International Regulatory Telecom and Safety Approval

Argentina

For information on FCC, CE Mark or International Approvals 

Call CSIA now to find out how:  (503) 482-9289

or e-mail us at   quotes@csiassoc.com

Is country specific certification required or is CE/FCC approval sufficient?

  • Country specific certification required


What is the lead time to obtain type approval?


  • 10-12 weeks


Are there any marking or logo requirements?


  • Yes


Is in country testing required or can we leverage existing FCC or CE test reports?


  • Many products do require in country testing. ContactCSIA for more details.


What are the types of equipment that would require approval in this country?


  • Most products using telecom technology such as WIFI, Bluetooth, cellular and satellite.


Do I need an in country local representative or local certificate holder?


  • For telecom approvals yes, for safety approvals no.


Synapse of type approval in Argentina

(January 2016) After an intervention by decree of the Minister of Telecommunications which removed the authority of AFTIC, the Argentina regulator AFTIC has officially merged with AFSCA (entity in charge of the media), and the new entity is called ENACOM (Ente Nacional de Comunicaciones).

The type approval process in Argentina remains the same, only the agency name has been changed to ENACOM.

In Argentina ENACOM has three types of products registration:

Homologation. Homologation in Argentina by ENACOM usually requires in country testing. A local certificate holder is also required.

Examples of products that would require homologation in Argentina would be WIFI, BT products. Once you have this type approval or homologation in Argentina you are free to import and sell your products.

Codification. Codification in Argentina can usually be obtained using foreign test reports, such as FCC test reports, and avoid in country testing. A local certificate holder is also required.

Examples of products that would require Codification in Argentina would be equipment with E1 or ADSL, cellular, satellite technology.

Once you have this type approval or Codification in Argentina you are free to import and sell your products.

Authorization. With this process in Argentina permission is granted either to a person or company, allowing the utilization of certain Telecommunication equipment.

This permission does not allow the importer to commercialize the product as it is not a true type approval recognized in Argentina.

Argentina updates:


August 2023

On August 18, 2023, ENACOM Resolution #1132/2023 was published in the Official Gazette of the Argentine Republic, according to which the Q2-63.02 V23.1 Technical Standard for testing broadband equipment with digital modulation (e.g. Wi-Fi, BLE, Zegbee, etc.), and Q2-63.03 V23.1 Technical Standard for testing equipment with frequency hopping (e.g. BT, proprietary FHSS, etc) become in force immediately.

2 important novelties derived from this Resolution:

1) Wi-Fi6e technology is recognized in the 5.925 - 7.125 MHz band, which means equipment with this interface can now be certified

2) It is essential to know the gain of the antennas of each device as part of the needed technical information. For Modular Certification, this requirement is exempted.

It is not required for equipment that - having Wi-Fi6e - have been already registered under the previous regulations, neither for those ones that are ongoing - but have not yet obtained - its Approvals. It will be required for when renewing certificates, for products that include this feature, provided they undergo and passes the corresponding Lab tests.
The new regulations will coexist for 90 calendar days with the previous ones, so the client can decide by which of the types of tests they want their equipment to be measured. As of November 18, 2023, Labs will only be allowed to measure DUT under the new technical standards.
For now, we do not have information regarding whether the renewals starting from November 18 2023 and on, will or will not include retesting in Lab.


August 2023

As of August 1, 2023, in the solicitudes for approval of devices manufactured in more than one country, ENACOM allows for registering up to 3 (three) countries in which they are manufactured, or in which they are planned to be manufactured.


June 2023

On May 24th, 2023 ENACOM published Resolution 756/23 to formally allocate the 6GHz (5925-7125 GHz) band and to define the technical specifications for the use of Wi-Fi wireless access systems.

The keypoints for this resolution are as follows:

  • Full 6 GHz band is allocated for Wi-Fi operation: 5925-7125GHz with following technical characteristics:
  • Acess Points (AP) and Subordnate Devices (SD)  can operate with a maximum EIRP of 30 dBm and a maximum EIRP spectral density of 5 dBm/MHz.
  • Client Devices (CD) can operate with a maximum EIRP of 24 dBm and a maximum EIRP spectral density of  -1 dBm/MHz.
  • Out-of-band emissions should not exceed an EIRP of -27 dBm/MHz.
  • The operation is restricted to inside buildings (indoor use) only.
  • Access points, client devices and slave devices must use a "containment protocol" that allows multiple users to share the same spectrum.
  • The operation of these devices is prohibited in vehicles (cars, trains, boats and planes). However, the operation of this equipment will be allowed in aircraft when they fly above 10,000 feet.


The allocation became effective May 24th, 2023.


May 2023

ENACOM has just announced changes to the labeling regulations, which are in force from May 10, 2023. They are summarized below:

1) FOR ALL CASES
Adds the option of printing the RAMATEL labeling on the quick guide instead of doing it on the user manual

2) FOR EQUIPMENT THAT IS INSTALLED IN VEHICLES AND THE LABELING IS HIDDEN FROM THE USER
In these cases, is added the option to post the RAMATEL label on the website of the equipment´s (or vehicle´s) manufacturer, instead of doing on the printed user manual.

3) FOR ELECTRONIC LABELING
Instructions for the user to access the RAMATEL label when it is shown on the display of the device itself, are allowed to be posted on the manufacturer's website. However, the obligation to backup electronic labeling by mean a RAMATEL label, printed on the documentation of the device or its packaging, still remains.

Except for those mentioned above, the other conditions and requirements of RAMATEL labeling regulated by ENACOM Resolution 854/2020 remain in force without changes.


January 2023

The Ente Nacional de Comunicaciones (ENACOM) announced the allocation of the frequency band between 3300 and 3600 MHz for the provision and deployment of fifth-generation (5G) systems


August 2022

On August 11, 2022, the National Communications Authority of Argentina published a nota indicating that ENACOM No. 854/2020 is to be applied for both new approvals and renewals. Effective August 12, 2022, products MUST be labeled as follows:

New Approvals: RAMATEL label must be implemented.
Renewals: Approved product MUST also be labelled with the RAMATEL mark instead of the CNC mark. Photos of the existing labelling and a draft for the RAMATEL label must be provided for renewal procedures.


April 2022

Ente Nacional de Comunicaciones (ENACOM) announced that now that it has its own set of Accredited Laboratories Register in place, it will require that the tests of mobile terminals should be performed by one of these authorized local labs.

In addition the Ente Nacional de Comunicaciones (ENACOM) allows the use of a new frequency band for wireless chargers and other low power devices under the restrictions of an updated technical standard.


March 2022

Update to ENACOM Testing Standard for Low Power Devices in Argentina (ENACOM-Q2-60.14 V21.1)

On March 8th, 2022 ENACOM has published Synthesized Resolution 280/2022 to introduce an updated version of the Testing Standard for Low Power Devices (SRD).


The keypoints for this update are as follows:

New Testing Standard for Low Power Devices (SRD): ENACOM-Q2-60.14 V21.1

It has already become effective since March 8th, 2022
Replaced former ENACOM-Q2-60.14 V20.1 standard
New SRD low frequency bands have been included:

0.490 - 1.705 MHz
1.705 - 30 MHz

ENACOM has granted a grace period of 90 calendar days to allow new and ongoing applications to be still accepted having reports issued under ENACOM-Q2-60.14 V20.1 former standard.
For renewals, based on former Res. 552/2021, no retesting would be required, as long as the original test report shows compliance with the limits established in this new regulations.
New Testing Standard for Low Power Devices (SRD): ENACOM-Q2-60.14 V21.1


January 2022

Things are changing quickly in Argentina regarding cellular interfaces testing. A second Lab has just been enabled by ENACOM, which is capable of testing 4G (LTE) interfaces in addition to 2G & 3G. As a result, technically there are the conditions to locally carry out the whole test of such interfaces, and there is no reason for ENACOM to continue accepting foreign labs test reports as of March 1st, 2022. That has been confirmed by email from the Homologation Dept, as an answer to a consult we submitted to them. The only foreign test reports that will continue being accepted are the mandatory SAR test, since there is no local lab capable of performing it, yet.
As a summary, unless later there is news to the contrary, from March 1 of 2022 on, 2G, 3G and LTE interfaces (cellular phones, modules, devices, etc) must be tested in Argentine Labs. According to the current testing standard, all these tests will be performed in CONDUCTED mode (not RADIATED).
Quotes for projects of homologation that contain those interfaces will include the prices of its corresponding local tests, for solicitudes that cannot be submitted to ENACOM before March 1. 


November 2021

The Secretaría de Comercio Interior in the Ministerio de Desarrollo Productivo in Argentina has published Resolución 1038/2021, updating Resolución 169/2018 on safety for Electrical Equipment. General changes to the Resolución include modifying the minimum tests required for product compliance (listed in Annex 2) and adding the following products to require mandatory Electrical Safety Certification:

  • LED lamps, and LED-mounted modules
  • Portable hand tools and lawn and garden machinery that are powered by an electric motor
  • Handheld devices for skin and hair such as razors and massage equipment
  • Electrical household kitchen equipment that heats, cuts, processes, or blends food


September 2021

Below is a high level summary of the recent changes implemented in Argentina.

The September 1st, ENACOM published Resolution # 1248/2021 can be summarized in the following 3 points:

1) Enables the accredited Laboratory in Argentina to carry out local tests on devices with cellular interface that includes 2G and 3G technologies

2) Enables the accredited Laboratory in Argentina to carry out local tests on devices with cellular interface that includes 2G, 3G and LTE technologies

3) Imposes a deadline to stop accepting the Declarations of Conformity (DoC) that currently supersede test reports in solicitudes of devices with cellular interface, when such reports are not available. This deadline is February 28, 2022.

Therefore, as of March 1, 2022, homologation solicitudes of devices that contain cellular interface must contain lab test report that includes ALL the technologies & cellular bands that the device supports, and which are allowed in Argentina. These reports may be issued by local or foreign laboratories, but - in any of these cases - they must demonstrate full compliance with the ENACOM Technical Standard Q2 61.03 V17.1. No DoC that, partially or totally, replaces test reports will be accepted after that deadline.

For renewals of Certificates of devices with a cellular interface there will be no changes with respect to the current process, even beyond that deadline, as long as the original approval request had not included a DoC.  If a DoC had been included in the original solicitude, then the renewal solicitude entered from 1/March/2022 onwards will have to contain a test report which refers to the same technology & frequency band to which the DoC made reference to. Again, this report may be issued by a local or foreign laboratory.

Overall, until February 28, 2022 there won’t be changes for certifying devices with cellular interfaces.  After that time using a DoC to replace missing test results for required frequencies in Argentina will not be allowed.  The result will be that if the FCC and/or CE test reports for the device do not contain results for all of the Argentina required bands, in-country or additional testing may be required to complete certification in Argentina so that all frequencies are listed in the test reports.


April 2021

On April 27th, 2021 ENACOM has published Resolution 551/2021 to introduce an updated version of the Testing Standard for Low Power Devices (SRD).

The keypoints for this update are as follows:

New Testing Standard for Low Power Devices (SRD): ENACOM-Q2-60.14 V20.1

It has already become effective since April 27th, 2021
Replaced former ENACOM-Q2-60.14 V18.1 standard
New Frequency bands have been included as part of the "Service for Frequency Bands of Shared use", now being able to be tested radiated as SRD devices:

915 - 928 MHz
2400 - 2483.5 MHz
5725 - 5850 MHz

Addition of an Electrical Field Strenght Peak limit for 3.1-10.6 GHz & 22-26.65Ghz frequency bands. 

ENACOM has granted a grace period of 90 calendar days to allow new and ongoing applications to be still accepted having reports issued under ENACOM-Q2-60.14 V18.1 former standard.
For renewals, no retesting would be required, as long as the original test report shows compliance with the limits established in this new regulations.
New Testing Standard for Low Power Devices (SRD): ENACOM-Q2-60.14 V20.1


August 2020

Type Approval certificates validity exteneded during COVID-19

Argentine Regulator, Ente Nacional de Comunicaciones (ENACOM), published Resolución 771/2020, extending the validity of certain Type Approval Certificates as a result of the ongoing COVID-19 impact. Resolución 771/2020 confirms that the validity of Type Approval certificates which have an expiry date between March 16, 2020 and September 18, 2020 will be extended by a period of 60 calendar days.

This replaces ENACOM’s previous resolution in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, 461/2020, whereby the extension applied to certificates expiring between March 16, 2020 and June 30, 2020.ENACOM has advised that a system will be in place to automatically display the validity extensions of Approval certificates and recommends renewing Type Approval Certificates per the current process.


In addition ENACOM, Ente Nacional de Comunicaciones (ENACOM)  has released Resolution 854 that establishes the new labeling scheme for ENACOM-approved devices. The major changes in the updated Resolution are summarized below:

  • All certificate holders have until August 12, 2022 to adopt the new label scheme
  • The CNC ID and logo have been replaced by the RAMATEL (Registro de Actividades y Materiales de Telecommunicaciones) registration number and logo (RAMATEL is the entity behind the type approval authorities CNC, AFTIC, and ENACOM, and holds the record of all Argentina approvals)
  • The RAMATEL logo may follow the isologotype or isotype example, and the RAMATEL registration number must be placed below the logo
  • There is not an “Acronym Format” option under the current Resolution as was previously available under the CNC labeling scheme, so the RAMATEL logo is mandatory to include on the product label
  • ID numbers will remain the same if renewal applications are submitted before certificate expiration
  • For products already on the market, the CNC ID will still be sufficient
  • For vehicles, the RAMATEL logo and registration number may appear in the user manual
  • E-Labeling is allowed per the instruction in the Resolution


December 2019

Energy Efficiency Resolution No. 800/2019 just published for Argentina.

This resolution affects electric pumps, specifically electric pumps operating on 0.18kW to 5.5kW will now require an Energy Efficiency approval in order to be imported and sold in Argentina


Starting on May 31, 2020 all importers must have proof from the local Certification Body stating they have started the process for the Energy Efficiency Certification process for those electric pumps.

Starting on May 26, 2021 all importers must have completed this process and have a valid Energy Efficiency Certificate for the electric pumps to import and commercialize them.


November 2019

The Secretariat of Trade of Argentina has drafted an amendment to compliance certification, including safety requirements for low-voltage electrical products. These requirements apply to electrical equipment between 50 VAC and 1,000 VAC and equipment between 75 VDC and 1,500 VCD; lamps and lamp holders (excluding LED); and fence electrifiers. Products that comply with IEC 60335-1 and IRAM 2092-1 are not exempt from these requirements. Following are products that require certification:

Electronic and electromagnetic ballasts for fluorescent and gas discharge lamps
Igniters and starters for gas discharge lamps
Starters for fluorescent lamps
Transformers for lamps
Lamp holders
Electronic control and control elements for fixed installations
Single or multiple extensions
Mobile outlets for home use (single or multiple)
Cables for fixed installations
Flexible cables
Electrical equipment for water heating

Household appliances.


July 2019

ENACOM releases new frequency plan.
The Ente Nacional de Comunicaciones (ENACOM) issued an update of the Argentinian frequency allocation plan incorporating the allowance to new services and references to the current technical regulations.


January 2019

Argentina has established new procedures for zinc-carbon and alkaline manganese primary batteries to certify compliance with the mercury, cadmium and lead limits of Law 26.184. The body of cylindrical batteries must be marked with the expiration date (month and year) of the product and a sworn declaration by the producer will be accepted for button cell batteries that are too small to be marked.

Procedures have been established to ensure that subject batteries comply with the current maximum heavy metal limits, namely 0.0005 percent by weight of mercury (two percent by weight in the case of button cell batteries), 0.015 percent by weight of cadmium and 0.2 percent by weight of lead. Moreover, various provisions have been adopted related to sampling, monitoring, conformity certification process and conformity certificates.


October 2018

ENACOM recently published Resolution 5762-E/2017.
This includes a new standard ENACOM-Q2-61.03 V17.1, for “User Terminals of Services of Mobile Communications” (cellular interfaces). Starting July 4th, 2018, cellular devices will require testing in local test labs.
Prior to this rule change we had been able to obtain approval of cellular products using existing FCC test reports.
With this rule change, as stated above, that is no longer possible.
Further cellular products with existing certificates obtained under the old process may require testing at renewal time.

For WWAN interfaces using 2G/3G/4G, etc. ENACOM has restored the recognition and validity of tests performed in foreign laboratories (members of ILAC) in replacement of local tests in Argentina.  ENACOM will accept the use of the foreign certification of these interfaces by presentation of a certificate issued by a certifying authority similar in nature to ENACOM (FCC, ANATEL, IFETEL, etc.) in addition to the associated test reports used to obtain that foreign test certificate(s).  Since the US and Argentina currently use the same frequency bands for these technologies, FCC documentation can be used.

However, for 4G LTE ENACOM Argentina has assigned some bands different from what is assigned in the USA (eg, band 28: 703-748 MHz // 758 - 803 MHz).  In instances where clients are seeking to register a WWAN device that operates in band 28 with ENACOM in Argentina, they will need to provide the FCC reports and grant, but they will also need to provide the SAR report or MPE calculations for the product.  Additionally, ENACOM will require that the client provides a certification from an equivalent certification body that demonstrates the operation/testing of the device in the LTE bands required in the Argentina regulations.   
CSIA can provide testing from a certified test lab. Contact us today for more information.


May 2018

​Resolution 169/2018 has replaced Resolution 171/16 regarding Electrical Safety in Argentina and will be implemented starting June 2nd, 2018.  The regulated product scope has remained largely unchanged, and the following products are not within the scope:

Medical equipment (now under ANMAT)
Products for Explosive Atmospheres
Products less than 50VAC and 75VDC

The following changes will also be implemented under the new resolution:

  • The importer information is no longer required on the product label or packaging, and only the Consumer Defense Law requirements will be enforced

  • According to Resolution 237/00, the recognition of foreign certificates through MRAs by local bodies and the multilateral agreement of the IECEE CB Scheme allows S-Mark certificates to be issued based on CB certificates
  • Beginning in 2020, products will be certified by the Mark scheme (products listed under Annex II of Res. 171/16) or by Lot (when appropriate).  Type certification may be authorized for some product types
  • Surveillance terms have been extended to 12 months (Type) and 18 months (Mark)
  • The Disp. 178/00 (SDU) requirement is removed, and a voluntary procedure was established by TAD
  • Only components and parts for manufacturing or technical service can enter Argentina without restrictions


Transfer of certificates has been cited, but the extension of certificates to multiple importers has not been considered and will be re-evaluated.


February 2018:

WWAN Local Testing Required Effective June 24, 2018

On December 26, 2017, Argentina’s Regulator, Ente Nacional de Comunicaciones (ENACOM), issued Resolución 5762/2017 stating that WWAN local testing will be officially implemented in Argentina within 180 days, meaning June 24, 2018. At this time, all cellular devices with other integrated radios such as Bluetooth and WLAN already require Type Approval in Argentina via local testing. Upon implementation of Resolución 5762/2017, additional local testing will be needed on the cellular radios. Existing approvals will require local testing on WWAN radios at the time of renewal. The exact sample requirements have yet to be established. Local testing will consist of validating the cellular bands in which the device will operate nationally via conducted testing. Contact
CSIA for a  table that shows the cellular bands to be validated.

As regulations change from time to time in many countries you should contactCSIA for up to date information.

CSIA can also provide supporting services should your company not be able to meet country specific requirements such as a local representative, local certificate holder, translating documents into the native language, etc. Contact CSIA at (503) 489 8006 or  quotes@csiassoc.com for all your FCC certification, CE certification, Industry Canada and International Approval needs.