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Costa Rica Regulatory Approval
Type Approval in Costa Rica
SUTEL approval in Costa Rica refers to the certification process conducted by the Superintendencia de Telecomunicaciones (SUTEL), which is the regulatory authority for telecommunications in the country. This approval is necessary for telecommunications equipment and services to ensure compliance with national standards and regulations.
Products that require SUTEL approval typically include devices such as mobile phones, routers, and other telecommunications equipment. The certification process involves testing and evaluation to confirm that the equipment meets technical specifications, safety requirements, and operational
standards. Obtaining SUTEL approval is essential for manufacturers and importers to legally market and sell their products in Costa Rica.
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While SUTEL does accept FCC Certification test reports as part of the approval process, Cellular, Satellite or products that connect to the Public Network require 1 sample for in country testing, including all cables, adapters, software, etc. to put the equipment into test modes.
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Cellular, Satellite or products that connect to the Public Network require a Spanish user guide. In some cases the data sheet will also require translation. CSIA can provide this service.
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Lead time is typically 2-3 weeks for documents only projects and 4-7 weeks for projects that require in country testing.
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Certificate valid indefinitely.
Costa Rica Marking Requirements:
While the ICTA has no specific label requirements, we recommend you use the FCC or CE Mark label guidelines.
For WIFI, BT, RFID and other SRD products the CE/FCC Mark is acceptable for regular products.
Cellular and Satellite products:
The local representative is responsible for providing a list of IMEIs and applying a SUTEL mark. When the product is shipped to Costa Rica and activated, the local rep applies the SUTEL mark.

Frequencies Allowed in Costa Rica
The 900 MHz band is reserved for IMT services; this means it is a licensed band. However it may be possible to be certified and used if the following rules are met:
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Maximum output power less than 250 mW
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Coverage distance less than 200 meters
The bands categorized as unlicensed bands in Costa Rica are the following:

Regulatory Updates for
Costa Rica
June 2023
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The Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación, Tecnología y Telecomunicaciones (MICITT) has released an
updated version of the National Frequency Plan.
June 2023
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The Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación, Tecnología y Telecomunicaciones (MICITT) has urged the
Superintendencia de Telecomunicaciones (SUTEL) to begin the bidding process for radio spectrum
frequencies for IMT systems including 5G in the currently available segments.
June 2021
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The Superintendencia de Telecomunicaciones (SUTEL) has published a Decree for the amendment of the National Frequency Allocation Plan of Costa Rica, which includes several changes for the use and allowance of licence-exempt frequency bands.