The Info-communications Media Development Authority (IMDA) has introduced an updated version of its Guide for Equipment Registration (IMDA GUIDE EQR), outlining the requirements for telecommunications equipment to be approved for sale and use in Singapore.
The framework continues to follow a Supplier’s Declaration of Conformity (SDoC) approach, placing responsibility on suppliers to ensure that their products meet all applicable regulatory and technical requirements before being placed on the market.
Registration Schemes
IMDA maintains a risk-based classification system for equipment registration, with three distinct pathways depending on the complexity and risk profile of the device:
- Enhanced Simplified Equipment Registration (ESER)
Applies to complex multi-line devices and certain short-range or low-power equipment. This pathway primarily relies on supplier self-declaration. - Simplified Equipment Registration (SER)
Covers commonly used products such as cellular mobile devices (including 5G, LTE, and GMPCS) and broadband access equipment. - General Equipment Registration (GER)
Required for higher-risk or emerging technologies, including cellular base stations and Ultra-Wideband (UWB) devices. Certification by an IMDA-recognised body is typically required.
Compliance and Supplier Responsibilities
Under the updated framework, suppliers are responsible for ensuring compliance with recognised international standards across key areas, including product safety, electromagnetic compatibility, and human exposure to electromagnetic fields.
In practice, this typically involves alignment with standards such as IEC 62368-1 for product safety, ICNIRP guidelines for electromagnetic field exposure, and CISPR 32 for electromagnetic compatibility.
Suppliers must also meet several administrative and technical obligations, including:
- Ensuring clear product identification through labelling of brand and model
- Retaining technical documentation and test reports for a minimum of five years
- Evaluating product changes, with significant technical modifications requiring re-registration
Validity and Renewal
Equipment registrations under the IMDA framework are valid for five years. Suppliers are required to submit renewal applications through the GoBusiness Licensing portal, typically at least two months prior to the expiry of the existing registration.
Scope Considerations
It is important to note that certain devices fall outside the scope of this framework. For example, equipment using overseas SIM cards for permanent roaming, such as some IoT or M2M applications, is not covered under the IMDA equipment registration regime.
How C-PRAV Can Support You
C-PRAV Singapore supports clients with IMDA equipment registration, including classification of devices under the appropriate scheme, preparation of technical documentation, and management of the registration process to ensure compliance with Singapore’s regulatory requirements.
Contact us today with any questions here or through our Singapore team at Singapore@C-PRAV.com.