The Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) of Singapore certification is a mandatory access requirement for telecommunications and radio equipment entering the Singapore market. This article details the applicable products, latest process, 2025 policy changes, and compliance strategies for IMDA certification, helping businesses and practitioners complete certification efficiently.

I.IMDA Certification Core Overview:

1.Regulatory Body: Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) of Singapore.

2.Certification Nature:Mandatory Certification, applicable to all telecommunications equipment (including wireless and wired products) sold or used in Singapore.

3.Core Requirements: Equipment must comply with IMDA's technical specifications, including radio frequency, Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC), and safety management.

4.Certificate Validity:3 years (requires renewal upon expiry).

5.Localization Requirement: Foreign companies must appoint a Singapore local representative (registrant) to submit the application.

  II. IMDA Certification Product Scope & Classification:

1.Radio Communication Equipment: Wireless routers, Wi-Fi modules, Bluetooth devices (e.g., headphones, bands).

2.Cellular Network Equipment: 2G/3G/4G/5G modules, mobile terminals (phones, tablets).

3.IoT Devices: Smart home products (e.g., smart refrigerators, surveillance cameras), wireless sensors.

4.Other Telecom Equipment: Walkie-talkies, wireless microphones, fax machines, modems.

Certification Classification (Based on equipment risk level):

1.ESER (Enhanced Simplified Equipment Registration): For low-power short-range devices (e.g., Bluetooth, Wi-Fi). No fee, based on Supplier's Declaration of Conformity (SDoC).

2.SER (Simplified Equipment Registration): For cellular devices (e.g., mobile phones).

3.GER (General Equipment Registration): For base stations, high-risk equipment, or products not listed in ESER/SER. Requires submission of full test reports.

  III. Detailed IMDA Certification Process (5 Key Steps):

1.Confirm Product Standards & Classification:

·Check the Telecommunication Equipment List published by IMDA to confirm the product category.

·Refer to the latest technical specifications (e.g., TS SRD for short-range devices).

2.Product Testing & Report Preparation:

·Testing Requirements: Conduct RF, EMC, and safety testing in an IMDA-recognized laboratory.

Key Standards:

RF Performance: Frequency band, transmit power, bandwidth (e.g., Wi-Fi 6E needs 5.945–6.425 GHz support).

EMC: Electromagnetic Compatibility, ensuring the device doesn't interfere with other systems.

Safety: Compliance with IEC 62368-1 standard (especially for cellular devices).

Testing Timeline: ~2–4 weeks.

3.Submit Application & Documents:

·Application Platform: Submit via IMDA's Telecommunication Equipment Registration System (TERS).

·Required Documents:

Application Form & Technical Specifications.

Test Reports (RF, EMC, Safety).

User Manual in English & Product Label Design.

Local Representative Authorization Documents.

4.IMDA Review & Approval:

·Review Timeline: Typically 2–4 weeks (with complete documents).

·Request for Additional Information: If documents are incomplete, supplementation is required within a specified time.

5.Label Usage & Market Surveillance:

·Labeling Requirement: Certified equipment must bear the "IMDA Approved" label with the dealer's registration code.

·Market Surveillance: IMDA conducts market sampling; non-compliant equipment may be suspended from sale.

  IV. 2025 Latest Policy Dynamics & Compliance Points:

1.Technical Standards Update:

·Cellular Mobile Terminals (CMT):

Added 5G NR band support (n257/n258/n261), and clarified that VoLTE must be enabled by default.

3G Network Sunset: Starting February 2025, import and sale of 3G-only devices are prohibited.

·Short-Range Devices (SRD): Band expansion: Wi-Fi 6E band extended to 5.945–6.425 GHz; 920–925 MHz band expanded to 917–925 MHz.

·Cybersecurity Requirements: Cellular devices must comply with IMDA TS CD-SEC, including security updates, access control, etc.

2.New Product Regulation:

·SMS SIM Card Boxes: Effective February 1, 2025, devices with ≥5 SIM card slots are considered prohibited goods, requiring prior IMDA approval for import.

3.Certification Mode Optimization:

·SDoC (Supplier's Declaration of Conformity): Applicable to low-risk devices (e.g., some IoT products), simplifying document submission.

  V. Common Questions & Compliance Strategies:

1.Typical Q&A:

·Q: Do module devices require separate certification?

·A: Yes. If Bluetooth/Wi-Fi modules are embedded in the final product, they need separate certification.

·Q: How to handle certification failure?

·A: Modify the design based on IMDA feedback (e.g., adjust RF parameters) and re-test.

2.Cost & Timeline Optimization Suggestions:

·Cost Control:

ESER mode has no fee.

Utilize CB reports to reduce duplicate testing (but requires supplementing Singapore national differences).

·Timeline Shortening:

Prepare technical documents in advance to avoid delays from requests for information.

Choose IMDA-recognized labs to ensure reports pass in one go.

3.Non-Compliance Risks & Mitigation:

·Selling Uncertified Equipment: May face equipment seizure, fines, or criminal charges.

·Labeling Errors: Failure to include the registration code may invalidate the certification.

Singapore IMDA certification is a core compliance threshold for product entry into the local market. Companies should focus on:

·Early Planning: Confirm product classification and latest standards (e.g., 5G bands & 3G sunset).

·Local Cooperation: Ensure the Singapore representative is legally qualified.

·Testing Compliance: Strictly adhere to RF, EMC, and safety specifications.

·Dynamic Tracking: Monitor IMDA policy updates in real-time (e.g., new regulations like SIM card boxes).

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