Trinidad and Tobago Type Approval Summary
Trinidad and Tobago is one of the most advanced and affluent telecommunications markets in the Caribbean. The country has robust cellular connectivity and internet access.
The number of cellular connections in Trinidad and Tobago exceeds its total population of approximately 1.5 million people. In terms of internet access, the country is at the forefront of digital infrastructure in the Caribbean.
With a land area of approximately 5,131 km², Trinidad and Tobago is an attractive market for manufacturers and importers to sell their telecommunications devices. Before entering the market, however, businesses must satisfy the mandatory local compliance framework.
This compliance requirement is known as “TATT Type Approval.” TATT stands for the Telecommunications Authority of Trinidad and Tobago, an independent regulatory body established under the Telecommunications Act of 2001, as amended by Act No. 17 of 2004.
This agency is responsible for transforming the telecommunications sector from a virtual monopoly into a competitive environment. Beyond market liberalization, TATT’s core responsibilities include regulating the telecommunications and broadcasting sectors, managing the spectrum and numbering resources, and setting quality standards for equipment and services.
One of the challenges in marketing telecommunications devices in the Trinidad and Tobago market is regulation. Understanding the requirements and the process for obtaining a TATT type approval certificate is the first step toward meeting regulatory requirements in one of the most developed countries in the Caribbean region.
Who Can Be an Applicant?
- Local representative
- Not required
Generally, a local representative is not required for type approval certification in Trinidad and Tobago. Foreign manufacturers may apply directly via email, provided they hold valid business credentials.
However, a local representative is required if the application documents are submitted in person at the TATT office. In this case, a Letter of Authorization (LoA) must be included with the application package.
Application Method
- In-country testing
- No
- Paperwork only
- Yes
In Trinidad and Tobago, local testing is not mandatory, as the type approval application process is primarily based on paperwork and document evaluation.
The TATT accepts applications for devices that have already been certified by recognized international organizations. There are a total of 20 recognized international bodies, including the FCC (USA), CE (EU), ISED (Canada), KATS (South Korea), SRRC (China), and JIS (Japan).
Applicants must ensure that the selected certification covers all necessary technical standards for the equipment. Some of the recognized bodies listed above specialize in specific compliance domains (such as RF, EMC, Safety, or Health).
In addition, the TATT accepts test reports issued by ILAC-accredited testing laboratories that collaborate with the Authority through a Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) scheme. However, the TATT has not yet published an official roster of eligible testing laboratories for this purpose.
Depending on the compliance pathway chosen:
- If using a recognized certification body: Applicants must attach a copy of the certificate or declaration of conformity. Manufacturer's DoCs are generally not required.
- If using an MRA-recognized testing laboratory: The applicant must submit a test report and the manufacturer’s Declaration of Conformity (DoC) as required.
Applicants can submit their documentation through two available channels: via email or in-person at the TATT service counter. Please note that physical submissions or certain application types require working with a local representative, accompanied by a mandatory Letter of Authorization (LoA).
During the evaluation phase, the TATT will review the submitted documentation to verify that the product satisfies all technical requirements. If the application passes evaluation, the Authority will officially issue the certificate.
Sample Requirements
Generally, product samples are not required for type approval certification in Trinidad and Tobago, as there is no mandatory local testing.
However, the Authority reserves the right to request a product sample for testing at a designated laboratory if further verification is deemed necessary. In such cases, the exact quantity and preparation requirements will depend on the Authority's specific instructions.
Document Requirements
The following is a list of required documents for applying for this certification:
- Completed application form (including information about the applicant and the equipment)
- Manufacturer’s Declaration of Conformity (if using a testing laboratory recognized by the Authority)
- Test report
- Copy of the certificate or declaration of conformity (if using a certification body recognized by the Authority)
- Technical specifications of the equipment
Submission process
- Submission
- Online and offline
Complete and submit the application form along with a copy of national identification through one of the following channels:
By email: Send to equipmentcertification@tatt.org.tt
In person: Deliver to the Telecommunications Authority of Trinidad and Tobago at either:
- #5 Eighth Avenue Extension, Off Twelfth Street, Barataria (Trinidad office)
- Shop #D 48, Lowlands Mall, Lowlands, Tobago (Tobago office)
Lead Time of Certification
- Lead time
- 30 days
Under current regulations, the Authority has a maximum processing time of 30 days from the date the application is received to issue a decision. If the application is approved within this timeframe, the certificate will be officially issued.
Validity Period
- Validity
- 5 years
The certificate is valid for five years and is fully renewable. The renewal process follows the same procedure as the initial application, provided there are no changes to the device’s technical specifications or the certificate holder.
Label Requirements for Trinidad and Tobago Type Approval
- Product label
- Not required
- Approval mark
- Not required
There are no specific national labeling requirements mandated by the TATT. Instead, the Authority will verify the presence of appropriate international compliance markings (such as FCC or CE labels) if the device was certified through a recognized international body.
Alternative Country Names
Colony of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, Trinidad, Trinidad and Tobago Colony, United Colony of Trinidad and Tobago, Trinidad en Tobago, Trinidad ne Tobago, Trinidad dhe Tobago, Trinidad e Tobago, Trinidad & Tobago, Trinidad et Tobago, Trinidad und Tobago, Trinidad y Tobago, ترينيداد وتوباغو, 千里達及托巴哥, トリニダード・トバゴ, Тринидад и Тобаго
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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