Based on current regulations, various types of telecommunications and ICT devices are required to obtain type approval certificates before entering and being marketed in Saudi Arabia. Therefore, it is important for manufacturers to understand the process of type approval certification for telecommunications and ICT devices in Saudi Arabia. The Communications, Space and Technology Commission or CST is the regulatory body for telecommunications, IT and space sectors in Saudi Arabia, including the radio type approval process within the country. Therefore, the type approval certification for Saudi Arabia is also known as CST certification.
In this article we will discuss all about Saudi Arabia CST certification for telecommunications and ICT devices before being marketed in Saudi Arabia.
Type approval certification in Saudi Arabia
Before manufacturers importing their telecommunications devices to Saudi Arabia, they need to prepare type approval certification first. In Saudi Arabia, the type approval certification for telecommunications and ICT devices is managed by the Communications, Space and Technology Commission (CST).
CST is an official regulator that responsible for regulating and developing the telecommunications, space and technology sectors in Saudi Arabia. In the telecommunications sector, CST also acts as a regulatory body for type approval of telecommunications, radio and wireless equipment entering Saudi Arabia. Therefore, type approval certification for telecommunications and ICT devices in Saudi Arabia is also known as CST certification.
The requirements of CST certification is closely related to the regulated HS codes in Saudi Arabia for the telecommunications, radio and wireless equipment. Therefore, importing the telecommunications and ICT devices into Saudi Arabia should use proper regulated HS codes. In general, telecommunications equipment either wired, wireless or a combination of both may subject to type approval certification before being imported and marketed in Saudi Arabia.
Requirements of CST certification
Local testing is not required when processing Saudi Arabia CST certification as long as the equipment does not support VoLTE. Therefore, CST certification can be done by submitting test reports from foreign laboratories, commonly CE test reports can be accepted. Here is list of the required documents for CST certification under paperwork method:
- Application form specified by CST Office
- RF, EMC, Electrical Safety test reports
- Declaration of Conformity (DOC)
- Internal and external product photos
- Risk analysis
- ROHS declaration
- Product data sheet
- User manual
- Saber login details
Applicants of CST certification
The CST certification in Saudi Arabia must be submitted by a registered local company that act as a local importer of the products in Saudi Arabia. The submission of CST certificate will be under the importer account via Saber applications system. Looking at the applicant requirements for CST certification, it is important for manufacturers to engage with local importers in Saudi Arabia before processing CST certification.
Lead time of CST certification
Since the most common method for processing type approval in Saudi Arabia is the paperwork-based method, then the lead time for processing CST certification is relatively shorter. The lead time of processing Saudi Arabia CST certification usually will take 2 – 3 weeks after submitting the applications to the authorities.
Label requirements of CST certification
CST does not have specific labelling rules for the type-approved telecommunication products in Saudi Arabia. The type-approved products can use the original label from CE/FCC by affixing the CE/FCC labels to the type-approved products in Saudi Arabia. For telecommunication products with display screen, E-Label mentioned in GEN002 will be required. Basically, using original CE/FCC labels is enough for meeting the label requirements in Saudi Arabia, no need additional logo or symbol from CST.
Validity of CST certificates
The CST certificates for telecommunications and wireless products in Saudi Arabia are typically valid for 1 year from the date of certificate issuance. Therefore, renewal process will be required annually to maintain the validity of the CST certificates. Renewal will be required only if the products are still imported and marketed in Saudi Arabia.
Example of CST certificates
Several information related to the telecommunication devices and applicants will be mentioned in the CST certificates. For more details, following information are available in the CST certificates:
- Applicants name
- Validity period
- Product name
- Model name
- Manufacturer
- Operating frequency
Conclusion
Navigating Saudi Arabia type approval certification is not easy, there are many things we need to know before starting the whole process. Usually, some manufacturers face difficulty to navigate Saudi Arabia type approval especially because they have limited knowledge and language barriers to the whole type approval process in Saudi Arabia.
To avoid these issues happening, the existence of a type approval service partner is important for manufacturers. You can consult with our expert team about Saudi Arabia CST certification by drop an email to info@narmadi.com for further assistance.
