Anatel Certification

Anatel certification is the mandatory "passport" for any telecommunications hardware entering the Brazilian market. It is a dual-stage process ensuring that every device—from a Bluetooth earbud to a 5G base station—adheres to national standards for:

• Radiofrequency Management: Preventing interference with national security and telecom networks.
• Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC): Ensuring devices function in proximity without disruption.
• Consumer Safety: Testing for battery stability and electrical surges.
• Network Integrity: Guaranteeing seamless integration with local carriers.

Anatel divides equipment into three regulatory classes. If your product transmits or connects, it likely falls here:

• End-User Devices (Category I): Mobile phones, Li-ion batteries, chargers, and modems.
• RF Transmitting Equipment (Category II): Wi-Fi routers, Bluetooth devices, antennas, and RFID equipment.
• Infrastructure & Passive Components (Category III): Fiber optic cables, connectors, and network switches.
• Emerging Sectors (New): Data centers integrated into telecom networks and refurbished equipment are now under mandatory oversight.

To prevent delays, your "Technical Construction File" must be impeccable. All documents must be provided in Portuguese:

• Legal: Brazilian Local Representative details (CNPJ) and a signed Power of Attorney.
• Technical: Block diagrams, internal/external high-res photos, and circuit schematics.
• Operational: User manual and technical specifications localized for the Brazilian market.
• Manufacturing: ISO 9001 Certificate for the factory (mandatory for Category I).
• Tracking: A unique GS1/EAN barcode registered specifically for the Brazilian model.

1. Select an OCD: Appoint a Designated Certification Body to manage your project.
2. Sample Import: Send a strictly defined number of samples to Brazil under the new Act 18.086 rules.
3. In-Country Testing: Conduct tests at an accredited Brazilian lab. Note: FCC/CE reports are supportive but do not replace local testing.
4. OCD Review: The OCD evaluates the lab reports and issues a Certificate of Conformity.
5. Anatel Homologation: The certificate is uploaded to the Anatel SGCH system for final government approval.
6. Labeling: Affix the official Anatel seal and ID to your product.

Success in Brazil requires patience. While timelines vary by lab availability, a standard project generally follows this rhythm:

• Testing & Analysis: 4 to 6 weeks.
• OCD Review & Issuance: 2 to 3 weeks.
• Anatel Final Approval: 1 to 2 weeks.
• Total Estimate: 8 to 12 weeks for new certifications.
• Expedited Tip: Pre-translating manuals and ensuring factory ISOs are current can shave 15 days off the process.

Budgeting for Anatel requires looking beyond the government fee. Costs are split into:

• Lab Fees: The largest portion, varying by technology (e.g., 5G testing is significantly more expensive than Bluetooth).
• OCD Management: Professional fees for the certification body.
• Anatel Homologation Fee: The official government tax for issuing the certificate.
• Maintenance: Expect to pay roughly 30-50% of initial costs for renewals.

Certification is not a one-time event for most products.

• Category I: Requires annual renewal including simplified testing.
• Category II: Requires renewal every 2 years.
• Category III: Typically permanent (no renewal required) unless the hardware design changes.
• The 180-Day Rule: If a certificate is expired for more than 6 months, you cannot renew it; you must start a brand-new application from scratch, including full testing.