Equipment that do not Need Anatel Homologation

In a few specific cases, some devices are not required to obtain homologation with Anatel. We will detail here what these cases are and what the most common equipment that do not require approval by Anatel are.

The vast majority of equipment that perform communications must undergo a process called homologation in order to be sold in Brazil. This process intends to ensure both the user and the general telecommunications network safety and aside from the equipment compatibility with local and industry established standards. This process must be started by the manufacturer of the product or its representative in Brazil, who must contact an OCD to carry out the proceedings for the approval.

However, in a few specific cases, the homologation of the equipment is not a requirement, either due to the nature of the equipment or because the agency published acts exempting the equipment from obtaining homologation.

Homologation flexibility for events

Temporary homologation exemptions are granted through specific acts only on special occasions, like when Brazil hosted the 2014 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 Summer Olympics. The easing of rules is applied to equipment that are essential to support the infrastructure and communications during an event.

When rules are temporarily eased, Anatel establishes a group of equipment that will be comprised of the temporary exemption for homologation, but still sets demands regarding the usage of the equipment, like restriction of areas where it can be utilised. If the device interferes with other systems or services used in the organisation of the event, the operation must immediately be ceased.

As this type of flexibility is temporary, after the period set by the acts is due, all equipment without homologation must be switched off and removed from the country. Should the equipment remain in Brazil, it would need to be homologated.

Equipment that doesn’t need homologation from Anatel

Some equipment, even though it may initially appear to require homologation from Anatel do not need to be approved by the agency. These devices are typically defined as equipment without telecommunication functionalities or that are accessories to telecommunications. This category comprises amongst others the following systems:

• Equipment or systems that do not have any component that perform active data transmission like RFID tags. Even though the tag itself does not need homologation, the RFID reader still needs to be approved as it is an active component
• SIM cards
• Devices without Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or any other mobile communication capabilities like non-connected TVs, wired headphones, wired mouses, wired keyboards, etc
• Cell phone accessories that are not affecting the telecommunication capabilities of devices, like USB cables, mobile phone covers, memory sticks, etc. Note that accessories like mobile chargers, power banks and even selfie sticks with Bluetooth require Anatel homologation
• AC adapters and other accessories for IT equipment. Note that AC adapters for cell or mobile phones do require mandatory approval from Anatel
• Equipment operating outside the frequencies regulated by Anatel. The frequencies that are not under Anatel supervision are 3 to 9000 Hz and 275 GHz to 1000 GHz. This would include for example IR remote controls
• GPS receivers without any sender capabilities
• Uninterrupted power supplies for telecommunication systems
• IT network equipment like NIC, and some routers and switches

If the product is not listed above, there is a likelihood that it will require to be tested and homologated by Anatel.

How to proceed if a product needs Anatel homologation

If you find that your product requires Anatel approval, the first step is to locate an OCD, which is a company who conducts Anatel homologations in Brazil and manages the approval on behalf of manufacturers and representatives. There are a few of them in the market, but a reliable OCD will avoid problems and delays in the certification process of your product. We recommend Master Certificações, a preeminent OCD that assists hundreds of organisations worldwide every year to obtain their approvals with Anatel.

Homologations are granted based on sample testing, and further evaluation of the results by the OCDs experts. The testings of the samples, by request of Anatel, are performed in laboratories accredited by Inmetro, meaning that they are applied in Brazilian based laboratories.

Once the test results are ready, your OCD will be matching the results with the limits and requirements set by Anatel. If the product complies with local regulations, the OCD will issue a certificate, called Certificado de Conformidade. This document is then submitted to Anatel, along with additional documentation that may be requested directly from the manufacturer.

If all paperwork is correct, with no inconsistency, Anatel will publish the homologation of the product, in a procedure similar to FCC’s.

The process may appear overwhelming but the best thing to do is to contact the OCD as soon as possible so they can manage it for you. As mentioned previously, Anatel homologations are a relatively simple process if conducted by the right company.