On 27 May 2026, Chile’s Subsecretaría de Telecomunicaciones (SUBTEL), part of the Ministry of Transport and Telecommunications, published Resolución 966 EXENTA. The resolution amends Resolution 1.985 EXENTA of 2017, the technical standard governing Short Range Devices (Equipos de Alcance Reducido) in Chile.
The amendments modernise the framework to accommodate emerging radio technologies and reduce administrative friction for manufacturers, with particular relevance to the medical device sector and to product labelling.
Key Changes Introduced
New category for low-power active implantable medical devices
A new device category has been added to Article 1. Extremely low power active implantable medical devices operating in the 9–315 kHz frequency band are now permitted, provided the field strength does not exceed 30 dBµA/m (or its equivalent in dBµV/m) measured at 10 metres. This change responds to the growing international availability of implantable medical technology in this band.
Greater flexibility in QR code labelling
The previously fixed requirements for the QR code have been relaxed. The size of the QR code may now be freely determined by the responsible party, provided the minimum conditions for correct reading and functioning are preserved. Compliance with ISO/IEC 18004 is now recommended rather than mandatory, and the requirement for “square” modules has been replaced with free choice of design.
Updated submission of confidential technical documentation
To improve SUBTEL officials’ access to confidential or restricted information contained in test reports, the resolution introduces additional submission channels. Confidential test reports may now be sent by email to SUBTEL’s designated institutional mailbox as an alternative to publication, and may also be lodged through the Virtual Filing Office (Oficina de Partes Virtual), in each case quoting the relevant entry number (Número de Ingreso) and the equipment references.
What This Means for Industry
The amendments are designed to lower administrative barriers and ease market entry, especially for manufacturers of implantable medical and other low-power radio devices. Manufacturers placing Short Range Devices on the Chilean market should review their current product labelling designs to take advantage of the new QR code flexibility, and confirm their documentation submission processes align with the updated channels.
Manufacturers of active implantable medical devices operating in the 9–315 kHz band should verify that their products meet the defined field strength limit to benefit from the newly recognised category.
To read the official documentation (Spanish only), access below.
How C-PRAV Can Support You
C-PRAV supports manufacturers with global market access for radio and Short Range Devices, including Chile. Our team can assist with reviewing your product against the updated SUBTEL technical standard, EMC and radio testing, RF exposure assessment, labelling reviews, and the preparation and submission of technical documentation to ensure a smooth certification pathway into the Chilean market.
Have questions? We’re here to help.