Which Products Need NBTC Certification to Enter Thailand?

What is nbtc certification?

As Chinese companies accelerate their expansion into the Thai market, an increasing number of electronic products, smart devices, and communication equipment are entering Thailand for sale. However, before exporting their products, many companies often only focus on certifications like FDA and TISI, while overlooking a crucial market entry threshold—NBTC certification.

In fact, as long as a product involves wireless communication or radio frequency (RF) transmission/reception functions, it may need to obtain NBTC certification before entering the Thai market. Otherwise, not only will it fail to clear customs normally, but it may also face risks such as detention of goods, return of shipments, or even administrative penalties.

So, what exactly is NBTC? Which products must apply for it? And how should companies go about applying?

What is NBTC?

NBTC stands for the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission of Thailand.

Its primary responsibility is to regulate radio frequencies, broadcasting, television, and telecommunications equipment within Thailand, ensuring that electronic communication products meet Thailand's technical standards and do not cause interference with local communication networks.

Simply put:

As long as a product involves wireless signal transmission or reception, you need to first confirm whether it falls under NBTC's regulatory scope.

Only after obtaining NBTC certification can the product be legally imported, sold, and put into use.

Which Products Require NBTC Certification?

Generally, the following products may require NBTC certification:

Mobile Phones & Mobile Communication Devices

• 4G Mobile Phones

• 5G Mobile Phones

• Satellite Phones

• Tablet Computers (with SIM card slots)

Wi-Fi & Network Equipment

• Routers

• Access Points (AP)

• Mesh Devices

• Wi-Fi Modules

Bluetooth Devices

• Bluetooth Earphones

• Bluetooth Speakers

• Bluetooth Keyboards and Mice

• Bluetooth Remote Controls

Smart Wearable Devices

• Smartwatches

• Smart Bands

• GPS Trackers

Smart Home Devices

• Smart Door Locks

• Smart Cameras

• Smart Switches

• Smart Sockets

IoT (Internet of Things) Devices

• NB-IoT Devices

• LTE Modules

• 5G Communication Modules

• RFID Devices

Other Wireless Communication Devices

• Walkie-talkies

• Wireless Monitoring Equipment

• Wireless Alarms

• Wireless TV Receivers

The judging criterion is actually very simple:

If the product uses wireless technologies such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, LTE, 5G, RFID, or NFC, it usually requires an NBTC compliance assessment.

What are the Types of NBTC Certification?

Depending on the product category, NBTC certification is mainly divided into the following three types:

1. sdoc (Supplier's Declaration of Conformity)

Applicable to:

• Wi-Fi Devices

• Bluetooth Devices

• IoT Devices

• Short-range Wireless Devices

Features:

• Relatively simple process

• Fast review speed

• Lower cost

2. Class A Registration

Applicable to some special wireless devices:

• RFID Devices

• DECT Phones

• Special Frequency Devices

• Some Industrial Communication Devices

Features:

• Requires the submission of more detailed technical documents

• Stricter requirements for frequency parameters

3. Class B Certification

This is a full certification mode.

Applicable to:

• Smartphones

• Tablet Computers

• LTE Modules

• 5G Communication Devices

• Telecom Carrier-grade Equipment

Features:

• Strictest technical review

• Most testing items

• Relatively longer processing time

What Documents Are Required for NBTC Certification?

Companies typically need to prepare the following:

Technical Documents

• Product Specifications

• Datasheet

• User Manual

• Product Photos

• Circuit Diagrams (for certain products)

Test Reports

• RF (Radio Frequency) Test Report

• EMC (Electromagnetic Compatibility) Test Report

• Safety Test Report

Company Documents

• Company Business License

• Power of Attorney (POA)

• Declaration of Conformity (DoC)

• Information of the Local Authorized Representative in Thailand

NBTC Certification Process

• Step 1: Confirm Product Category – Determine what kind of wireless communication technology the product uses.

• Step 2: Confirm Certification Type – Determine whether the product falls under SDoC, Class A, or Class B.

• Step 3: Prepare Test Reports – Compile product test data and technical documents.

• Step 4: Submit Application – Submit the certification application to the NBTC.

• Step 5: Technical Review – The NBTC reviews the product's technical parameters and test results.

• Step 6: Obtain Certification Certificate – Receive the NBTC certification number.

• Step 7: Product Import and Sales – After completing the labeling, the product can legally enter the Thai market.

Summary

For companies planning to export mobile phones, Bluetooth devices, Wi-Fi equipment, smart home devices, and IoT products, confirming product regulatory requirements in advance and completing the NBTC certification can not only avoid customs clearance risks but also help products enter the Thai market faster and ensure compliant business operations.