If your products are equipped with wireless transmission modules including Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, 4G modules or vehicle GPS, SRRC Radio Type Approval is a mandatory compliance threshold for domestic sales and import into mainland China.

1. What Is SRRC Type Approval

SRRC is the abbreviation of Radio Transmission Equipment Type Approval, a compulsory regulatory system implemented by the MIIT (Ministry of Industry and Information Technology) for all radio emission devices sold and used in China. In short, any product transmitting radio signals for domestic sales must obtain an independent SRRC certificate, with no certificate sharing or authorization transfer allowed.

It is legally regulated by the Radio Administration Regulations of the People’s Republic of China and Radio Transmission Equipment Administrative Provisions. The regulatory frequency range covers 9kHz to 300GHz, covering almost all wireless emission equipment.

Key Industry Misconception

Many manufacturers believe whole devices can be exempted from SRRC by adopting certified wireless modules. According to MIIT Announcement No.39 of 2019 and official SRRC guidelines, module exemption is divided into three scenarios:

·Full-certified standard module: No antenna modification, no RF circuit adjustment and unchanged wireless parameters; whole-device exemption is available for specified ITE and home appliance products.

·Restricted certified module: Whole-device SRRC certification is still required with partial test item simplification.

·Modified module application: Any antenna replacement, RF circuit adjustment or transmit parameter modification requires complete independent SRRC testing for the final product.

In addition, module exemption policies only apply to ITE and home appliances. Medical devices, industrial control equipment and automotive electronics must apply for independent whole-device SRRC certification regardless of module qualification, which is the most common compliance pitfall in the industry.

  2. Product Scope of SRRC Certification

The core judgment condition: whether the device actively transmits radio signals. Pure receiving-only equipment such as single-frequency FM radio receivers are exempted. Mandatory SRRC product categories are as follows:

·Mobile Communication Devices: Smartphones, tablets, 4G/5G modules, NB-IoT and eMTC IoT modules.

·Short-range Wireless Devices: 2.4GHz Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, ZigBee and 5GHz high-band Wi-Fi equipment.

·Smart Home & IoT Products: Wi-Fi smart speakers, ZigBee sensors, Bluetooth door locks and Mesh networking devices.

·Satellite Positioning Equipment: GPS, Beidou and GLONASS modules, wearable positioning devices and vehicle navigation products.

·Automotive Electronics: Vehicle Bluetooth, T-Box, ETC and remote control key systems.

·Low-power Short-range Devices: 433MHz remote controls, low-power RFID and wireless microphones, eligible for micro-power exemption only if fully compliant with official technical specifications.

  3. 7-Step Application Process for SRRC Certification

The entire SRRC application is fully online on the MIIT government service platform with no offline submission required:

·Enterprise account registration, real-name authentication (1~2 working days for review).

·Online application form filling with accurate frequency band, transmit power and RF parameter information.

·Sample delivery to MIIT-authorized laboratories for professional RF testing (2~4 weeks lead time).

·Obtain qualified test reports; revise and retest for non-compliant items.

·Submit test reports, user manuals and technical documents for official formal review.

·In-depth technical review by MIIT authorities (2~4 working weeks).

·Certificate issuance with exclusive CMIIT ID; mandatory marking on product housing.

The overall cycle is 4~8 weeks for one-time passing; prolonged lead time is expected if hardware rectification is required.

  4. Core Test Items of SRRC Certification

SRRC testing focuses purely on RF performance with unified core assessment indicators for all wireless products:

·Frequency Parameter Test: Verify the actual operating frequency complies with domestic legal spectrum limits.

·Transmit Power Test: Control maximum EIRP output to avoid over-limit radiation interference.

·Occupied Bandwidth Test: Restrict spectrum occupancy to prevent adjacent channel interference.

·Carrier Frequency Tolerance: Critical for Bluetooth products with a unified limit of ±50kHz.

·Spurious Emission Test: The highest failure rate item, including conducted and radiated spurious assessment.

·Modulation Characteristic Test: Verify modulation mode, depth and accuracy compliance.

All tests are implemented in accordance with MIIT inspection specifications, GB/T national standards and YD/T industry criteria. Since October 2023, all new applications must comply with MIIT Document No.129 for upgraded RF technical indicators.

  5. SRRC Certificate Validity & Post-certification Management

·The valid period of SRRC certificate is 2~5 years, clearly marked on the official certificate.

·Renewal: Normal renewal adopts document review without full retesting; supplementary testing may be required if relevant standards are updated.

·Substantial Modification: RF chip replacement, power adjustment, antenna modification and PCB RF redesign require re-certification.

·CMIIT ID Marking: Mandatory printing, laser engraving or electronic labeling on products for e-commerce platform inspection and market supervision spot checks.

For China SRRC radio type approval certification services, consult Blueasia Technology expert: 13534225140 (Benson)