Frequently Asked Questions

Type Approvals

  1. What are the guiding documents on Device authorization/Type Approval?

    Answer: The following documents provide guidance for type approval in the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
    • NCC Type Approval Regulation http://www.ncc.gov.ng/licensing-regulatory/legal/regulations
    • NCC Type Approval Guidelines http://www.ncc.gov.ng/licensing-regulatory/legal/guidelines
    • The Nigerian Communications Act 2003 http://www.ncc.gov.ng/documents/128-nigerian-communications- act-2003/file

  2. Who can apply for equipment authorization in Nigeria?

    Answer: Any corporate bodies such as NCC Licensees, Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM), Vendors, Test Laboratories, Registered Companies etc. can apply for equipment Type Approval

  3. How can the Type Approval forms be obtained?

    Answer: From the NCC website simply click on the Header “Technology Regulation” and then under “Technical Standards” click “Application Forms” and download “Type Approval Application Forms” http://www.ncc.gov.ng/technology/standards/standards-applications

  4. Do we need the NCC type approval before importing to Nigeria?

    Answer: Yes, for all equipment with communication capabilities and that can be connected to a communication network in Nigeria.

  5. Where can one obtain the list of Type Approved Equipment?

    Answer: From the NCC website simply click on the Header “Technology Regulation” and then under “Technical Standards” click “Type Approval”. Scroll down and click on either “Approved Mobile Handsets” and or “Approved Communications Equipment” http://www.ncc.gov.ng/technology/standards/type-approval

  6. Can a SONCAP Certificate be used as equipment authorization?

    Answer: No, NCC Type approval is mandatory for all communications equipment to be imported for sale or deployment in Nigeria.

  7. What kind of devices must be subjected to the Type Approval Processes?

    Answer: Any and all telecommunication based devices including both radiation emitting and non-emitting devices are subject to the Type approval process. Some categories of devices to be type approved are (but not limited to the following) :
    • All telecoms terminal equipment collectively known as Radio and Telecommunications Terminal Equipment(RTTE) i.e. intentional and non-intentional radiators
    • Major Network Equipment like ISP Switches/MSC, BSC, nodeB, eNodeB, microwave equipment
    • Short Range Devices and Internet of Things (IOT) Products/Devices including Radio Equipment installed in vehicle, fridges, air conditioners etc.

  8. What is the current policy on labelling/e-labelling?

    Answer: The Commission encourages e-labelling in addition to the traditional on-the-product labelling.

  9. What is the NCC Policy regarding radios operating on 5GHz Band?

    Answer: There is a regulatory guideline for deployment of broadband services on the 5.2GHz – 5.9GHz. The guideline is found on the NCC website, please click the link below http://www.ncc.gov.ng/docman-main/legal-regulatory/guidelines/59- guidelines-for-deployment-of-broadband-services-on-the-5-2-5-9ghz- band/file Please note the following:
    • 5.3GHz Band : 5.25GHz-5.35GHz (License free)
    • 5.4GHz Band, 5.47GHz- 5.725GHz (Licensed Band, frequency license required for operation)
    • 5.8GHz Band: 5.725GHz- 5.857GHz ( License Free)

  10. Are tablets, and small computing devices operating on 5GHz Band permitted?

    Answer: Yes, they are permitted. During the Type Approval process, a declaration of conformity to the guideline on 5GHz operating frequency is required for Access Points, Point-to-Point and Point-to-Multipoint Radios etc. Please note that 5.4GHz Band (5.47GHz-5.75GHz) is a licensed band

  11. What is the current policy on submission of samples?

    Answer: As of now, the Commission only accepts portable terminal devices which includes but not limited to Mobile phones, Tablet PCs, Laptops, Cameras with Communication modules etc. in the Type approval process. Samples of other devices can be requested from applicants if and when necessary.

  12. How best to package an application?

    Answer: We recommend that an applicant include a soft copy of all their submission containing ALL the ETSI based Test-Reports in the following areas:
    • Health and Safety + SAR Test Report ( if applicable)
    • Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMS and EMI)
    • Effective Use of the Radio Spectrum
    and DoC along with a HARD COPY of the Application Form and covering letter addressed to:

    The Executive Vice Chairman/CEO,
    Nigerian Communications Commission,
    Plot 423, Aguiyi Ironsi Street,
    Maitama, Abuja, Nigeria.
    Attention: Director, Technical Standards and Network Integrity

  13. What is the policy on manuals?

    Answer: A hard-copy manual as part of the packaging is always encouraged.

  14. What is the current policy on Short Range Devices?

    Answer: The Commission is working on a guideline on the use of Short- Range Devices in Nigeria.

  15. Is use of In-country test laboratory mandatory?

    Answer: No, use of In-Country Test laboratory is not mandatory. However, tests must be carried out in accredited laboratories.

  16. Is Local Representative mandatory for the certificate?

    Answer: Local representative is not mandatory.

  17. What Test-Reports are accepted by the NCC?

    Answer: the NCC Type Approval Regulation and Guideline hinge basically on the European Norms. However, few extract from other standards such as the American Code of the Federal Regulation (CFR) Title 47 Part 15 B and C - Just few items under the article. Also, IEEE.802.11 family of WLAN Standards and Specifications can also be considered.

  18. What is the life span of the certificate i.e. the validity?

    Answer: NCC type approval certificate does not have an expiry date.

  19. Is NCC Identifier labelling of Type Approved Devices Mandatory?

    Answer: Yes, it is mandatory. However, while enforcement is yet to commence, you are notified that this may change at a moment's notice.

  20. What is the cost of Type Approval (TA) Process?

    Answer: Upon review of the application and device specifications, the equipment is characterized into certain billing classes which ultimately determines the statutory type approval fee.

  21. Can pre-payments be made in advance for Type Approval Applications?

    Answer: No, invoice payment can only be made after the review and approval of an application for Type Approval.

  22. When is a Type Approval application complete?

    Answer: An application can be checked for completeness by having the following:
    • NCC Receipt of Payment of Application Form Fee
    • Declaration of Conformity
    • A declaration showing conformity to the “Guidelines for Deployment of Broadband Services on the 5.2-5.9GHz Band”.
    • Duly signed cover letter on company letter head
    • CD Rom/USB flash containing the following:
    • Completed application form for type approval for connection of communications equipment (Form AP.03);
    • Test reports from accredited laboratories ;
    • A description of the intended use of the RTTE;
    • A list of the ETSI specifications with which the RTTE is designed to comply;
    • Copy of the RTTE user guide in English language;
    • Photographs of the external and internal feature

  23. Can we send application via email in order for you to start review immediately and ship softcopy CD via courier for your reference?

    Answer: Type Approval application through email is not accepted. Our policy for now is to only review applications that comes through the office of Executive Vice Chairman.

  24. Does NCC return Equipment samples after Type Approval application has been reviewed?

    Answer: No, NCC does not return equipment samples.