SRRC Type Approval – Overview

• SRRC certification is mandatory for radio transmitters operating in regulated bands or exceeding micro-power thresholds.

• All required testing must be performed in China at MIIT-designated laboratories.

• Certified devices must display a CMIIT ID with approved labeling format and placement.

• Frequency allocations and power limits differ from EU/US standards; many common bands are not license-free.

• Filing must be submitted through the MIIT portal, which only accepts accounts linked to a Chinese legal entity. Foreign manufacturers therefore need a local representative.

The State Radio Regulation of China (SRRC), under the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), oversees spectrum management and grants type approval for radio equipment. Certification must be completed before any wireless product can be imported, sold, or operated in China, and is regulated independently of certifications such as CCC (safety and EMC) or NAL (network access).

Key Legal Instruments

• Administrative Measures on the Use of Radio Frequencies (MIIT Order No. 35)

• Provisions on the Type Approval of Radio Transmission Equipment (latest revision)

• National Frequency Allocation Table (NFAT) – Defines permitted frequency use and licensing conditions

Type approval is required for:

• Any wireless device transmitting above MIIT-defined micro‑power limits

• Operation in regulated frequency bands

• Technologies such as Wi‑Fi, Bluetooth, and cellular IoT radios (e.g., LoRa, 5G modules)

Micro‑power short‑range devices (SRDs) may be exempt if they operate within strict technical limits and carry the official MIIT labeling notice.

Radio equipment subject to SRRC approval must undergo formal type testing in mainland China before it can be imported, sold, or distributed. The process typically involves submission of technical documents, in-country testing, and labeling with a CMIIT ID for traceability. Testing must be conducted at MIIT-authorized laboratories, and foreign test reports are not accepted.

1. Application Submission

Applications are filed via the MIIT/SRRC online portal.
Required elements include:

• Signed commitment letter

• Business license (if a Chinese applicant is used)

• Power of attorney (if applying on behalf of a foreign OEM)

2. Technical Documentation Package

Documentation must demonstrate RF compliance and product integrity. Typical contents:

• Block diagrams, schematics, PCB layout

• Internal and external product photos, label mock-up

• Frequency range, modulation, and power specifications

• User manual in Chinese or bilingual format

• ISO 9001 certificate or equivalent

• Antenna specifications (especially for modules)

3. In-Country Testing

Testing is conducted by MIIT-accredited labs in China. Scope includes:

• Output power, frequency accuracy, bandwidth, and spurious emissions

• DFS / TPC for 5 GHz Wi-Fi

• Frequency hopping behavior for Bluetooth (if applicable)

• Final report in Chinese issued to the applicant

The State Radio Regulation of China (SRRC) defines binding rules for frequency allocation and transmission power limits applicable to all radio devices operating in the country.

While many Chinese frequency bands overlap with internationally recognized ISM allocations, the technical limits, usage conditions, and licensing requirements often differ significantly from EU or US frameworks.

Manufacturers must ensure compliance with Chinese frequency regulations—especially in the sub-GHz range, which is essential for IoT applications but often subject to stricter or non-harmonized rules.

Wireless communication devices in China may only operate license-free within clearly defined frequency bands and power limits. Even within those ranges, it must be ensured that no harmful interference is caused—particularly in low-power applications.

In most cases, SRRC type approval is required before devices can be imported, marketed, or operated—even if they use license-free spectrum. Certification ensures compliance with Chinese regulations regarding spectrum usage and technical characteristics.

Only certain ultra-low-power devices are exempt from this requirement—typically if explicitly released by the MIIT, clearly labeled, and operated within strict limits for frequency, power, and duty cycle.

Devices that exceed these thresholds or use other frequency bands are legally subject to SRRC certification.

As of 1 December 2023, newly approved radio devices must use a 12-character alphanumeric CMIIT ID, replacing the older 10-character format. This change was introduced by the MIIT to standardize device identification across categories.

The new encoding structure is defined in MIIT notice 工信厅无〔2023〕47号 and summarized in IB-Lenhardt AG, 2023 update.

CMIIT ID: 24J44A1BC123

→ 24 = Year | J = Device type | 44 = Region | A1B = Enterprise | C123 = Serial code

To ensure compliance with Chinese radio regulations, several parties are involved in the SRRC certification process and the subsequent import of radio equipment. The table below outlines the main actors and their responsibilities within the approval and market entry framework.

To legally import and market SRRC-certified radio products in China:

• The product must have a valid SRRC certificate.

• A CMIIT ID must be visibly affixed to the device, packaging, or documentation.

• All submitted documentation must match the approved version.

• The application must be submitted by a Chinese legal entity, as required by the MIIT online portal. Foreign applicants usually appoint a local partner.

• The product must be listed in the official SRRC certification database.

• Customs will verify the CMIIT ID and labeling during clearance and may block non-compliant products.

Tip:
For prototypes, exhibition units, or modules not sold independently, import may still be permitted under restricted or exempted conditions. Always confirm such cases in advance with your local importer and certification contact to avoid customs delays.

For SRRC certificate tracking, CMIIT ID management, and regulatory documentation, explore TAMSys® – our Type Approval Management System.
Need support with SRRC approval or market access in China? Our team will guide you through every step.
→ Get in touch with our SRRC project lead