How to get DAB Certification?

In the growing Middle Eastern market for automobiles and auto parts, Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB) technology has become increasingly popular in the automotive sector due to its high-quality sound, multi-channel capabilities, and additional services. For automakers and component suppliers, understanding and meeting certification requirements is essential for market entry.

Mandatory DAB Regulations in Gulf Countries (Effective from MY2025)

Different Gulf countries have specific DAB certification regulations:

- United Arab Emirates (UAE): UAE.S 5021:2018

- Saudi Arabia: SASO 2938:2019

- GCC (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Yemen, Qatar): GSO 2693:2022

Note: CST refers to the Communication and Information Technology Commission (CITC) of Saudi Arabia.

DAB+ Certification Application Process, Timeline, and Sample Requirements (Example: UAE)

Certification Purpose

- Ensure that in-vehicle DAB equipment meets UAE’s quality and performance standards.

- Improve the safety, stability, and user experience of in-car DAB systems.

- Meet UAE’s market entry requirements to facilitate local sales.

Key Reference Standards

- UAE.S 5021:2018 – Issued by ESMA (Emirates Authority for Standardization and Metrology), defining technical specifications, testing methods, and certification procedures for DAB+ receivers.

- ETSI EN 300 401 and Sub-standards – Issued by ETSI (European Telecommunications Standards Institute), setting technical and testing requirements for digital audio broadcasting systems.

Certification Items

- Hardware & Software Assessment – Evaluating the receiver, controller, display, and software functionalities.

- Performance testing – Testing signal reception sensitivity, interference resistance, and audio quality.

- Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Testing – Ensuring the device’s stability and compliance in an electromagnetic environment.

- Safety Testing – Checking compliance with safety regulations and standards.

Required Documentation

- Product Manual – Description of product functions, performance, and usage.

- Technical Specifications – Covering product technical parameters, design principles, and manufacturing processes.

- Test Reports – Issued by accredited laboratories, proving compliance with relevant standards.

- Additional Documents – Such as business licenses, production permits, and quality management system certifications.

Certification Process

1. Submit Application – Provide a DAB certification application along with relevant documents to the UAE certification authority.

2. Preliminary Review – The authority checks for completeness and accuracy.

3. Testing & Evaluation – Conducted by China’s JJR Laboratory, including:

 - Compliance assessment with technical standards

 - Performance testing

 - emc testing

 - Safety evaluation

 - Required test samples: Main unit, DAB box, screen, speakers, and radio antenna.

4. Certification Approval – If the product meets DAB standards, the certification authority issues the certification or label.

Certification Validity

- Typically three years.

- During this period, manufacturers can label products with the certification mark.

- After expiration, re-certification is required to comply with updated standards.

Radio Frequency (RF) Compliance for Smart Automotive Components in the Middle East

For automotive components with DAB+ technology (e.g., DAB boxes, external units, embedded systems) to enter GCC countries, they must obtain:

1. DAB certification reports/certificates.

2. RF wireless certification.

3. CE RED certification before applying for national RF certifications.

RF Certification Requirements in Middle Eastern Countries

- UAE: Requires RF certification from TRA (valid for 3 years).

- Bahrain: Requires RF certification from TRA, held by a local company (valid for 3 years).

- Saudi Arabia: Requires RF certification from CST, held by either the manufacturer or a local company (valid for 2 years).

- Oman: Requires RF certification from TRA, held by a local company (valid indefinitely).

- Qatar: Requires RF certification from ICT, held by the manufacturer (valid indefinitely).

- Kuwait: Requires RF certification from CITRA, held by the manufacturer (valid for 1 year).

- Yemen: Requires RF certification from MoTIT, held by a local company (valid for 1 year).

- Iraq: Requires RF certification from CMC, held by a local company (valid for 1 year).

- Jordan: Requires RF certification from TRC, held by a local company (valid for 1 year).

- Israel: Requires RF certification from MOC, held by a local company (valid for 2 years).