Kiribati Type Approval Summary
Kiribati is an emerging telecommunications market. With a land area of approximately 811 km² spread across a maritime territory of more than 3.4 million km² and a population of about 134,518, the region is considered extremely remote and geographically challenging.
In terms of mobile and internet access, according to global digital data, internet penetration in Kiribati has surged, reaching approximately 88% to 89% of the total population. Over time, Kiribati has become a strategically important arena for digital infrastructure and geopolitical investment in the Pacific region. This is further supported by the presence of undersea cable projects.
Given this, Kiribati has become a telecommunications market that can be described as largely untapped and attractive for entry. To enter this market, manufacturers and importers must, of course, be aware of the compliance requirements in place there.
This compliance requirement is known as “CCK type approval.” CCK stands for the Communications Commission of Kiribati, an independent agency established under the Communications Act of 2013.
Previously, this authority was better known as the Kiribati Telecommunications Authority (TAK). The CCK has a mandate to regulate the national telecommunications market and foster a competitive environment that encourages innovation.
Within the scope of type approval, this authority is responsible for licensing communication networks and service providers, enforcing technical standards, managing radio spectrum assignments and telephone numbering, and ensuring compliance with type approval requirements.
Understanding the requirements and procedures for applying for type approval certification in Kiribati will give manufacturers and importers access to this emerging telecommunications market. As a result, market entry and product distribution will become more streamlined and compliant with national regulations.
Who Can Be an Applicant?
- Local representative
- Not required
Kiribari simplifies the requirements for applying for a type approval certificate. Applicants are not limited to local companies; individuals and foreign companies may also apply.
Application Method
- In-country testing
- No
- Paperwork only
- Yes
Kiribati streamlines the type approval application process by not requiring local testing. Applicants may submit an application by providing evidence of compliance with international technical standards referenced by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA), the European Commission (CE), the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), or the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).
To process this type approval, applicants must submit test reports along with the required documents. Applicants must also pay the application fee and provide proof of payment.
Once all documents have been received by the CCK, the authority will verify that they are complete. If everything is in order, the applicant must pay the certificate issuance fee. After that, the certificate will be issued by the CCK.
Application fees and certificate issuance fees are categorized into two groups: Domestic Use and Non-Domestic/Commercial Use:
Equipment for Domestic Use: Intended solely for import, distribution, or use within Kiribati.
Equipment for Non-Domestic/Commercial Use: Type Approval in Kiribati used outside Kiribati for the purposes of regional or international recognition, resale, or certification.
The CCK will determine the appropriate classification for each application. This determination will be based on a reasonable assessment of the applicant’s documentation, statements, or any other information provided.
If necessary, the CCK may also request additional information to verify the intended use of the equipment.
Sample Requirements
No sample requirements are necessary for CCK type approval. This is because there are no local testing requirements that need to be met.
Document Requirements
The following supporting documentation must be included as part of an application:
- A Declaration/Certificate of Conformity
- Test reports issued by a testing laboratory accredited by ACMA, the CE, the FCC or the ITU
- An original catalogue/manual that provides a basic understanding of the equipment, its operation, technology, and use
- A copy/photo of the Type Approval compliance label/markings placed on the equipment
- Description of any repair services offered for the equipment in Kiribati
- Proof of payment of the Type Approval application fee
Applicants shall provide all document requirements in English. Hard copy format is a PDF file or a CD-ROM.
Submission process
- Submission
- Online and offline
Applications for Type Approval may be submitted in person or online. If submitted in person, the required documents must be submitted to the CCK office or sent by mail. For online submissions, the required documents must be emailed to typeapproval@cck.ki.
The CCK will then evaluate the completeness of the documents. If the application is approved, the Type Approval List on the CCK website will be updated to include the equipment approved for use, and a Type Approval Certificate will be issued to the applicant.
Subsequent importers who import the same type of equipment are required to purchase a Type Approval Certificate from CCK to be kept at their place of business.
If the application is found to be non-compliant with the specified requirements, CCK reserves the right to reject the application and provide an explanation. However, the applicant may correct the non-compliance by submitting a new Type Approval application.
Lead Time of Certification
- Lead time
- 7 days
The CCK type approval application process is relatively quick. It takes no more than seven calendar days. This lead time is calculated from the date all required documents are received.
Validity Period
- Validity
- Permanent
The CCK Type Approval Certificate is valid indefinitely. The certificate may be used for all batches of a specific type of equipment and remains valid as long as the equipment does not violate the regulations.
The certificate must be renewed if there are changes to the RF specifications. This is necessary to ensure that the modified devices still meet the specified technical standards.
Label Requirements
- Product label
- Not required
- Approval mark
- Not required
- Label registration
- Not required
Karibati does not require special CCK labeling. Certified products need only display a compliance mark or label indicating that they meet international technical standards (ACMA, CE, FCC).
Alternative Country Names
Republic of Kiribati, Ribaberiki Kiribati, Кирибати, キリバス, 키리바시, KI
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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