Lebanon Type Approval Summary
Lebanon is viewed as a challenging telecommunications market due to its economic crisis, poor infrastructure, and vulnerability to geopolitical conflicts. However, this has not prevented its government from embracing new innovations such as satellite licenses.
According to Reuters, in September 2025, the Lebanese cabinet granted Starlink an official license to provide internet services in the region. This move represents a groundbreaking effort to address the shortcomings of the local terrestrial network, which is frequently paralyzed.
With an area of 10,452 km² and a population of approximately five to six million people, Lebanon is a largely untapped market waiting to be explored—though it certainly comes with its own challenges.
For manufacturers or importers interested in taking on the challenge of entering this market, the first thing to understand is the applicable compliance requirements. Lebanon’s compliance mechanism is called “Type Approval Certification.”
This results in a Type Approval Certificate issued by the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA), an independent public authority established under Law 431/2002. This authority is tasked with liberalizing, regulating, and developing telecommunications in Lebanon.
The TRA effectively began operations following the appointment of its board members in February 2007. Since then, the authority has been responsible for issuing licenses, regulations, and decisions; managing the spectrum and numbering plans; and taking action when necessary.
Understanding Lebanon’s type approval requirements is the essential first step for manufacturers and importers seeking to enter a market that remains largely untapped, despite its challenges.
Who Can Be an Applicant?
- Local representative
- Required
Applicants for type approval certification in Lebanon must be local companies; they may be importers, traders, or manufacturers licensed by the TRA. Foreign manufacturers wishing to apply must partner with a registered local company.
Application Method
- In-country testing
- No
- Paperwork only
- Yes
In Lebanon, the type approval process follows the European Union (EU) approach, which is paperwork-based. All devices intended for distribution in Lebanon must meet the established technical specifications.
Generally, the technical requirements for each device are based on the international ETSI EN standards, which are incorporated into the technical standards for each technology.
Equipment Classification
In Lebanon, certified products are divided into two groups: Radio and Telecommunication Terminal Equipment (RTTE) and Network Infrastructure Equipment (NIE).
RTTE refers to telecommunications terminal equipment that connects directly to a public telecommunications network and all intentional emitters of electromagnetic radiation (radio waves). RTTE consists of devices used on the user side.
Meanwhile, NIE is subject to the authorizations stipulated in the Service Provider (SP) license and must meet the TRA Network technical specifications or recommendations. NIE consists of devices within the infrastructure built by the Service Provider.
RTTE Scheme
RTTE devices are further divided into 4 classes: classes 0, 1, 2, and 3. Each class has its own certification scheme (schemes 0, 1, 2, and 3). The following is an explanation of each class:
- Class 0: Simple RTTE that requires minimal type approval requirements.
- Class 1: Simple RTTE that operates in a confined environment, mostly limited to the customer’s premises.
- Class 2: RTTE equipment that is more sophisticated and operates over a wider range than Class 1.
- Class 3: Advanced RTTE that could have a significant impact on the network, security, safety, and/or regulations.
NIE Scheme
This certification is submitted by TRA-licensed service providers. There are five types of network infrastructure for which certification is required: Global Information Infrastructure (GII), Base Stations and Ancillary Equipment (GSM, CDMA, and UMTS), and WiMAX equipment.
Paperwork Only
TRA recognize results of testing performed by a laboratory whose accreditation includes the type of all devices and where the laboratory is (at least one of the following):
- Accredited by a national accreditation agency or a national government body
- ISO/IEC 17025 accredited by a national or international accreditation body
- A membership of the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC)
Proof of accreditation should be included with the test report, either as an integral part of the report or separately. Then, the test results from the report are compiled along with other required documents for submission to the TRA.
Sample Requirements
In Lebanon, there is no mandatory local testing, so no sample is required. The certification process commonly uses paperwork or document evaluation methods.
Document Requirements
Here's the list of documet requirements for RTTE Equipment:
- Declaration of Conformity (DoC)
- Certified copy of Import/Manufacture license granted by TRA
- Detailed description and specification of the functions and features offered by the RTTE including operating frequency and maximum EIRP for radio communication equipment
- Description of intended use of the RTTE
- Drawings and schematics showing key components of the telecommunications interfaces (either wireless or wired), plus details of the antenna employed by wireless RTTE
- Descriptions and explanations necessary for the understanding or said drawings and schemes and the operation of DTTE
- Colored photographs of the external and internal parts of the RTTE
- List of TRA specifications with which the RTTE is designed to comply
- Third party test reports from ISO/IEC 17025 accredited test Laboratories, ILAC member test Laboratories, or test laboratories accredited by national accreditation agency or national government body, proving RTTE compliance with these specifications
Here's the list of documet requirements for NIE Equipment:
- Declaration of Conformity (DoC)
- Declaration os Use (DoU)
- Certified Copy of SP License granted by TRA.
- Certified Copy of Import/Manufacture License granted by the TRA if an authorized dealer is involved.
- List of the Network Equipment to be ordered or imported.
- The technical specification of each Network Equipment type to be imported and interfaces as specified by the TRA. The SP shall clearly indicate the technical specifications and/recommendations with which each of the equipment is designed to comply.
- A list of potential installation site(s) of the network equipment. NIE imported for network expansion or as spare and NIE returned after repair should be listed as a "Reserved Site". The SP should update the TCF with the list of installation site(s) before installing and using such equipment.
Submission process
- Submission
- Online
Procedure for Submitting Applications for RTTE Type Approval Schemes 0:
- Compile detailed TCF
- Prepare DoC
- Apply the TRA Type Approval label applicable for Class 0 to each RTTE
Procedure for Submitting Applications for RTTE Type Approval Schemes 1:
- Compile detailed TCF
- Prepare DoC
- Complete Type Approval application form
- Submit application (DOC, Test Report, and application form) to TRA
- TRA assesses application
- TRA grants Type Approval Certificate
- Apply TRA Type Approval label applicable for Class 1 to each RTTE
Procedure for Submitting Applications for RTTE Type Approval Schemes 2 and 3:
- Compile detailed TCF
- Prepare DoC
- Complete Type Approval application form
- Submit application (TCF, DOC and application form) to TRA
- TRA assesses application
- TRA grants Type Approval Certificate
- Apply TRA Type Approval label applicable for class 2 and 3 to each RTTE
Procedure for Submitting an NIE Type Approval Application:
- Authorized Dealer and/or Service Provider Prepare TCF, DoU and DoC
- Submit TCF, DoU, and DoC to TRA
- TRA assesses TCF, DOU, and DOC
- TRA grants Network Equipment Approval Certificate
Lead Time of Certification
- Lead time
- 6 weeks
Under the paperwork method, type approval certification in Lebanon has a lead time of six weeks. This period begins when all documents are submitted to the TRA.
Validity Period
- Validity
- Class 0 RTTE: Permanent. Class 1, 2, 3 RTTE, and NIE: 2 years.
Class 0 RTTE remains valid permanently. Class 1, 2, 3 RTTE, and NIE remain valid for two years.
Within 45 days before the expiration of the Type Approval certificate for a Class 1, 2, 3 RTTE, and NIE, TRA will send the approval holder a renewal notice. The approval holder shall make the appropriate payment before the due date to renew the approval for a further two years.
In addition to the specified validity period, changes to a device’s RF specifications also require an update to the type approval certification. Each change must be documented in the updated documentation (TCF), and a new DoC must be prepared. The updated documents must demonstrate ongoing compliance with the applicable TRA specifications and include test reports.
Label Requirements
- Product label
- Required
- Approval mark
- Required
- E-labeling
- Not allowed
Labeling is required for all categories of RTTE equipment. Labels must be affixed before the products are distributed in Lebanon.
RTTE Scheme Label
The following are the requirements for affixing RTTE Scheme labels:
- For Scheme 0, the number is Import/Manufacture license number. For Scheme 1,2,3, the number is unique approval number issued by TRA.
- The label shall be durable and recognizable.
- The approval number shall be no less than 3 mm in height.
- When the label is applied to the packaging of equipment, the minimum heights specified above shall be at least doubled.
TRA Type Approval label shall be marked directly on the RTTE and on the packaging. The only permissible exceptions are where the RTTE is too small for the label to be applied where its dimensions and form make it impossible to apply the label.
Where the label cannot be applied to the RTTE it shall be applied to the user guide accompanying the RTTE.
Certificate Example
- Issued under
- Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA)
- Certificate
- Type Approval Certification
- Validity
- Class 0 RTTE: Permanent. Class 1, 2, 3 RTTE, and NIE: 2 years.
- Lead time
- 6 weeks
Alternative Country Names
Lebanese Republic, Al-Jumhūrīyah Al-Libnānīyah, Libanon, Liban, Libano, Líbano, Ливан, レバノン, LB
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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