TRC Cambodia Publishes Draft Prakas on Type Approval and Conformity Assessment Update

The Telecommunication Regulator of Cambodia (TRC) has published an announcement of draft Prakas for update on type approval procedures in Cambodia. In general, the draft Prakas establishes the terms and procedures for type approval and conformity assessment of telecommunications equipment before being imported, distributed, supplied and used in Cambodia.

Through the issuance of this draft Prakas, there already signal for significant changes for type approval framework of telecommunications equipment in Cambodia. Therefore, in this article we will discuss all important notes from draft Prakas on type approvals and conformity assessment procedures in Cambodia.

Key notes of the draft Prakas

There are some important notes from the issuance of draft Prakas on type approval and conformity assessment in Cambodia. Here are some important notes to understand:

• General Rules: Referring to the draft Prakas, the type approval and conformity assessment in Cambodia will be carried out based on the function, technical characteristics and risk levels of the telecommunications equipment.
• Risk Classification: This draft Prakas also establishes risk classification of the telecommunications equipment based on several key factors. The telecommunications equipment will be divided into three risk level: Low Risk, Medium Risk and High Risk telecommunications equipment.
• Types of Certifications: Referring to the risk level, the type approval certification of the telecommunications equipment will also be divided into three categories: Type-A (ATA), Type-B (BTA) and Type-C (CTA).
  1. Type-A Type Approval (ATA): This category is applied to telecommunications equipment with low risk level, such as short range device, laptop, printer, data logger.
  2. Type-B Type Approval (BTA): This category is applied to telecommunications equipment with medium risk, such as ethernet switch, repeater, media gateway, E-PON/G-PON.
  3. Type-C Type Approval (CTA): This category is applied to telecommunications equipment with high risk, such as UWB device, cellular mobile terminal, IoT equipment, UHF/VFH land mobile device.
• Procedures of Type Approval Certifications: Any persons who import, distribute, supply and use telecommunications equipment in Cambodia will be mandatory to apply for Type Approval Certificate to TRC. The certification applications must be processed through the online public service portal managed by TRC.
• Compliance Label: Affixing a compliance label or mark will be mandatory for telecommunications equipment imported and distributed in Cambodia. The compliance label will be composed by TRC mark and identification code of the Agent in the format QA-YYYY-XXXX. The compliance label can be affixed to the box of telecommunications equipment or directly to the telecommunications equipment.
• Validity and Renewal Certificates: Refer to the draft Prakas, the validity of the Type Approval Certificate is 5 years since the issued date of the certificate. Renewal of the certificates may required to continue the importing, distributing, supplying and using the telecommunications equipment in Cambodia.
• Transfer the Type Approval Certificates: Transfer of the issued certificate is possible subject to TRC approval, and only applicable to persons that holding certification as qualified agent.

Impact on Cambodia Type Approval

The draft Prakas on type approval and conformity assessment procedures will significantly impact to the current type approval process in Cambodia. The manufacturers may need to adjust their type approval strategy for Cambodian market due to this significant framework change. The new key requirements that need to understand before processing Cambodia type approval may as follows:

• Identifying the risk classification of the telecommunications equipment.
• Choosing the correct types of certification categories of the telecommunications equipment.
• Implementing the TRC label requirement of the type approved telecommunications equipment.
• Build awerness for the renewal certification process.

As this draft Prakas remains under the public consultation, then manufacturers, importers and distributors may engage during its public consultation by submitting comments to TRC official public service portal no later than 25 May 2025.

Conclusion

The implementation of the draft Prakas on the type approval and conformity assessment procedures will affect significantly to the ongoing type approval process in Cambodia. Therefore, doing early mitigation for adjustment and preparation to new framework of the certification process may be required. Feel free to send an email to info@narmadi.com if you have any questions and assistance about this draft Prakas.