CRC Type Approval or CRC homologation in Colombia
CRC certification
CRC (Comisión de Regulación de Comunicaciones) is the telecommunications regulating agency in Colombia.
CRC type approval is voluntary for telecom equipment without voice communication functions. simply obtain a “Letter of Voluntary Approval” from the CRC, in which they state that the product is exempt from type approval requirements, and may be imported and sold in Colombia.
But CRC type approval or CRC homologation is mandatory for all cellular products (voice and data), devices that connect to the PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network), and some satellite communication products, such as mobile phones, fixed telephones, and satellite telephone handsets.
Most of our business about CRC type approval is ” Homologación de celulares”.
What is the Homologation of a Mobile Terminal Equipment?
It is a procedure through which the CRC seeks:
- That the devices that enter the country comply with the technical standards adopted in Colombia.
- Guarantee the safety of users with respect to the exposure limits established worldwide.
- Guarantee the correct functioning of the devices in the mobile networks of the country.
The procedures to Get CRC type approval certificate
- To prepare FCC ID and FCC reports
The Colombian authority accepts FCC test reports and certificates. FCC reports/grants may be used in lieu of Colombia CRC testing.
Colombian authority doesn’t perform CRC certification test.
- To submit application to CRC
- To issue CRC Homologation certificate
CRC certification requirements
- Equipment labeling specifications (label or label) allow checking the existing relationship between the model and brand of the terminal equipment and its IMEI.
- Certificate of conformity, declaration of conformity or other document that takes its place, provided that they are from a third party, issued by certification bodies recognized nationally or internationally as Accredited Bodies or by competent authorities of other countries, which account for compliance of the applicable technical standards. (Optional).
- Filling out the application form.
Equipment Labeling Specifications
An external label must be legible, accurate, and complete and should be placed on the packaging in a visible and easily accessible area.
The information on the label must be written in Spanish.
If the information cannot be translated into Spanish, it should be transcripted in Latin.
There are additional label requirements as well.
cRC certificate
Only mobile phones, fixed telephones and global satellite systems that support voice will obtain a CRC register number (labeling number). Each homologated terminal that supports voice will have an internal registration code in the CRC database, under the following scheme:
CRC XX YY ZZZZ.
XX corresponds to the type of approved terminal, while YY identifies the year of registration and ZZZZ is a consecutive registration number associated with the device.
FAQs about CRC homologacion
Q: Is country specific certification required or is CE/FCC approval sufficient?
A: Country specific certification required. But FCC reports/grants can be accepted as its testing reports; CE test reports (from Europe), are not acceptable in most cases.
Q: What is the lead time to obtain type approval?
A: 5-6 weeks for the reports preparation and CRC approval.
Q: CRC certification cost
A: It depends on the product specification. Please contact us for the exact price.
Q: Are there any marking or logo requirements?
A: No.
Q: Duration of approval
A: Permanent
Q: Approval label required?
A: Yes, for products with cellular technology.
Q: Is in country testing required or can we leverage existing FCC or CE test reports?
A: We can leverage your FCC test reports as part of the application process. Contact us for more details.
Q: What are the types of equipment that would require approval in this country?
A: Most products using cellular, satellite and PSTN technology.
Q: Do I need an in country local representative or local certificate holder?
A: No.
As a certification leader, Sino-Maat fully understands Colombia’s national requirements and procedures. You can rely on us to handle the full certification process, including preparing technical documents(reports), coordinating with local authorities, and ensuring you access Colombian markets efficiently.