Namibia Type Approval Summary
Namibia is emerging as a rapidly growing telecommunications market in Southern Africa. According to Mobile Telecommunications Limited (MTC), the country has begun rolling out a commercial 5G network in several major cities, along with upgrades to its fiber-optic infrastructure.
With a total area of approximately 825,615 km² and a population of about 3 million people, Namibia’s telecommunications market is still dominated by state-owned companies. The country also faces its own challenges regarding infrastructure in some rural areas.
This presents an opportunity for manufacturers and suppliers seeking to introduce telecommunications equipment to the Namibian market. Entering the Namibian market begins with understanding the applicable local compliance requirements.
The type approval regime in Namibia is commonly referred to as “CRAN Type Approval.” CRAN stands for the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia, an independent regulatory body that oversees telecommunications services and networks, including broadcasting, postal services, and the entire radio spectrum.
This authority was established under Section 4 of the Communications Act (No. 8 of 2009). It is responsible for regulating, supervising, and promoting the provision of telecommunications services and networks, broadcasting, postal services, as well as the use and allocation of the radio spectrum in Namibia.
In the context of type approval, CRAN is responsible for all technical regulations governing devices intended for entry into Namibia and for issuing type approval certificates. This is done to ensure that devices in circulation and in use are safe and do not interfere with other devices when in operation.
Understanding the requirements and the process for obtaining CRAN type approval is the first step for manufacturers and suppliers looking to enter the Namibian market. With this certificate, telecommunications devices can be legally marketed and used in the country.
Who Can Be an Applicant?
- Local representative
- Not required
The applicant for type approval certification in Namibia is not limited to a local company. A foreign manufacturer can directly submit for type approval. The applicant must submit a certificate of incorporation or a valid trade licence in the name of the applicant.
Application Method
- In-country testing
- No
- Paperwork only
- Yes
Namibia uses paperwork or document evaluation as the standard procedure for applying for type approval certification. The CRAN follows an approach similar to that used in the European Union.
To verify compliance, the equipment must undergo testing. The CRAN accepts test results from testing laboratories accredited under ISO/IEC 17025.
The test report must be attached as one of the required documents. By attaching all required documents, the application can be submitted online or in person at the CRAN office.
Local Testing
Generally, local testing is not a standard process for type approval certification. However, in some cases, the authority may request that an applicant undergo examination and testing locally.
Sample Requirements
Once the CRAN requests that the applicant undergo local testing, the applicant must send a sample of the telecommunications equipment. The number of samples is determined by the Authority. The following requirements must be met:
- The sample must be in good and proper working condition
- Properly configured for testing, complete with the necessary test adaptors
- Clearly marked with the trade name, model and serial number of the telecommunications equipment
Document Requirements
An application for type approval of telecommunication equipment must be accompanied by:
- Personal identification, a certificate of incorporation or a valid trade licence in the name of the applicant
- Certified copies of identification documents such as passport or national identification document
- Declaration or certificate of conformity
- Test reports (RF, EMC, and Safety)
- Technical, physical, operational, installation and user information of the telecommunication equipment
- Software and firmware numbers of the telecommunications equipment
- Letter of authorization for representative of original equipment manufacturer
Submission process
- Submission
- Online and offline
To apply for type approval certification in Namibia, the applicant can submit documents either physically or electronically :
- Physically to the head offices of the Authority, namely Communication House, 56 Robert Mugabe Avenue, Windhoek
- Physically to the head offices of the Authority, namely Private Bag 13309, Windhoek, 9000
- Electronically via email to: ta@cran.na
Lead Time of Certification
- Lead time
- 40 days
The standard processing time for CRAN type approval is up to 40 days from the date of application submission. During this period, the authority will determine whether the application is approved or rejected.
If the Authority determines that the application substantially meets all requirements, a type approval certificate will be issued to the applicant. Accepted type approval applications will be announced on the CRAN website within seven days of the date of the approval decision.
If a type approval application does not meet the requirements, the Authority will reject the application and notify the applicant of the reasons for noncompliance. Applicants whose applications are rejected may correct the noncompliance and submit a new type approval application.
Validity Period
- Validity
- 3 years
A type approval certificate is valid for three years and may be renewed by the Authority. If equipment that has received type approval undergoes changes in model, design, function, or specifications, the type approval certificate issued for that telecommunications equipment automatically becomes invalid. In this case, a new application for type approval must be submitted.
To renew the certificate, submit an application at least 45 days before the certificate’s expiration date.
Label Requirements for Namibia Type Approval
- Product label
- Not required
- Approval mark
- Not required
Regulation GG 8180 (General Notice No. 495 of 2023) requires type-approved equipment to bear a mark of conformity issued by CRAN. However, no specific marking implementation guidelines or conformity mark format have been publicly issued, and the requirement does not appear to be fully enforced at this time.
Alternative Country Names
Namibië, Republic of Namibia, Namibie, Namibija, Намибия, ナミビア, 나미비아, NA
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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