Argentina is a major South American market – with over 46 million consumers – second only to Brazil in the region. Demand for wireless communication products has long been strong. To export Wi‑Fi routers, Bluetooth devices, smartphones, IoT modules, and other products to Argentina, you must complete RAMATEL type approval.

In February 2026, Argentina's National Communications Agency issued Resolution No. 57 – introducing major changes to the certification rules – taking effect from 1 September 2026. This article covers RAMATEL certification basics, new‑rule changes, and the full process.

一、What Is ENACOM Certification?

ENACOM is Argentina's National Communications Agency. Any device that transmits RF signals or connects to Argentina's public communication network must apply for RAMATEL type approval. Applicable categories: Wi‑Fi routers, Bluetooth speakers, phones, IoT modules, 4G/5G terminals, RFID tags, wireless remotes, satellite terminals – and more.

After certification, the product must bear the RAMATEL mark – Argentina's official mark for communication devices. The RAMATEL ID must appear on the product nameplate – with specified font size and format. For online sales, merchants and e‑commerce platforms must clearly display the ID on product pages.

  二、2026 New Rules – What's Changed?

1. Third‑party certification and certificate‑management changes

Resolution No. 57 – issued February 2026 – is a major overhaul of Argentina's communication‑access rules in decades. The old 729/1980 and 784/1987 regulations are repealed. The new system introduces third‑party certification bodies – accredited by OAA under IRAM ISO/IEC 17065 – responsible for issuing conformity certificates.

Certificates issued under the new rules have no fixed expiry – replaced by long‑term registration with ongoing market surveillance.

·Class A (consumer devices): surveillance every 2 years.

·Class B (professional/industrial): no periodic surveillance.

This differs significantly from the old 3‑year fixed‑validity system.

2. Family‑model filings and the RAMATEL‑HERTZ online system

The new rules allow multiple models in the same family to be filed under one certificate – reducing testing costs and timelines. All applications are submitted via the RAMATEL‑HERTZ online system – paper‑only applications are no longer accepted.

Existing certificates remain valid until 26 February 2029 – after which they must be re‑certified under the new rules. Applications submitted before 1 September 2026 follow the old policy – 3‑year validity. New applications from 1 September 2026 onwards follow the new rules.

3. Band openings and 5G restrictions

From December 2023, Argentina opened the 5G NR certification channel – enabling the n78 band (3300–3700 MHz) – with indoor/outdoor power limits. In 2025, mobile satellite band rules were updated: 1990–2025 MHz for uplink, 2170–2200 MHz for downlink. Before shipping, verify your device's operating frequencies – the 800 MHz band and some UWB bands are currently restricted.

  三、Certification Process

1. Local testing requirements

RF devices should be tested at Argentine labs. Under certain conditions, overseas test reports may be accepted – with local difference testing – not full retesting. FCC/CE reports cannot be directly transferred. Sample quantities: 1–3 units – depending on functions and bands. Local testing: 10–12 weeks – the longest stage in the process.

Labs must be accredited by OAA under IRAM ISO/IEC 17025 – previously ENACOM‑recognised labs have a 2‑year transition period to obtain the new accreditation.

2. Local certificate holder and document submission

Overseas manufacturers cannot apply directly – they must appoint an Argentine local entity as the certificate holder – e.g., local distributor, compliance service provider, or locally registered company.

The local holder submits documents via the online system – including technical specifications, local test reports, Spanish‑language user manuals, and power‑supply compliance documents. All submissions are online – official review: 4–6 weeks.

3. Power supply and plug compliance

Argentina's mains supply is 220V 50Hz – plugs must meet IRAM 2073 – external power supplies must meet IRAM 2074. Argentina uses Type I plugs – similar to Australian plugs – but wiring differs – neutral is marked "N" – earthed versions have an earth mark. Non‑compliant plugs cause rejection – remediation adds 4–8 weeks.

  四、Timeline and Costs

Full certification: 17–23 weeks.

·Sample preparation: 2–3 weeks.

·Local testing: 10–12 weeks.

·Official review: 4–6 weeks.

·Certificate issuance: 1–2 weeks.

Costs: RMB 20,000–50,000 – covering local testing, agent services, and official application fees.

Under the old policy: 3‑year validity – renew 30 days before expiry – after expiry, full retesting required. Under the new rules: long‑term registration – Class A consumer devices have 2‑year surveillance – surveillance costs are additional.

  五、Differences from Other South American Markets

Argentina requires local testing – does not accept direct FCC/CE transfer. Similar to Brazil ANATEL – but details differ – Brazil accepts overseas reports + difference testing. When planning South American projects, Argentina's testing timeline must be separately scheduled – do not use Brazil timelines.

Compared to Chile SUBTEL – Chile accepts overseas reports for self‑declaration – lower cost and faster. Argentina's consumer market is larger – long‑term exports justify separate certification planning.

  六、Certification Differences by Product

·Wi‑Fi routers, Bluetooth speakers: Class A – RF + EMC testing.

·Phones, cellular terminals: add SAR testing – +1 sample.

·IoT modules: modular certification – whole products can reference module certificates – only differences re‑tested. If the whole product changes antenna layout or RF traces – full RF testing required.

·GPS modules: verify bands comply with local rules – some L1/L2 bands have restrictions.

·5G: only n78 is currently open – other 5G bands are not yet planned – products in other bands should not be submitted yet.

  七、FAQ

·Multi‑band devices: labs conduct pre‑assessment first – then confirm sample quantity.

·International shipping: allow 2–3 weeks for customs clearance.

·RAMATEL ID must be on the product nameplate – packaging‑only is non‑compliant.

Certificates are tied to manufacturer and hardware model – not transferable – no holder‑change path – changing production entity requires a new application. Class A devices: 2‑year surveillance – certificate holders must provide production information.

  八、Argentina Export – Timeline Planning

Set a dedicated RAMATEL certification window. From sample shipment to certificate: 17–23 weeks – plus sample preparation and customs clearance – plan for six months overall. When running Brazil, Chile, and Argentina in parallel – sample submissions are separate – but R&D pre‑test data can be shared – compressing overall timelines.

Review all costs carefully – confirm the quote covers all test items – avoid hidden fees. Compare multiple providers – if a quote is significantly below market, check whether services have been omitted.

For Argentina ENACOM certification, contact BlueAsia at 13534225140 (King) or email king.guo@cblueasia.com.