Vanuatu

Vanuatu Type Approval Summary

Among the many island nations in the Pacific, Vanuatu is a small archipelago that has become one of the fastest-growing telecommunications markets in terms of mobile penetration. According to the Telecommunications, Radiocommunications, & Broadcasting Regulator (TRBR), mobile penetration in the country stands at around 95% to 96% of the total population of approximately 350,500.

The expansion of mobile data services is driving the continued growth of gross revenue in the telecommunications market. By 2026, revenue is projected to increase by approximately 7%.

Vanuatu’s telecommunications market is not without challenges. With a total area of 12,281 km² comprising more than 80 islands, the country’s greatest challenges relate to geography, disaster resilience, and connectivity to remote islands.

These challenges do not make Vanuatu’s telecommunications market unattractive. With its promising growth, this Pacific market should be considered by manufacturers and importers looking to market their telecommunications products.

Another challenge in penetrating this developing market is compliance with applicable regulations. These compliance requirements are known as “TRBR Type Approval.”

These compliance requirements are directly regulated by the TRBR, an independent body responsible for regulating telecommunications, radiocommunications, and broadcasting services in Vanuatu.

TRBR is an independent regulator established under the Telecommunications, Radiocommunications, and Broadcasting Regulation Act No. 30 of 2009. This Act was subsequently amended by Amendment No. 22 of 2018.

The Act assigns TRBR the responsibility to develop the telecommunications and broadcasting sectors and to manage the radio frequency spectrum. This aims to promote national, social, and economic development.

Within the scope of type approval certification, TRBR’s responsibilities extend beyond simply issuing certificates. It also establishes regulations, evaluates each submitted product, and authorizes equipment for sale and use in Vanuatu.

Obtaining TRBR type approval certification can be challenging if one does not fully understand the process. Therefore, manufacturers and importers need to be aware of these requirements before marketing their telecommunications devices in the Vanuatu market.