ETSI TS 101 756 is not a certification project name but a parameter dictionary for DAB digital audio broadcasting system, defining coding rules and identifier meanings of broadcast signal metadata. All DAB receiver designs must comply with its specifications, but no independent certification is required for this standard alone.

What manufacturers actually need is completing tests per ETSI EN 300 401, ETSI EN 303 186 and other DAB standards to prove receiver performance meets EU vehicle type approval requirements. The legal basis is EECC Directive (EU) 2018/1972 Article 113 and its implementing regulations, with the mandatory effective date taking effect on December 21, 2020.

1.Six Steps of ETSI TS 101 756 Full Certification Process

Step 1: Project Evaluation & Standard Matching (1~2 Weeks)

Clarify product configuration first: confirm DAB chip solution, module supplier, antenna design and interface specification, then benchmark ETSI EN 300 401 and ETSI TS 103 461 V1.2.2 clauses to clarify applicable test items.

Many manufacturers delay progress by skipping this step: one car radio client found incompatible antenna interface with DAB module halfway through testing, requiring hardware modification and wasting 5 weeks.

For pre-certified DAB modules, confirm whether the module RF report can cover part of the 整机 RF items after integration. Note that module pre-certification cannot replace 整机 compliance due to actual antenna parameter changes after integration.

Step 2: Test Preparation & Sample Production (2~4 Weeks)

Laboratories usually require 2~3 mass-production-ready samples with assembled antennas, wired harness per actual vehicle layout and simulated vehicle power & grounding. Samples inconsistent with mass production will result in unaccepted EMC test results.

Required technical documents: schematic diagram, PCB layout, BOM list, antenna specification, DAB module certificate copy, 整机 technical manual and signal interface definition. Antenna interface and RF routing documents are the most frequently checked items by laboratories.

For pre-certified DAB module adoption, sort out module certificates and test reports to confirm coverage and formulate integration verification schemes. RF exemption does not waive mandatory system-level tests.

Step 3: Official Laboratory Testing (4~8 Weeks, Core Stage)

DAB certification testing mainly covers two standard systems:

·ETSI EN 300 401: Defines basic RF and transmission parameters including receiving sensitivity, adjacent channel selectivity, blocking characteristics and intermodulation response, serving as the fundamental compliance basis for EU WVTA DAB approval.

·ETSI EN 303 186: Specifies ground DAB receiver performance including audio decoding, signal acquisition time and dynamic reconfiguration response. Updated versions after 2020 add DAB+ (HE-AAC v2) compatibility requirements amid Europe’s DAB to DAB+ migration.

·ETSI TS 103 461 V1.2.2: Automotive dedicated test specification covering Hard Link seamless handover, dynamic reconfiguration response and multi-language program switching latency.

Smooth testing takes 4~6 weeks. Failure and rectification will extend the cycle: RF failure usually requires antenna matching or shielding redesign, with re-scheduling adding at least 3~4 weeks.

Vehicle EMC Supplementary Note: Vehicle infotainment systems under EU WVTA need additional UN ECE R10 EMC and ISO 16758 environmental reliability tests. These are independent 整车 certification items but usually processed simultaneously with DAB testing, incurring extra time and costs.

Step 4: Test Report Compilation & Review (1~2 Weeks)

The laboratory issues an official test report listing test conditions, data and judgment results item by item. Manufacturers often overlook self-inspection: confirm the standard version cited in the report matches the latest regulatory requirements. Using outdated standard versions will lead to supplementary tests and report reissuance.

Non-compliant items require rectification reports with cause analysis, improvement measures and verification results. Regulatory review on rectification documents has become increasingly stringent in recent years.

Step 5: EU WVTA Application Submission (2~4 Weeks)

Submit EU WVTA application to EU member state type approval bodies such as TÜV Germany, RDW Netherlands and UTAC France. Application materials include complete test reports, technical documents, manufacturer ISO 9001 certificate, pre-certified DAB module reports and authorization declaration forms.

Official document review takes 2~4 weeks; incomplete materials will delay the cycle.

Step 6: Certificate Issuance & Follow-Up Maintenance (1~2 Weeks)

Upon approval, the authority issues an EU WVTA DAB certificate marked with certification number, product coverage, applicable standard version and issuance date.

Post-certification maintenance notes: Hardware upgrade based on pre-certified modules requires re-evaluation; new ETSI standard versions adopted by EU WVTA may require supplementary tests for new product applications.

  2.ETSI TS 101 756 Certification Timeline Estimation

·Basic DAB Function Certification: Adopting pre-certified modules, first-pass testing and smooth official review, total cycle: 8~12 weeks (2~3 months), excluding hardware rectification and vehicle EMC.

·With Hardware Rectification & Vehicle EMC: Testing failure, EMC rectification and UN R10/ISO 16758 tests included, total cycle: 14~24 weeks (3~6 months). Hardware design defects may extend the cycle over 6 months.

Hidden Factor: Choosing cooperative laboratories with long-term ties to international certification bodies accelerates review pass rate and lab scheduling.

For EU ETSI TS 101 756 and vehicle DAB WVTA certification, contact Blueasia Technical Testing & Certification Consultant: 13534225140