Type Approval Certification

What is Type Approval Certification and why is it required?

Type approval of radio communication equipment is the authorization of equipment which has never been granted a licence for manufacturing or importation, by verifying the compliance of the equipment against the standards which have been adopted by our Administration. It ensures that the equipment from various manufacturers conform to appropriate standards and principles of product safety and will not interfere with other equipment or networks.

It is mandatory to obtain type approval for any radio equipment intended for use in Jamaica.

What types of equipment require type approval certification?

Radio communication equipment used in land (fixed and mobile), maritime mobile, aeronautical mobile and amateur services requires type approval.

Standards

Type approval for Radio Communication equipment in Jamaica is done by recognition of type approval test reports which are prepared according to international standards. In-country testing is not required.

Radio Standard:

Jamaica recognizes the international standards set by the following bodies:

FCC: Federal Communications Commission (USA)
ANSI: American National Standards Institute
ETSI: European Telecommunications Standardization Institute
ITU: International Telecommunications Union

Electromagnetic Compatability (EMC) Standard:

Radio communication equipment should have EMC standard in accordance with international standards.

Electrical Safety Standard:

Radio communication equipment should have Electrical Safety standard in accordance with international standards.

Steps to Certification

Applications are accepted from:

Manufacturer of equipment or authorized institution.
An individual user for a specific piece of equipment.

Step 1
Written applications from an individual or company to be sent to:
Spectrum Management Authority
Second Floor, VM Building
53 Knutsford Boulevard
Kingston 5.
Jamaica, W.I.
Tel: 876 929 8550
Fax: 876 960 8981

Application forms are downloadable from our website at www.sma.gov.jm

Step 2
Provide the required technical information/documentation

Step 3
SMA will acknowledge receipt of application within one working day.

Step 4
SMA will review application and request additional documentation if required.

Step 5
SMA will issue Type Approval Certificate with Type Approval ID number.

Documentation/Information and Other Requirements

The following information and supporting documentation are required to begin processing the application for certification.

Name/Address of Manufacturer
Authorization from Manufacturer (in case where applicant is an authorized institution)
Equipment Specification – name, type, frequency bands, output power
FCC or other Standards Body Certification
Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Report
Safety Report (optional)
Commissioning Report.
User Manual
Country of Origin verification

Labeling/Marking requirements

Labeling/marking is the process of specifying a registration number on the radio communication equipment which is made or imported into the country. This is an optional requirement.

Applicable fee

The fee for Type Approval Certification is US$350.00 per model. This is payable to the:
Spectrum Management Authority
Second Floor, VM Building
53 Knutsford Boulevard
Kingston 5.
Jamaica, W.I.

Processing Time

The Certificate will be processed and dispatched within 15 business days after receipt of all documentation.

Terms and Conditions of Certification

The certificate is valid under condition that the equipment being granted approval is identical to the type tested one.

Any changes to the name or model of the type approved equipment will require a new type approval. This involves reapplication with revised supporting documents. If the technical specifications have not been amended, reference can be made to original type approval. However, the applicant must submit a letter of declaration stating that the technical specifications for the old named/model equipment is the same as the new name/model equipment.

The Certificate may be revoked if holders use it beyond approved scope or if determined to have been obtained illegally.

Other Licensing Requirements

Applicants may be required to obtain other licences to make, import or install radio communication equipment depending on the regulation governing such equipment.

Declaration: All information presented to the SMA will be treated as confidential and will not be disclosed to third parties.