New Import Rules from the Philippines’

Telecommunications Authority
The Philippines’ National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) recently issued a circular to
all customer premises equipment/radio communications equipment suppliers and dealers, which
they must comply with the rules for Type Approval/Acceptance of RF/Telecom module and host
or end-products with embedded, integrated or built-in RF/Telecom. This is pursuant to RA No.
7925 (the Public Telecommunications Policy Act of the Philippines), related Memorandum
Circulars and other existing rules and regulations on the matter.

A three month grace period has been granted and the effective date for the new requirement will
be October 15, 2013. Under the NTC Regulation, the concerned wireless and
telecommunications equipment shall require system level (end-product or host) approval before
being imported into the Philippines.

Modular certificates will still be accepted until October 15, 2013 when the grace period
expires. By then manufacturers, suppliers and dealers must comply with the requirement for
system approval for import permit. Failing that, the products may be stopped at customs and not
allowed to be imported into the country.

UL can help our customers acquire the NTC approval. The following documents will be
necessary:

1. Application Form,
2. Authorization Letter to Agent,
3. R&TTE or FCC Test Report of the end product/host or RF Module,
4. Safety and EMC Test Report of the end product/host,
5. Technical Specifications, and
6. User Manual (English).

Manufacturers, suppliers and dealers are advised to act early to make sure that their product
marketing plan will not be affected by October 15, 2013 when the new requirement takes effect.

The National Telecommunications Commission of the Philippines issues permits and certificates
to importers of indoor equipment and devices that require Wireless Data Networks (WDN) or are
WIFI-enabled/Bluetooth medical devices.
Background
The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) is responsible for the supervision, adjudication, and control
of all telecommunication services in the Philippines. The NTC works closely with the Department of Science &
Technology, Advanced Simulation Technology Inc., and the Department of Information Science &
Telecommunication.

Regulated Equipment under the NTC:

Radio Communication Equipment (RCE) are devices capable of emitting radio frequency waves or energy intended
for the transmission of signals, messages or intelligence with the use or support of WI-FI/Bluetooth devices.
Customer Premises Equipment (CPE) is defined as equipment located in the premises of a customer or subscriber,
for connection to public telecommunications network facilities.

The above listed regulated equipment is governed under Section 1A of the Republic Act No. 3846 as amended and
the Department Order No. 11, for issuance of permits to purchase, possess or construct, sell or transfer or operate
RCE devices; the Memorandum Circular No. 1-04-88 for CPE devices; and, the Memorandum Circular No. 2-05-88,
for the manufacture, acquisition, sale, and service of these regulated devices.

Permits Issued by the NTC:

The below listed permits and certificates are issued by the NTC to importers of indoor equipment and devices that
require Wireless Data Networks (WDN) or are WIFI-enabled/Bluetooth medical devices:

 Import Permit – issued by the National Single Window, and the application should be supported by
a proforma invoice, information on the type/model of the device, and the number of units to be imported
 Release Clearance – imported equipment and devices shall, upon release from the Bureau of Customs,
submit a monthly summary of sales and a stock report to the Commission
 Type Approval/Acceptance Registration – all regulated equipment/devices shall be submitted by the
accredited dealers and suppliers to the Equipment Standards Division for a type approval/acceptance
registration. Registered indoor equipment issued by the Commission must bear an NTC registration number
for identification purposes.

The following documents are necessary for submission:

 Application Form
 Letter of Authorization
 R&TTE or FCC Test Report or RF Module Report
 Safety and EMC Test Report
 Technical Specifications
 User Manual (English)

Administrative Sanctions:
Violations of any of the provisions of the circular are dealt with in accordance with the existing rules and regulations
and may include the cancellation of registration, accreditation, authorization, permits, and licenses. Appropriate
fines and other administrative sanctions may also be imposed.

Source:
National Telecommunications Commission (Official Website)
Wireless Data Networks and Devices