United Arab Emirates Type Approval Summary
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is one of the world’s leading telecommunications markets. This is because it is among the most advanced, innovative, and highly competitive markets globally. With more than 11 million residents, this market is projected to continue growing steadily.
Backed by strong multi-billion dollar sector investments, the UAE telecommunications market continues to expand at a healthy, consistent pace. Given this, it presents a unique opportunity for manufacturers and importers looking to market their telecommunications devices there.
To enter the UAE market, you need to be aware of the product compliance requirements known as “TDRA certification.” TDRA stands for the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority, a government agency established in 2003.
Prior to 2021, this authority was better known as the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA). The name change did not alter the authority’s primary function as the body responsible for ensuring the safe use of all wireless terminals, radios, and telecommunications equipment within the UAE.
One of the TDRA’s responsibilities is to establish the telecommunications rules and regulations applicable in the UAE. In addition, the authority is also responsible for standardization, licensing, and the issuance of compliance certificates.
Obtaining TDRA type approval certification is a legal requirement for telecommunications products to enter the UAE. To secure it successfully, you need to be thoroughly familiar with all the technical and administrative requirements involved.
Who Can Be an Applicant?
- Local representative
- Required
Applicants for type approval certification in the UAE must be local companies. This is because the company must be officially registered as a supplier of telecommunications equipment with the Telecommunications and Digital Regulatory Authority.
Foreign companies wishing to market and sell their telecommunications devices in the UAE must appoint a local representative to act as the certification applicant. This representative may be a local importer or distributor that is already officially registered.
Application Method
- In-country testing
- Depends on product
- Paperwork only
- Depends on product
In general, the TDRA certification application process is conducted through paperwork or document evaluation. Local testing is not required in this case.
Therefore, applicants are required to already have a test report from an overseas laboratory recognized by the UAE. Additionally, other supporting documents required to accompany the test report must be provided.
All required documents will be submitted online to the relevant authorities. From there, the TDRA will evaluate whether the documents meet the established technical standards.
Local Testing
Local testing is not a common practice in the UAE. However, in some cases, the TDRA may ask that devices with a SIM be tested locally. In this case, samples must be ready in case the product is required to undergo local testing.
Paperwork Only
The evaluation of paperwork or documents is the method used to apply for TDRA certification. The completeness and accuracy of the documents play a crucial role in this process.
If even one document is incomplete or inaccurate, the product is considered to have failed the evaluation. Ensuring that the documents are complete and accurate from the start will streamline the evaluation process for your product.
Sample Requirements
In general, samples are not required during the type approval process in the UAE. However, TDRA may ask for a sample, especially for devices with a SIM. We need to be prepared for sample submissions in most cases.
If this occurs, samples must be submitted for testing. This process will require at least two standard sample units.
Document Requirements
- Full Official Technical Data sheet or specification sheet of the Product.
- Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Test report based on Radio frequency.
- Radio Frequency (RF) Test report based in EN standards applicable to each wireless technologies.
- RF Exposure & LVD (Low Voltage Directive) Safety Test reports.
- Pictures of the product.
- If the product comes with a SIM then the below 2 documents are also mandatory: GSMA certificate with TAC code and IMEI declaration
Submission process
- Submission
- Online
The TDRA certification application process is conducted through an online portal. Applicants will be asked to log in using their digital ID.
The process begins by filling out the application form. After that, you’ll need to attach all required documents and make the payment.
TDRA will evaluate the documents to determine whether the application is approved or rejected. If approved, you will be asked to pay the certificate issuance fee before receiving the certificate.
Lead Time of Certification
- Lead time
- 3-5 working days
The TDRA certificate process, which involves document review, takes approximately three to five business days. The lead time begins on the date of submission.
Validity Period
- Validity
- 3 years
The validity period for a TDRA certificate is three years. During this period, the certificate holder may export, distribute, or sell telecommunications products within the UAE.
After three years, the certificate must be renewed for products that are still being exported or sold within the UAE. The renewal application process is essentially the same as the initial certification process.
Label Requirements
- Product label
- Required
- Approval mark
- Required
TDRA requires that all products that have obtained a type approval certificate be labeled. These labels must comply with the established requirements.
TDRA Label
These requirements are outlined in the PDF file received after the certificate is issued, which contains the Declaration of Conformity or the Type Approval Conformity Mark. This document includes a label template consisting of the TDRA logo, registration number, and QR code.
The label must be clearly displayed, easily legible, and tamper-resistant. The label’s size can be adjusted depending on where it will be affixed.
Certificate Example
- Issued under
- Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA)
- Certificate
- TDRA Certificate
- Validity
- 3 years
- Lead time
- 3-5 working days
Alternative Country Names
UAE, Emirates, Vereinigte Arabische Emirate, Émirats arabes unis, Ujedinjeni Arapski Emirati, Emirati Arabi Uniti, Emiratos Árabes Unidos, Объединённые Арабские Эмираты, アラブ首長国連邦, Förenade Arabemiraten, 아랍에미리트, AE
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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