ANATEL Short Range Devices (SRD)

• ANATEL approval is required for all short-range wireless devices before import, sale, or use in Brazil.

• Testing must be conducted locally at ANATEL-accredited labs; FCC/CE reports are not sufficient.

• Frequency bands, modulation types, and device categories define the technical requirements.

• Labeling obligations vary based on accessibility, form factor, and product integration.

• Firmware control and dual-radio devices require careful configuration and coordination with the Designated Certification Body (OCD).

Short-range wireless technologies such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Zigbee, and Ultra-Wideband (UWB) are widely used in consumer electronics, industrial systems, and automotive applications. In Brazil, these devices are classified as restricted radiation radiocommunication equipment and must be approved by ANATEL prior to importation, sale, or operation.

The following sections explain the regulatory requirements for market access in Brazil—covering applicable frequency ranges, testing and certification obligations, labeling rules, and integration scenarios for consumer, embedded, and automotive use cases.

Use the quick summary above to jump directly to the most relevant section.

Frequency Ranges

• 2.4 GHz: Bluetooth (BLE: Bluetooth Low Energy, Classic), Zigbee, Wi-Fi

• 5 GHz / 6 GHz: Wi-Fi only (subject to Dynamic Frequency Selection (DFS) and indoor-only rules)

• 3.1–10.6 GHz: Ultra-Wideband (UWB), permitted for automotive use only (Act No. 423/2024)

Regulatory References

• Act No. 14448 – Defines technical requirements for restricted radiation devices

• Resolution No. 715/2019 – Specifies conformity assessment procedures

• Act No. 423/2024 – Updates Act No. 14448 to include UWB usage in vehicles

All SRD devices must undergo a conformity assessment coordinated by a Designated Certification Body (OCD). The required testing must be conducted at an ANATEL-accredited laboratory in Brazil.

Depending on the device type and use case, testing typically includes:

• RF output power, occupied bandwidth, and spurious emissions

• Hopping behavior (Classic Bluetooth only)

• Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and electrical safety

• Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) testing for body-worn or handheld devices

• Safety testing for battery-powered or AC-powered devices

FCC or CE test reports may be referenced to support technical documentation, but they cannot replace mandatory local testing in Brazil.

Bluetooth technologies—including Classic (BR/EDR) and Low Energy (LE)—are commonly used in SRD applications such as portable speakers, smart wearables, and embedded IoT modules.

Under ANATEL regulations, Bluetooth devices must:

• operate within the 2.4 GHz ISM band

• undergo full conformity assessment coordinated by an OCD

• comply with RF output, EMC, and (for Classic) hopping behavior requirements

• meet SAR and electrical safety rules where applicable

• be assigned to Category I, even when embedded

The relevant testing scope, category assignment, and labeling rules are detailed in the tables above.

For an international overview of Bluetooth certification and regulatory frameworks, visit the Bluetooth Technology page.

UWB is regulated in Brazil as part of the national framework for restricted radiation devices ("equipamentos de radiação restrita"), which includes various short-range wireless technologies such as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. Technical and procedural requirements are defined in Act No. 14448/2017 and its amendments—most recently updated by Act No. 423/2024, which formally authorized UWB use in vehicles.

UWB devices intended for use in Brazil must:

• Operate within the permitted bands: 3100–3300 MHz and 3700–10,600 MHz

• Comply with the spectral density limit of –41.3 dBm/MHz EIRP

• Demonstrate a minimum bandwidth of 500 MHz

• Be installed in vehicles in accordance with Act No. 423/2024

• Be certified by an ANATEL-designated Certification Body (OCD)

• Undergo local testing in Brazil—FCC reports may support but not replace certification

• Include Portuguese documentation and labeling as required by ANATEL rules

Note: Current authorization covers only automotive UWB applications. General consumer devices such as smartphones or trackers are not yet included. UWB implementations in vehicles must still meet the national certification requirements and be validated by an OCD.

→ See also: Ultra-Wideband – Technology and Compliance

All ANATEL-certified SRD devices must carry a label that enables clear identification and traceability. The labeling method depends on the device type, size, and accessibility.

Label Content

• ANATEL logo

• Homologation number (e.g., 12345-24-9876)

• Barcode (optional, commonly used for logistics)

Label Format

• Printed directly on the product

• Engraved into the casing

• Durable adhesive label

Label Placement

• On the device housing, rear panel, or battery compartment

• If insufficient space: approval ID on device, full label in user manual

• E-label permitted for devices with displays (e.g., wearables), subject to OCD approval

For detailed design specifications, including electronic labeling (e-label), refer to the full page: ANATEL Labeling Requirements

Depending on the integration scenario, SRD devices may require specific labeling approaches and test scopes. Below are typical applications and associated considerations.

1. Consumer Devices

Examples: Bluetooth speakers, Wi-Fi access points, battery-powered IoT devices

• Label typically placed on underside, casing, or battery compartment

• Electrical safety testing required for battery-powered or AC devices

• SAR testing may be needed for body-worn or handheld use

• For consumer-facing products, the user manual must be fully localized in Brazilian Portuguese

2. Automotive Integration

Examples: BLE gateway module, 5 GHz Wi-Fi in infotainment systems

• Label may be included in the vehicle’s owner manual if module is not accessible

• GS1 registration and full ANATEL certification remain mandatory

• SAR testing usually not required if module is not body-proximate

• Wi-Fi modules in the 5 GHz band must comply with DFS requirements

3. Embedded OEM Modules

Examples: Zigbee sensor in HVAC system, BLE chip in medical device, Wi-Fi module in industrial controller

• Labeling may be placed in the device’s technical documentation

• Full certification required even without direct end-user access

• Applicant must define the use scenario and configuration for OCD review

• Category II may apply if the module is low-risk and not user-facing

Certain SRD devices may trigger additional regulatory requirements depending on their configuration or lifecycle updates.

Firmware Configuration

User access to RF settings (e.g., frequency bands, output power) must be permanently disabled in end-user operation. Configurable parameters must be secured against unauthorized modification—either by locking them in firmware or by requiring developer-level access.

If the product supports region selection, output tuning, or adaptive transmission behavior, such functions must be controlled at the system level and preconfigured for the Brazilian market.
The OCD may request verification of RF settings through documentation, firmware inspection, or a user interface walkthrough.

Combined Devices (e.g., Wi-Fi + Bluetooth)

Each radio technology must be evaluated for compliance. Depending on integration, combined assessments may be possible if approved by the OCD. Dual-mode or multi-radio devices require individual testing and approval for each technology used.

Software and Firmware Updates

Any updates that affect RF behavior—such as frequency range, modulation, or output power—must be evaluated by the OCD. Minor updates that do not impact radio performance generally do not require recertification, but the OCD must be consulted if there is uncertainty.

For a complete overview of Brazilian market access requirements, including certification pathways, documentation rules, and technology-specific guidance, see:

• ANATEL Requirements – Overview

• Certification Services for Brazil

Need support? Our experts are available to help with SRD testing, certification, and documentation in compliance with ANATEL regulations.