The regulatory landscape changes rapidly, staying on top of market entry requirements proves more challenging than ever. With new information emerging daily, staying up to date on the most current insight can help you better manage product certifications and approvals in uncertain times.
Check back regularly for updates regarding any recent regulatory authorities affected due to COVID-19.
Updates will be made as frequently and quickly as information can be obtained from regulators. If you have questions regarding specific projects or for countries not listed here, please contact your UL project handler or contact us to reach one of our experts.
The following authority announcements related to COVID-19:
AMERICAS
BRAZIL
- ANATEL extended the exemptional guidance for maintaining certification of telecommunications products due to COVID-19 per previous Official Letters 134/2020, 194/2020 and 646/2020 until Dec. 31, 2021, which allow surveillance and/or renewal to be completed with declarations only. Pictures, test reports and other items are not required.
- This extraordinary exception for maintaining certification applies only to products whose validity Certificate of Compliance expires Dec. 31, 2021. Some delays are expected.
- Considering COVID-19’s impact on the country, ANATEL extended the deadline for submission of complementary specific absorption rate (SAR) test reports for portable equipment operating at a frequency lower than 300 MHz until March 31, 2022.
- Audit by OCD (Designated certification body) of the production line and laboratory testing may be required. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic impacting auditing activities, ANATEL has decided to allow online audits through the end of 2021.
- ANATEL provides guidance on remote factory inspection and testing in laboratories that are not accredited.
ASIA PACIFIC
BRUNEI
On Aug. 12, 2021, the Authority for Info-Communications Technology Industry (AITI) announced the implementation of a Business Continuity Plan (BCP) and precautionary measures to ensure the health and safety of their employees, customers and stakeholders due to the COVID-19 situation in Brunei.
Important notes for manufacturers and importers
- Customers may access the services through AITI’s eServices Portal.
- Submitted applications will continue to be processed as normal.
PHILIPPINES
The existing certificates issued by the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) that expired between Aug. 6-31, 2021, will continue to be valid through Sept. 30, 2021.
SRI LANKA
Since the lockdown began on Aug. 21, 2021, the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka (TRCSL) is not working at full capacity. Currently, a large backlog of type approval certificates exists and, because of this, no certificates or exemption letters will be issued during lockdown.
THAILAND
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, walk-in services at the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) office will not be available. However, requests can be submitted online, along with any relevant documents. For more information, visit their website.
AFRICA
SOUTH AFRICA
Due to the increase in COVID-19 cases, the country is currently in Level 4 lockdown. Restrictions are in place to limit movement, and businesses have been advised to work from home when possible. Both the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) and National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications may present little delays.
After the declaration of a National State of Disaster, ICASA has now resolved that the temporary radio frequency spectrum assigned to licensees will have to be returned no later than Nov. 30, 2021.