Type Approval Requirements

Below are the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) requirements for obtaining the communications equipment type approval certification as of October 2022:


1. SUBMISSION OF TYPE APPROVAL APPLICATION:

Applicants (Local or Foreign) can submit Type Approval Applications to the Commission via its online E-

Service platform

ONLINE PROCESS:

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has introduced an E-Services Platform for serving its applicants. An applicant can take advantage of this platform and submit their Type Approval Applications. For more details on creating an account and applying, please refer to the URL: https://eservices.ncc.gov.ng/home-page/dashboard 

You will be required to create an account and provide the below-listed items during the onboarding process:

  • Company RC/BN Number
  • Company Tx Identification Number
  • Email address

For videos and/or tutorials, please refer to the URL: https://sites.google.com/encentralsolutions.com/tamsyhelpcenter/documentation

Video on How to Submit an Application via E-Service: https://www.loom.com/share/4681514ab14b49139da2aabfa417b926


2. COMMERCIAL GRADE SAMPLE OF THE EQUIPMENT

(Notebooks, tablets and mobile phones only). Samples of other devices can be requested from applicants if and when necessary and all samples are retained by the Commission.

For [Online] Application: Attach the Application Brief And Submit The Sample

They should be submitted and addressed as such:

To: 

The Executive Vice Chairman

Nigerian Communications Commission

Plot 423 Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja

Attn: The Director, Technical Standards and Network Integrity


3. COMPLIANCE WITH Radio Equipment Directive (RED) 2014/53/EU

Equipment for Type Approval being brought to Nigeria for Equipment Authorization must conform to the RED Directive which replaces the old Radio equipment and telecommunications terminal equipment R&TTE Directive 1999/5/EC


4. TEST REPORT AND OTHER DOCUMENTATIONS

Upload [ONLINE] APPLICATIONS Equipment Test Reports (e.g., RF (Radio Frequency), SAR, EMC (Electromagnetic Compatibility), Health and Safety) obtained from an accredited test laboratory which must be in accordance with RED Directive as noted above (All the submitted documents must be in English Language):

  • Health and Safety + SAR TEST REPORT
  • Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMS and EMI)
  • Effective Use of the Radio Spectrum.
  • Declaration of Conformity(DoC)
  • For Radio equipment operating on the 5 GHz frequency band, a declaration of conformity to the Regulatory Guidelines for Deployment of Broadband Services on 5.2 – 5.9 GHz is required. See the NCC Website for the Regulatory Guidelines for Deployment of Broadband Services on 5.2 – 5.9 GHz
  • Pictures of equipment and pictures of equipment labels.
  • Letter of Authority (LoA)

5. MAKING TYPE APPROVAL PAYMENT (E-INVOICES | E- RECEIPTS)

Upon successful review of a Type Approval Application, and successful issuance of Invoices (via E-Services and available on the applicant’s dashboard), the applicant can make payment via any of these two methods:

  1. Directly from the E-Services platform for [ONLINE] applications at https://eservices.ncc.gov.ng/home-page/pay/payNCC and scrolling down to “Type Approval Management” and following the instructions upon inputting the Invoice Number.
  2. From Remita platform at https://www.remita.net/ and searching Nigerian Communications and selecting Type Approval Fees.
  3. E- Receipts.

Upon successful confirmation of payment, the E- Services will automatically generate E-Receipts and a notification message will be sent to the applicant for instant download.

Please Note: NCC Receipt of Application fee can be added to your Type Approval Invoice when not received with the application)


6. USEFUL DOCUMENTS TO SEE BEFORE SUBMITTING APPLICATIONS 

  1. The NCC Type Type Approval Business Rules 2024: SEE HERE
  2. A list of FAQ can be found at https://ncc.gov.ng/frequently-asked-questions
  3. NCC –SERVICE DELIVERY TIMELINES - Technical Standards & Network Integrity Department (Type Approval Fees) Service Delivery Timelines | NCC 
  4. The NCC Short Range Device Guidelines with approved Frequencies in Nigeria: SEE HERE

7. TYPE APPROVAL FEES*

Please note that the Commission sends an invoice to the applicant after the application has been reviewed.

Examples of specific type approval fees (VAT and admin excluded)* are:

  1. Mobile Phone is $1,800.00* per model
  2. Tablets are $2,500.00* per model.
  3. PC/Laptop is $3,500.00* per model

Full Type Approval Pricing Scheme can be found at Type Approval | NCC

Note*

  • Also note that the updated Pricing Scheme is also inside the E-Services is also inside the E-Service Type Approval Management V2 application
  • Depending on the equipment specification, the Type Approval fee may be as high as $20,000.00(see link below): Type Approval | NCC
  • Notwithstanding item (i) above, administrative procedure (if applicable) i.e., Foreign Verification exercise, for example, may lead to a different cumulative type of approval fee
  • Admin Fee is 5% of Type Approval Fee.
  • VAT is 7.5% of the Type Approval Fee
  • Non-refundable Application fee is $50.00

*Applicants can pay in Naira (₦) or the USD ($) equivalent at the prevailing Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) exchange rate on the day of invoicing – scroll to bottom of page on link shown above:


8. TIME FRAME

An application that is complete will normally be processed within one (1) month of its receipt by the Commission, upon which the Letter of Grant or Type Approval Certificate is issued after the Type Approval fee has been paid.


9. FOR MOBILE PHONE AND TABLETS:

Test reports should be in the following areas, but not limited to the list below :

  • EN 301 511 – Harmonized standard for mobile stations in the GSM 900 and GSM 1800 bands
  • EN 301 489-01 – Electromagnetic Compatibility standard for radio equipment and services.
  • EN 301 489-07 – Specific (EMC) conditions for mobile radio, GSM 900/1800 Bands
  • EN 301 489-17 - Specific (EMC) conditions for Broadband Data Transmission Systems
  • EN 60950-1 Safety of information technology equipment
  • IEC 62368 - Safety Standard for Audio/Video and IT equipment
  • EN 50360 – Product standard to demonstrate the compliance of mobile phones with the basic restrictions related to human exposure to electromagnetic fields (300MHz to 3GHz)
  • EN 62311 – Assessment of electronic and electrical equipment related to human exposure restrictions for electromagnetic fields (0Hz to 300MHz) 1999/519/EC – Council recommendation on the limitation of exposure of the public to electromagnetic fields (0Hz to 300GHz) etc.

10. FOR MICROWAVE RADIOS FIXED/MULTIPOINT:

Test reports should be in the following areas, but not limited to the list below :

  • EN 302 326-1,2,3
  • EN 55022:2006+A1:2007
  • EN 301 489-4 V1.4.1:2009
  • EN 61000-3-2:2006+A1:2009+A2:2009
  • EN 61000-3-3:2008

11. POST-TYPE APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS FOR CELLULAR DEVICES (DEVICE CHECKER PLATFORM)

IMPORTANT: Equipment Type Approval and Device Checker onboarding are separate processes. Type Approval is completed first. Thereafter, applicable cellular-enabled devices may require onboarding into the NCC Device Checker System. Applicable devices include mobile phones, smartphones, cellular tablets, broadband devices, IoT/M2M devices and eSIM-enabled devices.

Applicants may be required to provide Device Brand, Model, TAC, IMEI ranges, SIM configuration and supported technologies. For Dual-SIM, Multi-SIM and Physical SIM/eSIM devices, all associated IMEIs shall be declared. Additional TACs, IMEI ranges and model variants assigned after Type Approval should be submitted for DMS onboarding. Device Checker Portal: https://devicechecker.ncc.gov.ng


12. CONTACT INFORMATION

Technical Standards and Network Integrity Department (TSNI), NCC. NCC Website: https://www.ncc.gov.ng ; E-Services: https://eservices.ncc.gov.ng ; Type Approval Information: [email protected]; Device Checker: https://verifymydevice.gov.ng

Important Notice: Equipment Type Approval approves a device model. Device Checker onboarding, where applicable, is conducted after Type Approval and covers IMEI validation and onboarding activities.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) - Equipment Type Approval and NCC Device Checker  

1. What is Equipment Type Approval?

Equipment Type Approval is the process by which the NCC evaluates and approves communications equipment before it can be imported, marketed, supplied, sold, deployed, or used on public communications networks in Nigeria.

2. Why is Equipment Type Approval required?

It ensures compliance with technical standards, efficient spectrum use, protection from harmful interference, and regulatory compliance.

3. Who can apply for Equipment Type Approval?

Manufacturers, authorized representatives, importers, distributors and authorized vendors.

4. How do I apply for Equipment Type Approval?

Applications are submitted through eservices.ncc.gov.ng.

5. What information is required during onboarding?

Company details, RC/BN Number, TIN, contact information and representative details.

6. What documents are required for an application?

DoC, LoA, datasheets, labels, photographs, manuals and applicable test reports.

7. Do I need to submit a physical equipment sample?

Yes, for certain device categories such as mobile phones, tablets and notebooks.

8. What standards must equipment comply with?

Applicable NCC standards and relevant provisions of RED 2014/53/EU.

9. How much does Equipment Type Approval cost?

Applicable fees depend on equipment category and technology.

10. How do I pay Type Approval fees?

Via NCC E-Services and approved payment platforms including Remita.

11. How long does the approval process take?

Typically one month for complete applications.

12. What happens after my device receives Type Approval?

Some cellular-enabled devices may require NCC Device Checker onboarding.

13. What is the NCC Device Checker?

A platform that enables verification and management of device identifier information associated with approved cellular devices.

14. Is Device Checker onboarding part of the Equipment Type Approval process?

No. They are separate but complementary processes.

15. Does obtaining Equipment Type Approval automatically onboard a device into the NCC Device Checker?

No. Device Checker requirements are completed separately after approval.

16. Which devices may require Device Checker onboarding?

Mobile phones, smartphones, cellular tablets, broadband devices, IoT, M2M and eSIM devices.

17. What is an IMEI?

A unique International Mobile Equipment Identity assigned to a cellular device.

18. What is a TAC?

The first eight digits of an IMEI identifying a device make and model.

19. What information may be required for Device Checker onboarding?

Brand, model, TAC, IMEI ranges, SIM configuration and supported technologies.

20. What should be submitted for Dual-SIM devices?

All IMEIs associated with the approved model should be declared.

21. What should be submitted for devices that support both Physical SIM and eSIM?

All associated physical SIM and eSIM IMEIs should be declared.

22. Can additional TACs, IMEI ranges, or model variants be submitted after Type Approval has been granted?

Yes, updated information may be provided through the Device Checker process.

23. Where can I obtain additional information?

Important notice: Equipment Type Approval and NCC Device Checker onboarding are separate processes. Device Checker activities, where applicable, take place after Type Approval has been granted.