CERT – Centre d'Expertise et de Régulation des Télécommunications – is responsible for type approval of wireless communication and ICT RF equipment in Tunisia. Phones, routers, Bluetooth terminals, IoT devices – any product with RF transmission capability – requires a CERT certificate for local sale – without it, customs detention.

Two separate compliance systems:

·CERT: wireless RF approval.

·INNORPI: safety, general EMC, and energy efficiency.

CETV‑VN is whole‑vehicle type approval – in‑vehicle Bluetooth and cellular wireless components cannot be exempted by a vehicle certificate – many projects are delayed by this confusion.

1. Safety Testing (INNORPI – 

Many assume CERT performs safety testing – but safety is an INNORPI NT registration requirement. When submitting CERT transfer applications, safety reports must be included – but they are not reviewed by CERT.

ICT products follow EN/IEC 62368-1 – insulation, leakage current, earthing, temperature rise, fire protection. For wireless whole products, safety reports must be prepared alongside RF work – don't only do RF. Check spec sheets against BOMs before sample submission – inconsistencies cause rejection.

  2. General EMC Testing (INNORPI – 

·EN 55032: conducted and radiated emissions.

·EN 55035: ESD, surge, and other immunity tests.

These are under INNORPI. Wireless products require both general EMC and CERT‑specific wireless EMC – the two reports cannot substitute for each other.

EMC remediation is time‑consuming – hardware layout and filter‑design defects require board rework. Pre‑scan samples at the prototype stage – identifying issues early – avoiding repeated formal‑test revisions.

  3. Energy Efficiency (INNORPI – catalogue products only)

Energy efficiency is not CERT‑related. Products on the energy‑efficiency catalogue (lighting, external power supplies, appliances) must submit energy data to INNORPI – with corresponding efficiency labelling.

Non‑catalogue wireless devices do not need energy efficiency. Prepare energy documents early – don't leave them until goods are at port – supplementary testing delays shipping and incurs high port‑holding costs.

  4. Wireless RF Tests (CERT core)

RF is CERT's core review. ILAC and CE‑RED reports can be accepted for transfer – different radio technologies use different ETSI standards – choosing the wrong standard invalidates results.

4.1 EN 300 328: 2.4 GHz Bluetooth, Wi‑Fi, ZigBee – transmit power, frequency offset, spurious. Tunisia prohibits 2.4 GHz Channel 14 – confirm firmware configuration at development stage.

4.2 EN 301 893: 5 GHz Wi‑Fi – DFS is a key check.

4.3 EN 301 908: cellular phones and modules – more test items, longer timeline – requires a valid GSMA TAC letter.

4.4 EN 301 489‑17: wireless‑specific EMC – CERT mandatory – general EMC cannot substitute.

  5. SAR Testing (CERT – body‑worn only)

Phones, handheld terminals, wearables – devices used close to the body – require SAR assessment under EN 62479 or EN 62311. Low‑power products may use simplified assessment – fixed‑installation devices generally do not need SAR. Missing SAR blocks certification – even if all other tests pass.

  6. Document Language Requirements

Technical reports and specifications submitted for review may be in English. However, nameplates, labels, and user manuals for end‑users must be in French or Arabic – model parameters must match technical documents. English‑only user manuals are rejected.

  7. BlueAsia's End‑to‑End Approach

BlueAsia can coordinate both CERT and INNORPI compliance – standard matching, international report reuse, document handling, and submission tracking. Clarifying the two agencies' responsibilities upfront – avoiding missing items and controlling overall timelines.

  8. Common Misconceptions and Practical Reminders

·Safety, general EMC, and energy efficiency are not CERT tests – they fall under INNORPI – both compliance areas must be addressed.

·Wireless‑specific EMC and general EMC reports cannot substitute for each other – wireless products need both.

·Only end‑user labels/manuals require French/Arabic – technical review documents may be in English.

·In‑vehicle wireless components cannot be exempted from CERT by a vehicle VN certificate.

·Prioritise reusing existing CE‑RED/ILAC RF reports for transfer – versus full local testing – saving time and cost.

For Tunisia CERT test items, contact BlueAsia at 13534225140 (King) or email king.guo@cblueasia.com.