ANATEL – Approval Process & Compliance

Is ANATEL approval required for internal-use or development devices?

Yes. All radio and telecom equipment intended for operation in Brazil must be approved—even if used internally, for R&D, or not commercially sold.
Exceptions are limited to cases such as prototypes without RF transmission or equipment for in-house testing. Consult your OCD (Organismos de Certificação Designados) for case-specific guidance.

Is local representation mandatory for foreign manufacturers?

Yes. A local representative registered with a Brazilian CNPJ (company tax ID) must act as the applicant throughout the certification process.

Can FCC or CE test reports be used to speed up certification?

No. All required testing must be performed in Brazil at an ANATEL-accredited lab.
Foreign reports can support documentation but do not replace in-country testing.

What documents are needed for ANATEL certification?

You must submit technical files (block diagrams, product photos), user manuals in Portuguese, and specification sheets. A full list of required documents is available in the Required Documents module of the ANATEL Requirements page.

Are e-labels accepted?

Yes, for devices with a screen. E-labeling must follow specific usability rules and must be approved by the OCD during certification. For detailed guidance on placement, conditions, and documentation, see the ANATEL Labeling Requirements page.

Are GS1 codes mandatory for ANATEL approval?

Yes. Every product model must be assigned a unique EAN code registered with GS1 Brasil.
This code is used for traceability and is required for customs clearance.
For more details, refer to the section on EAN Codes and Product Database.

How long does the certification process take?

Standard duration is 6–10 weeks depending on the product type and documentation quality.
Complex devices or limited test lab capacity may extend the timeline to 12 weeks.

What happens if my certificate expires?

For Category I and II products, renewal must occur before expiration.
ANATEL grants a 180-day grace period. After that, full re-certification—including testing—is required.

Do firmware or software updates require re-approval?

Only if they affect RF behavior (e.g., power, frequency, modulation).
UI updates or minor functional changes typically do not require OCD notification but should be reviewed when in doubt.

What if the label is modified after certification?

Any changes to label format, content, or position must be reviewed and approved by the OCD before product release.

Can I use the same certification for variants or product families?

Only if the variants are technically identical and were declared in the original submission. Otherwise, a new certification or amendment may be required.

What if my product is modified after certification?

All hardware or firmware changes that affect RF behavior must be reported to the OCD.
The OCD will assess whether an update, amendment, or full recertification is required.
Minor changes that do not impact radio parameters typically do not require action—but always confirm with your OCD.
More on this under Product Modifications.

Are embedded modules or components also subject to approval?

Yes. Even if not accessible to end users, wireless modules (e.g., BLE, Zigbee, Wi-Fi) must be certified independently.

What are the labeling requirements for very small devices?

If physical space is limited, only the ANATEL ID may be printed on the device, with full label content placed in the manual.
E-labeling is also possible if conditions are met.