• What is Type Approval?
• Why is Type Approval Necessary?
• How to Apply for Type Approval?
• Who should apply for Type Approval?
• What is Type Approval Certificate?

Under section 18 (1)(n) of the Information and Communication Technologies Act 2001, the ICT Authority has the statutory duty to ‘ensure the safety of every information and communication services including telecommunication service and for that purpose, determine technical standards for telecommunication network, the connection of customer equipment to telecommunication networks.  The Authority fulfils this function by requiring that all radio communication and telecommunications equipment, except those that have been designated for ‘free circulation’, are type approved before being marketed and used in Mauritius.

Why is Type Approval Necessary?

The main goal of the type approval procedure is to ensure that all radio communication and telecommunication equipment used in Mauritius comply with such international standards that are applicable in Mauritius.  Type approval of equipment also ensures, amongst other considerations that no sub – standard equipment which may represent health and safety hazards to consumers in general are operated in Mauritius.

Type approval further:

• protects consumers from products that are non – compatible with the local telecommunications network, and

• ensures that the operating frequency of all radio communication equipment is in conformance with  the frequency spectrum allocation plan in Mauritius so that no harmful interference is caused to essential services.

The ICT Authority’s procedure for Type Approval

The ICT Authority does not conduct any tests to confirm that equipment conforms to all the necessary standards.  Instead the Authority relies on the results of tests carried out by either the manufacturer or independent test houses.  Applicants are required to submit documentary evidence confirming that their equipment complies with all the necessary standards.

How to Apply for Type Approval?

Application for Type Approval should be made on the appropriate application form which may be downloaded from the website of the ICT Authority.

All radio communication and telecommunication equipment that are to be used in Mauritius must comply with International (ISO/IEC) or European (e.g. ETSI) standards with respect to:

• Electromagnetic Compatibility [more info]

• Safety Requirements [more info]

• Effective Use of radio frequency spectrum for radio communication equipment [more info]

• Interconnection with the local PSTN for telecommunication equipment to be interconnected with the PSTN [more info]

• In addition, mobile phones are required to comply with a Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) limit of 2 W/kg of tissue (averaged over 10 grams) in accordance with the Telecommunication Directive 1 of 2009.

A list of technical standards for telecommunication network and the connection of customer equipment to telecommunication networks may be consulted here.

The following documents must accompany the application for type approval:

• The original brochure of the equipment listing all the technical specifications, including operating frequency and maximum EIRP for radio communication equipment.

• Duly signed and dated Test Reports or Certificates of Compliance certifying compliance with international or European standards issued by accredited independent test houses or laboratories having tested or type approved the equipment.
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• Duly signed and dated Test Reports or Certificates of compliance certifying compliance with international standards issued by the manufacturer.

No request for type approval shall be processed unless and until all the required documents are submitted to the ICT Authority.

Who should apply for Type Approval?

Type approval may be requested by:

• A company/individual holding a valid Dealer’s Licence issued by the ICT Authority, in order to market the equipment in Mauritius.

What is Type Approval Certificate?

A Type Approval Certificate is issued upon successful Type Approval of a particular make and model of equipment.  The type approval certificate is not issued in the name of any person or company.  It only specifies the make and model of the type approved equipment.  The Type Approval certificate sets out the standards with which the equipment should comply and the terms and conditions to which the type approval is subject.

The Type Approval certificate also specifies parameters such as the operating frequency, maximum e.i.r.p, channel spacing for the equipment, as applicable.