ENACOM Certification

The process of acquiring ENACOM certification involves several key stages, designed to ensure that your product complies with Argentina’s technical and safety standards. From the initial assessment of your product to the final certification, each step is crucial for securing approval and access to the Argentine market.

Below is an outline of the major steps, from determining if your product needs certification to ensuring proper documentation, testing, and labeling are in place.

Initial Product Assessment

The first step is to determine whether your product requires ENACOM type approval. Typically, any product that uses technologies such as RF, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or satellite will need to go through the certification process. ENACOM accepts both new products and previously tested ones (such as those already certified under FCC or CE regulations).

Key considerations at this stage include:

Radio frequency usage: Products operating in restricted frequency bands (e.g., 800 MHz) will need more rigorous testing.
Device category: Products that interact with public telecom networks or use wireless communication technologies fall under ENACOM’s jurisdiction

 Local Representation

Foreign manufacturers are required to appoint a local representative in Argentina to handle the approval process. This representative will serve as the point of contact with ENACOM, ensuring that documentation, communication, and other necessary tasks are carried out efficiently.

Document Submission

Comprehensive documentation must be submitted as part of the certification application. This includes:

• Technical specifications: Full details of the device’s functionalities and design.
• User manuals: Documentation provided to end-users for proper operation.
• Test reports: Results from accredited labs, either from Argentina or recognized international labs (FCC or CE testing reports may be acceptable in some cases).
• Labeling plans: The proposed ENACOM ID label, including where it will be placed on the product.
• Declaration of conformity: A formal statement that the product complies with ENACOM’s regulatory standards
  

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   In-Country Testing

Most products require testing in accredited laboratories within Argentina to verify compliance with ENACOM’s technical standards. Depending on the product, one to three samples may be needed for evaluation. Testing ensures that the device functions correctly within Argentina’s network and does not interfere with other devices.

• Testing exemptions: Some products may be exempt from local testing if they meet certain criteria based on international certifications like CE or FCC, though this is assessed on a case-by-case basis
• Restricted frequencies: Devices operating in specific bands, such as 800 MHz, must undergo rigorous testing to ensure they comply with national regulations

 Modular and System-Level Approvals

In some cases, modular approvals or system-level approvals may be available, especially for devices that incorporate pre-approved components. This can help expedite the certification process by leveraging previously certified modules, reducing the need for redundant testing

Application Submission

Once all documentation and testing reports are complete, the local representative submits the full application to ENACOM. The application includes:

• Test results
• Technical documents
• Product samples (if required)
• The declaration of conformity

ENACOM will review the submission to ensure that the product meets the necessary technical and regulatory requirements

Certification and Approval

If the product passes the review, ENACOM will issue a Type Approval Certificate. This certificate is valid for three years, after which it needs to be renewed if the product remains on the market.

If there are significant changes in the product’s design or function, re-certification may be required even before the certificate expires