Curaçao Market Access with Type Approval

Curaçao Type Approval Summary

Curaçao is one of the telecommunications markets with the most advanced digital infrastructure and internet connectivity in the Western Hemisphere. Although small in scale—with an area of 444 km² and a population of approximately 158,000—the country occupies a strategic position due to its direct connections to various international submarine fiber-optic cable systems and satellite networks.

This infrastructure makes Curaçao one of the islands with the fastest, most reliable, and highest-speed internet in the Caribbean region. This small market presents an opportunity for manufacturers and importers to explore the distribution of their telecommunications devices.

Although it is a small island nation, Curaçao still has compliance requirements that apply to any telecommunications device intended for sale in the country. These compliance requirements are known as “RAC Type Approval.”

RAC stands for Regulatory Authority of Curaçao, which is an independent, multisectoral regulatory and supervisory authority for activities related to the following sectors: telecommunications, postal services, electricity, water, fuel, bitumen, and airport tariffs.

The RAC’s oversight duties and authorities are governed by the National Regulation of the Regulatory Authority of Curaçao (PB 2006, No. 69). In the telecommunications sector, this authority oversees the technical aspects of product compliance and service provision, as well as the issuance of licenses based on the terms and conditions outlined in the law.

Understanding the requirements and process for RAC Type Approval will make it easier for manufacturers and importers to expand their operations into one of the Caribbean's most digitally connected markets.

Certification Authority

Authority: Regulatory Authority of Curaçao (RAC)
Certificate: RAC Type Approval
Certification: Mandatory
Official website: https://rac.cw/Last accessed 5 November 2026

Who Can Be an Applicant?

Local representative: Not required

An applicant for type approval certification in Curaçao is not limited to a local entity. Foreign manufacturers and importers may submit applications directly. No local representative is required.

Application Method

In-country testing: No
Paperwork only: Yes

All applications for type approval certification in Curaçao are processed through paperwork or document evaluation. Local testing is not a mandatory part of the certification process.

RAC accepts type approval applications for equipment that has already been certified under the European Union (EU) RED framework or the United States Federal Communications Commission (FCC) framework.

To submit an application, the applicant must provide proof of compliance, such as a Certificate of Conformity or Declaration of Conformity, issued under the relevant framework. In addition, the corresponding test reports must also be submitted.

The test reports and proof of compliance must be submitted together with all other required documents as part of the application via RAC's email address.

RAC will evaluate the application and determine whether the submitted product meets the applicable requirements. If the application is approved, RAC will issue a Type Approval Certificate. If the application is rejected, the applicant must address the identified issues and resubmit the application for reevaluation.

Sample Requirements

RAC does not require applicants to submit samples as part of the application process. This is because local testing is not mandatory for type approval certification in Curaçao. The Authority also does not require applicants to submit samples for inspection purposes.

Sample requirements are generally associated with certification schemes that mandate local testing as part of the type approval process. In some cases, however, regulatory authorities may request applicants to submit samples for further evaluation or inspection.

Document Requirements

The following information and documents must be submitted as part of the application. Without a completed checklist, the application cannot be accepted:

A request letter: must contain the name and contact information of the applicant
An official letter of authorization: required only when applying for type approval on behalf of the manufacturer
A description of the exterior of the device and how it works
The test reports, published by an accredited test lab or test institute, recognized by FCC or accepted by CE
A completed Technical Specifications list
A Copy of the FCC certificates (FCC grants) or A Declaration of Compliance issued by the manufacturer stating the relevant ETSI and EN (EU) norms

Submission process

Submission: Online

The submission process for RAC type approval certification is conducted online. Although the Authority does not provide an online application portal, it accepts applications via email. All applications, together with the required supporting documents, should be submitted to typeapproval@rac.cw.

Lead Time of Certification

Lead time: 3 to 10 weeks

RAC does not publish an official processing timeline for type approval applications. In practice, the certification process generally takes between 3 and 10 weeks, depending on the completeness of the application and the Authority's review process.

Validity Period

Validity: Permanent

There is no expiration date for the RAC Type Approval Certificate. The certificate holder may use the certificate to import and market the approved telecommunications product indefinitely. Recertification is only required if there is a modification to the product's radio frequency (RF) specifications.

Any modification to the RF specifications must be reevaluated to ensure that the product continues to comply with the applicable technical requirements in Curaçao. Recertification follows the same process and document requirements as the initial application.

Label Requirements for Curaçao Type Approval

Product label: Not required
Approval mark: Not required

Labeling requirements are typically applied after the certificate is issued. In Curaçao, there is no mandatory RAC label or mark that must be affixed in addition to the CE Mark or FCC Mark.

Alternative Country Names

Country of Curaçao, Land Curaçao, Kurasao, Kurakao, كوراساو, Кюрасаа, 库拉索, キュラソー, Kurakao nutome, ρασάο, Курасао, Kiurasao, País de Curazao

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