How to get South African ICASA Certification ?

icasa certification is a mandatory type approval process that all radio frequency (RF) and telecommunications equipment intended for sale or use in South Africa must undergo. This certification ensures that products comply with the safety, performance, and technical standards set by the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA).

Objective: To protect the integrity of South Africa's communication infrastructure and ensure user safety.

Regulatory Authority

The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) is the body responsible for regulating the communications industry, including telecommunications, broadcasting, and postal services. ICASA ensures that all equipment used within these industries meets specific regulatory and technical standards to facilitate effective communication and prevent interference.

Products Requiring ICASA Certification

①　Mobile phones and tablets

②　Wi-Fi and Bluetooth devices

③　Radio communication equipment

④　Broadcasting equipment

⑤　Industrial and scientific equipment with radio functionality

 ICASA Type Approval Process

The ICASA certification process consists of several key stages, covering tests on the performance, electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), and safety of RF and telecommunications equipment, as detailed below:

(I) Testing Phase

①　Performance testing: Verify that the equipment complies with the technical standards specified by ICASA.

②　Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Testing: Includes emission and immunity tests to ensure the equipment does not cause interference to other devices.

③　Safety Testing: Ensure the equipment is safe to use and does not pose any hazards.

(II) Application Process

Registration

①　Applicants must register as equipment suppliers in the ICASA database. Only entities registered in South Africa are eligible for registration.

②　Registration is a one-time process with no additional fees.

③　If there are changes to supplier information, ICASA must be notified and the details updated within 30 days.

Application Submission

①　Submit the application form, required documents, and conformity test reports.

②　Pay the non-refundable application fee.

③　ICASA may request representative samples for testing.

Types of Type Approval

(I) Standard Type Approval

①　Scope of Application: Equipment that has not previously geted ICASA approval.

②　Required Documents: Test reports, proof of payment, equipment photos, user manuals, functional descriptions, schematics, and other documents as may be requested by ICASA.

③　Outcome: Successful applicants receive a Type Approval Certificate; unsuccessful applicants receive a rejection letter with reasons.

(II) Simplified Type Approval

①　Scope of Application: Equipment already listed in ICASA's Type Approval Register.

②　Requirements: No test report is required, but the equipment must be identical to the previously approved version. Representative samples may still be requested.

(III) Temporary Type Approval

①　Validity Period: Up to 6 months, applicable for non-commercial purposes such as testing, demonstration, or research.

②　Required Documents: Purpose of testing, details of the entity conducting the test, details of the recipient, duration of testing, geographical area, and proof of payment.

③　Subsequent Requirements: Test reports must be submitted to ICASA within 30 days of the license expiration; if full type approval is not applied for, all equipment used during the temporary period must be withdrawn.

Applicable Standards

①　ICASA only recognizes standards issued by accredited standardization bodies. Equipment must comply with the technical standards listed in the technical regulations.

②　Test reports must be issued by Accredited Testing Laboratories (ATLs), and must be complete and unaltered.

Marking Information

(I) Certificate Number Format

The format of the certificate number issued by ICASA is TAXXXX-YYYY, where:

①　TA stands for Type Approval

②　XXXX is the year of issuance of the Type Approval Certificate (e.g., 2011)

③　YYYY is the serial number assigned by the authority

(II) Label Requirements

①　The South African ICASA label must be displayed in accordance with regulations.

②　Electronic labels may be used as an alternative (in compliance with Regulation 3(4)), and the documentation accompanying the equipment must clearly specify how users can access the label.

③　Detailed label information requirements can be geted by downloading the document provided at the end of this article.

Key Information Summary

ICASA Label Guidelines: https://bohao.wsqytec.com/link.html?type=f&id=cec6813891334d468617434badc09dd5