Pakistan has introduced a new regulatory framework for telecommunication equipment certification, bringing internationally recognized technical standards into the country’s approval process. The move is expected to standardize how telecom equipment is tested and certified before entering the Pakistani market, while placing new compliance obligations on telecom operators, manufacturers, and importers.

Pakistan has introduced a new regulatory framework for telecommunication equipment certification, bringing internationally recognized technical standards into the country’s approval process.

The move is expected to standardize how telecom equipment is tested and certified before entering the Pakistani market, while placing new compliance obligations on telecom operators, manufacturers, and importers.

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), with the approval of the Federal Government, has notified the Telecommunication Equipment Standards Regulations through an SRO published in the Gazette of Pakistan. The regulations came into force immediately and apply to telecom licensees, manufacturers and importers.

The new framework establishes uniform technical standards for different classes of telecommunication equipment and sets out procedures for testing and certification. It is based on internationally recognized standards and organizations, including the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI), International Organization for Standardization (ISO), International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization (CENELEC) and the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

The regulations cover a broad range of technical requirements, including electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), health and safety, optical and laser safety, radio frequency communications, mobile devices, satellite communication systems and other telecommunications equipment.

They also define technical benchmarks for equipment such as GSM, LTE, UMTS, Wi-Fi, GPS, RFID, NFC, microwave systems, base stations and satellite communication devices.

Under the new framework, applicants seeking a Certificate of Compliance (CoC) must submit applications supported by test reports issued by accredited laboratories that meet the prescribed international standards. All telecommunication equipment testing must comply with the standards specified by the PTA, although the Authority may adopt additional standards where no specific technical benchmark has been prescribed.

The regulations also make all PTA directives, notifications, standard operating procedures and orders legally binding on stakeholders.

In addition, telecom licensees, manufacturers and importers are required to maintain updated records of telecommunication equipment for at least three years and provide them to the PTA whenever requested.

The PTA has also been authorized to conduct public awareness campaigns through print, electronic and social media to support the implementation of the new regulations.

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