Botswana Type Approval Summary
Botswana is one of Africa’s most progressive and stable telecommunications markets, boasting the highest mobile penetration rate on the continent. The country’s mobile subscriber-to-population ratio is extremely high, exceeding 100% of its population of approximately 2.5 million.
According to the International Trade Administration (ITA), Botswana has been recognized for its rapid infrastructure development. The country has achieved 4G coverage of over 98% and 5G expansion reaching more than 41% of the population.
Botswana’s telecommunications market still faces challenges typical of African countries regarding fixed broadband infrastructure and coverage in rural areas. With a land area of approximately 581,730 km², the country still holds promise for manufacturers and importers looking to market their telecommunications devices.
To market telecommunications devices in Botswana, the first thing to understand is the applicable compliance requirements. These compliance requirements are known as “BOCRA Type Approval.”
BOCRA stands for the Botswana Communications Regulatory Authority, the agency that regulates the telecommunications, internet, and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sectors, as well as radio communications, broadcasting, and postal services.
This authority was established under the Communications Regulatory Authority Act, 2012 (CRA Act) on April 1, 2013. In carrying out its duties, BOCRA strictly enforces type approval certification to ensure that all telecommunications products circulating and used in Botswana comply with established regulations.
To facilitate the marketing of telecommunications devices in the Botswana market, manufacturers and importers need to understand the process and requirements for obtaining BOCRA type approval. This will help you gain a foothold in this most progressive telecommunications market in Africa.
Who Can Be an Applicant?
- Local representative
- Not required
The requirements for Type Approval apply to anyone who imports, manufactures, uses, or supplies telecommunications equipment for use or sale in Botswana.
However, foreign manufacturers should note that an acceptable repair service must be established in Botswana for each type of equipment that has been granted Type Approval, unless an exemption is obtained from the Authority.
Application Method
- In-country testing
- No
- Paperwork only
- Yes
The application process for type approval certification in Botswana is paperwork or document evaluation. There is no mandatory local testing for this process.
The equipment being submitted for certification must comply with the Technical Specifications published by the Authority (or equivalent). Meanwhile, testing of the equipment to verify such compliance must be conducted at a laboratory accredited by a body that is a member of the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC) Mutual Recognition Arrangement.
Applicants must submit their Type Approval or Exemption application through the online portal.
BOCRA will evaluate the application submission to determine whether the submitted documents comply with the applicable technical requirements and whether all documents are complete and accurate. If the application is rejected, the applicant must resubmit the documents for reevaluation.
Sample Requirements
Generally, no sample is required for type approval certification in Botswana, because there is no mandatory local testing. However, if the test reports are inconclusive or unsatisfactory, BOCRA will request that the applicant submit additional information, and it may be necessary to submit a sample for testing at a laboratory designated by the Authority. Alternatively, the Authority may direct the dealer/user to submit the equipment for testing at a laboratory specified by the Authority.
The number of samples and the condition of the samples will depend on BOCRA's requirements. The dealer/user of such equipment will be responsible for all the costs associated with such testing.
Document Requirements
The following documentation must be submitted and/or uploaded at the time of applying for a Type Approval Certification:
- Application Form
- Radio Frequency Spectrum Test Report
- Electromagnetic Compatibility Test Report
- Health and Safety Test Report
- Specific Absorption Rate Test Report (only for mobile phones and tablets)
- Technical Specifications
- Declaration of Conformity
- Image of Equipment
Submission process
- Submission
- Online
Type approval certification in Botswana is processed through an online application system. BOCRA provides an online portal for submitting certification applications at https://typeapproval.bocra.org.bw/. BOCRA also provides a user manual to guide applicants through the document submission process.
Lead Time of Certification
- Lead time
- 2-12 weeks
BOCRA does not publish an official processing timeline for Type Approval applications. In practice, the certification process typically takes between 2 and 12 weeks, although the actual duration may vary depending on application completeness and the Authority's review process.
Validity Period
- Validity
- Permanent
The Type Approval Certificate remains valid for the certified device model throughout its lifetime, without the need for renewal. However, if a product change introduces an additional network interface or requires the use of additional radio frequencies, then a new application for Type Approval must be made.
A record of the changes, relevant test results, and the assessment of their impact must be submitted to the Authority with the application and other supporting documentation.
Changes that are purely cosmetic or do not affect the hardware, or that have no potential or actual impact on safety, EMC, or radio frequency emissions, do not require the submission of a new application. However, records of such changes, along with an assessment of their impact, must be retained in the supporting documentation.
Label Requirements for Botswana Type Approval
- Product label
- Not required
- Approval mark
- Not required
Commonly, after obtaining a Type Approval Certificate, products must comply with applicable labeling requirements before the product is imported. In Botswana, the label labeling requirements were in place before July 2025. After that, the regulation was revised; the physical marking requirements were removed and are no longer mandatory.
Alternative Country Names
Lefatshe la Botswana, Republic of Botswana, Betsjoeanaland, Northern Bechuanaland, Bɔtswana, Bocuana, Botsvana, Botsvanë, ቦትስዋና, بتسوانا, Botsouana, Батсвана, 博茨瓦纳, Botsuana, ボツワナ, بوتسوانا
Rules by Technology
Allowed, approval required
- Wi-Fi 2.4 GHz
- Wi-Fi 5 GHz
- Wi-Fi 6E (6 GHz)
- Wi-Fi 7
- Bluetooth Classic
- Bluetooth Low Energy
- NFC
- RFID
- UWB
- Zigbee
- Thread
- Z-Wave
- DECT
- 2G/3G
- 4G LTE
- 5G NR
- NB-IoT
- LTE-M
- LoRa / LoRaWAN
- Sigfox
- Automotive radar (77 GHz)
- Short-range radar (24 / 60 GHz)
- GNSS (GPS)
- Satellite communication
- Wireless charging (Qi)
- PMR / Walkie-talkie
- Amateur radio
- Passive Optical Network (PON)
- Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM)
- Coaxial Cable
- ISDN
- Ethernet
- VoIP
- IPv6
- Power Line Carrier
- Microwave Link
- Free Space Optics
- Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB)
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