The Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA) mandatory certification is a prerequisite for telecommunications equipment to enter the UAE market. TDRA certification implements tiered pricing based on device risk level, with primary costs including a fixed administrative fee of 700 AED and equipment testing fees ranging from approximately 1,400 to 8,100 AED.
1.Risk Classification:
·Level 1 (Lowest Risk): Short-range, low-power devices (e.g., Bluetooth, NFC, Wi-Fi-only tablets).
·Level 2 (Medium Risk): Devices sometimes requiring technical testing.
·Level 3 (Highest Risk): Devices requiring mandatory technical testing (e.g., some mobile phones, drones).
2.Administrative Fees:
·Transaction Review Fee: 500 AED
·Certificate Issuance Fee: 200 AED
3.Equipment Testing Fees (Examples):
·Wi-Fi Devices: 8,100 AED
·3G/4G Mobile Phones: 2,600 AED
·5G Mobile Phones: 4,000 AED
·Bluetooth Devices: 2,700 AED
·eCall Systems: 6,100 AED
·NB-IOT Devices: 3,800 AED
4.Processing Time:
·Level 1: 1 working day
·Level 2: 5 working days
·Level 3: 10 working days
5.Certificate Validity: The Type Approval Certificate is valid for three years and can be renewed for another three years.
Note: TDRA itself does not conduct tests; it is responsible for review and certification. Testing must be completed by its recognized laboratories.
TDRA Certification Cost Structure
UAE TDRA certification costs consist of two main parts: fixed administrative fees and equipment testing fees.
All certification levels require payment of the 700 AED administrative fee, which includes the 500 AED transaction review fee and the 200 AED certificate issuance fee.
Equipment testing fees vary by product type and risk level:
·High-Risk Devices: e.g., Wi-Fi device testing costs 8,100 AED; 5G phones cost 4,000 AED.
·Medium/Low-Risk Devices: e.g., Bluetooth device testing costs 2,700 AED; 3G/4G phones cost 2,600 AED.
·Special Function Devices: e.g., eCall emergency call system testing costs 6,100 AED; NB-IOT devices cost 3,800 AED.
Beyond these standard fees, additional costs may arise during certification, such as sample shipping fees and test report translation fees.
TDRA Certification Cost Optimization Strategies
1.Plan Ahead & Apply Accurately: Plan according to the product's risk level, allowing sufficient time for document preparation and testing.
2.Ensure Test Report Compliance: TDRA mandates that test reports must be issued by an ILAC-accredited laboratory to avoid rejection and additional costs.
3.Leverage International Test Data: Existing international test data (e.g., FCC/CE reports) may be partially accepted but require supplementation for local frequency band tests.
4.Prepare Complete Documentation: Ensure submission of complete and accurate application materials upfront to avoid delays from requests for supplementary information.
TDRA Certification Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Is re-certification required after a product upgrade?
·Hardware changes typically require re-testing and a change application. If it's only a software upgrade that doesn't affect RF parameters, it might only require notification to TDRA.
Q2: Can existing FCC/CE reports be used for TDRA certification
·TDRA may accept international test data but requires supplementation for local frequency band tests (e.g., UAE-specific bands).
Q3: What is the certificate validity period?
·The TDRA-issued Type Approval Certificate is valid for three years and can be renewed for another three years.
Q4: Are fees refundable if certification fails?
·Administrative fees (like the 500 AED transaction review fee) are generally non-refundable, even if the application is rejected or withdrawn.
TDRA certification is the mandatory pass for telecommunications equipment entering the UAE market. Its cost primarily consists of a 700 AED fixed administrative fee and testing fees based on device risk level. By planning ahead, preparing compliant test reports, and submitting complete application files, you can effectively control certification costs and accelerate the process. BLUEASIA: +86 13534225140, will provide you with professional certification consulting services!
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