Lebanon’s Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) has issued a clarification that simplifies how telecom-enabled equipment is certified for the Lebanese market. In Notification TRA/PRE/327-020926, dated 2 September 2026 (“Clarification of Type Approval Procedure for Telecom-Enabled Equipment”), the TRA confirmed that type approval applications are filed in the manufacturer’s name and that the resulting certificate can be relied upon by all importers of the same approved product.
For manufacturers and importers, this removes a significant source of duplication in bringing telecom equipment into Lebanon.
What the Clarification Says
The TRA’s clarification establishes two key points:
- Certificates are issued in the manufacturer’s name. Type approval applications are submitted, and certificates issued, directly in the name of the equipment or component manufacturer (or an authorised representative acting on the manufacturer’s behalf).
- One certificate covers all importers. Once a type approval certificate is granted for a specific model, all importers bringing that identical approved product into Lebanon can rely on the same certificate. The presence of multiple distributors, official representatives, or importers does not require separate approvals or duplicated applications for the same product.
In effect, ownership of the compliance certificate sits with the manufacturer, and a single approval can serve the whole distribution chain for that product.
Why This Matters
Previously, the involvement of multiple importers could lead to duplicated type approval filings for the same product. By confirming that one manufacturer-held certificate covers all importers of the identical product, the TRA has streamlined market entry and reduced unnecessary repetition of the certification process.
This clarification comes against the backdrop of a broader overhaul of Lebanon’s type approval framework in 2026. Responsibility for type approval moved from the Ministry of Telecommunications (MoT) to the TRA, making the TRA the sole authority for authorising telecommunications and radio equipment in Lebanon. As part of that transition, previously issued MoT certificates ceased to be valid and required re-submission through the TRA, and a “TRA Approved” conformity label was introduced for certified products.
Points to Confirm With the TRA
Because this is a procedural clarification layered onto a recently changed framework, manufacturers and importers should confirm the following against the full official text or directly with the TRA:
- Whether importers must still hold a valid TRA import/manufacture licence for the relevant equipment class.
- Who is responsible for purchasing and affixing the TRA conformity labels under the manufacturer-based model.
- Whether the standard certificate validity period continues to apply to manufacturer-issued certificates.
- How any importer-specific certificates already issued earlier in 2026 will be treated.
What Manufacturers and Importers Should Do Now
Businesses placing telecom-enabled equipment on the Lebanese market should:
- Plan type approval applications in the manufacturer’s name (or via an authorised representative) so a single certificate can serve all importers of that product.
- Avoid duplicate filings where multiple importers or distributors handle the same approved model.
- Confirm the outstanding procedural points above with the TRA to ensure import licensing, labelling, and validity are handled correctly.
- Ensure certified products carry the required TRA conformity label for market access.
How C-PRAV Can Support You
C-PRAV helps manufacturers and importers achieve global market access for radio, wireless, and telecom products, including TRA type approval for the Lebanese market. Our team can determine the certification pathway for your equipment, prepare and file your type approval in the manufacturer’s name, coordinate the required documentation and labelling, and confirm the current procedural requirements with the TRA, helping you enter the Lebanese market efficiently and without duplicated approvals.
Have questions? We’re here to help.