on the complexity of the product and the availability of testing facilities.

Marking and labeling requirements to product and packaging

Yes, there are specific marking/labeling requirements for products and packaging mandated by Anatel. The Anatel label must be placed on the product and/or the product's packaging. The label contains information such as the certificate identification number, Anatel registration number, date of manufacture, expiration date, and country of manufacture. In addition, the label must also include the name and contact information of the manufacturer, as well as the product model and serial number. The exact requirements for the design and placement of the label may vary depending on the product type and are specified in Anatel's technical regulations.

Information obligations of the manufacturers

• Preparation of a technical dossier: The manufacturer must prepare a technical dossier containing all the information necessary for the evaluation of the product, including technical specifications, test reports and certificates.
• Marking of the product: The product must be marked with all required markings and labels, including the Anatel logo and the serial number of the product.
• User manual: The manufacturer must provide a user manual containing all the necessary information for the correct use of the product.
• Warranty: The manufacturer must offer a warranty for the product that is valid for at least 90 days from the date of purchase.
• Registration with Anatel: The manufacturer must register the product with Anatel and pay the required fees.

What documents are required for Anatel certification?

Various documents and records must be submitted for Anatel certification, depending on the type of product. These include technical descriptions, circuit diagrams, photos and test reports. A detailed list of the required documents can be requested from Anatel.

The main document for Anatel certification is the "Regulamento para Certificação e Homologação de Produtos para Telecomunicações", or RCT for short. It describes the requirements and procedures for certification and homologation of telecommunications products in Brazil.

As a foreign manufacturer, do I have to have a local representative in Brazil to obtain Anatel certification?

It is not mandatory to have a local representative in Brazil to obtain Anatel certification. However, foreign manufacturers must designate a legal representative in Brazil who is responsible for communicating with Anatel.

What happens if a product does not meet the requirements of Anatel certification?

If a product does not meet the Anatel certification requirements, it cannot be sold in the Brazilian market. In some cases, there may also be sanctions against the manufacturer or importer of the product.

Are there any exceptions to the Anatel certification requirement?

There are some exceptions to the Anatel certification requirement, for example, for products intended only for export and not sold on the Brazilian market. A detailed list of exceptions can be requested from Anatel.

How does Anatel certification differ from other product certifications in Brazil?

Anatel certification is a specific certification for telecommunications products, while there are other certifications in Brazil that focus on other product areas, such as INMETRO certification for electrical and electronic equipment. The requirements and procedures for each certification may differ.

Do the rules apply when placing on the market or when importing?

Anatel certification rules apply to products to be marketed, used or imported in Brazil. This means that certification must take place before the product is marketed or imported. An exception is the Anatel homologation process for cell phones, in which the device receives a provisional authorization for use for a limited period after importation, until the final certification is completed.