ANATEL Market Access & Import Rules

• No radio or telecom device may be imported, sold, or used in Brazil without valid ANATEL homologation.

• Customs clearance requires an active homologation number and a GS1 Brasil–registered EAN code.

• A legal entity in Brazil (CNPJ holder) must act as the applicant and importer of record.

• Temporary imports (e.g., prototypes or trade shows) must be pre-declared and require OCD coordination or ANATEL authorization.

• Non-compliant imports may be blocked, seized, or penalized under Brazilian law.

The Brazilian Telecommunications Law (Lei Geral de Telecomunicações – LGT) and ANATEL Resolution No. 715/2019 establish the legal obligation for all radio and telecom equipment to obtain approval before entering the Brazilian market.

Additional administrative rules apply, including ANATEL Act No. 7280/2020 and related normative acts.

Key obligations include:

• Product approval via ANATEL’s certification system (SGCH)

• Conformity labeling with an official homologation number

• Implementation of traceability measures, including EAN code registration with GS1 Brasil

Customs clearance is only granted if the product:

• Is registered in ANATEL’s national certification database (SGCH)

• Bears a valid homologation number as required by ANATEL’s labeling rules

• Has an EAN code that has been duly registered with GS1 Brasil and linked to the certified product

Required elements at the time of import include:

• A certificate of conformity issued by the OCD

• Valid company registration (CNPJ)

• GS1 barcode registration linked to the certified product

• Shipping and packaging documents that clearly reference the ANATEL homologation number

Note: The ANATEL homologation (official listing) and the certificate of conformity (issued by the OCD) are distinct documents. Both are required for legal importation.

Certain exemptions or temporary imports may be granted in limited cases:

• Prototypes not intended for sale (R&D, internal testing)

• Equipment for exhibitions or trade shows

• Spare parts for certified devices (under strict control)

These must be declared in advance and approved by the OCD or ANATEL where applicable. Supporting documentation is mandatory.

In some cases, ANATEL may accept test reports from foreign laboratories—but only if the lab is formally recognized and the product category allows it.
This exception must be confirmed with the OCD and does not apply to most consumer devices or RF-critical technologies.

For clarification, see the FAQ on FCC or CE test reports.

Importing uncertified equipment may lead to:

• Customs blockage or product seizure

• Fines and legal sanctions

• Suspension of import rights

• Market recall or prohibition of sales

The Celular Legal program actively tracks and disables unauthorized telecom equipment sold or activated in Brazil. The program is designed to prevent the use of non-certified mobile and wireless devices by deactivating them at the network level.

Example:
A shipment of Wi-Fi-enabled smart plugs was denied customs clearance because the packaging lacked the required ANATEL homologation ID and the associated EAN code had not been registered with GS1 Brasil.

For more detailed information on certification procedures, labeling, and product categories, refer to the following resources:

• ANATEL Requirements – Overview

• ANATEL Labeling Requirements

• Certification Services for Brazil

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