Communication means (RADIO & TELECOM)

Ves Certification overview of the main requirements for telecommunication products (FAC) and Radio-Frequency means (RF), procedures, approval documents and lead timing.

Radio and telecommunication equipment are among the fastest-growing imported products today. To be successfully imported into Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Armenia, Ukraine, and other CIS countries, these products typically require multiple approval documents from various government certification authorities.

Telecommunication products can be classified into several categories:

AS ELECTRICAL PRODUCTS

In this category, the main regulatory documents governing certification of electronic devices include:

  • Technical Regulation of the Customs Union (TR CU) 004/2011 "On the safety of low-voltage equipment" (LVD)
  • Technical Regulation of the Customs Union (TR CU) 020/2011 "Electromagnetic compatibility of technical means" (EMC)
  • Technical Regulation of the Eurasian Economic Union (TR EAEU) 037/2016 "On restriction of the use of hazardous substances in electrical products and electronics" (RoHS)

According to these regulations, a Declaration of Conformity or Certificate of Conformity may be required.

These legal acts are valid throughout the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU, formerly the Customs Union). After completing the certification process, the EAC mark can be applied to the product.

AS TELECOMMUNICATION PRODUCTS

Devices that can be connected to the Public Telecom Network (PTN) must be certified in accordance with the requirements of the Federal Agency of Communication (FAC), as outlined in Telecom Law #126-FL of July 2003.

These include products using Bluetooth (BT), Wi-Fi, wired Ethernet, GPS, and LTE data transmission technologies. The key criterion is the ability to connect to the PTN. For example, some wireless BT headphones connect only to nearby systems such as a music station or car player, and therefore may not require Telecom approval.

In such cases, Telecom approval is not needed.

Telecom approval can take two forms: Telecom (FAC) Declaration or Telecom (FAC) Certificate of Conformity.

AS DEVICES WITH ENCRYPTION FEATURES

Most radio and telecommunication devices include encryption functions. In the EAEU, such products require special approval from the Federal Security Service (FSS/FSB). An FSS Notification must be issued to import these products into EAEU countries.

The FSS has specified a list of products requiring FSS Notification if encryption is confirmed (Article 2.19 of the “Non-tariff regulated product list”):

  • Pocket devices for recording, playback, and visualization of data with computing features
  • Printers, copiers, fax machines, and their electronic modules
  • Pocket computers
  • Computing machines (PCs and industrial computers) and their parts
  • Subscriber communication devices
  • Base stations (docking stations)
  • Telecommunication equipment and parts
  • Broadcasting and television hardware
  • Radio navigation receivers and remote control equipment
  • Devices providing Internet access and communication-enabled TVs
  • Integrated circuit chips, storage devices, and more

The FSS Notification can be issued for up to 5 years or longer.

AS RADIO PRODUCTS

Many IT industry products transmit data using wireless technologies, requiring use of specific frequency bands. Some radio devices can be imported without radio approval, including:

  • Radio stations operating at 433.075 - 434.775 MHz with output power not exceeding 10 mW
  • Bluetooth devices (IEEE 802.15 standard) operating at 2400 - 2483.5 MHz with output power up to 100 mW
  • Wi-Fi devices (IEEE 802.11 b/g/n) operating at 2400 - 2483.5 MHz with output power up to 100 mW
  • Wi-Fi devices (IEEE 802.11 a/n) operating at 5150-5350 MHz and 5650-5725 MHz with output power up to 100 mW

This applies across all EAEU countries, although exceptions exist for certain products.

If a product uses different frequency bands or higher transmitting power, radio approval is required. Radio approval systems are not harmonized across the EAEU, meaning each country may have its own requirements. For example, in Russia the Radio-Frequency Center (RFC) regulates this area and issues RFC Conclusions for radio products allowed for import.

The RFC Conclusion has unlimited validity and is issued only after product testing at the RFC.

Certification by industry

Hazardous industry equipment (PED / EX-proof / GAS / PPE / Machinery)

Electronic means (EMC / LVD / ROHS)

Communication means (RADIO & TELECOM)

Construction materials

Measuring devices

Automotive (Spare parts)

Textile (Clothes, Shoes & Accessories)

Light industry (Toys / Furniture / Packaging)

Cosmetics

Oils, Special fluids & Chemicals

Other

F.A.Q.

1Is the local representative company required for handling the EAC certification?
In accordance with Customs Union legislation, a foreign manufacturer must appoint a Local Representative (Applicant) within the territory of the CU to obtain a certificate or declaration. This Applicant may be a customer, distributor, or an authorized representative company in the CU. VES Testing & Certification can act as your official Local Representative, ensuring your company is properly listed on the certificate or declaration.
2What does Annual maintenance inspection assume?
Each serially manufactured product requiring a Certificate of Conformity is subject to an Annual Maintenance Inspection (AMI) when applying for a certificate valid for more than one year. This process ensures that the certification body verifies the product is still being produced at the same quality level. Verification may involve re-testing product samples or reviewing Quality Management System documentation. In certain cases, the certification body may also conduct production site audits as part of the AMI.
3What does the cost of certification services depend on? Is there any price list?
The cost of certification services depends on the type of the required approval document and technical characteristics of the product itself that influences the scope of tests that are to be conducted. We have no price-list because used to work with a wide range of certification bodies, testing laboratories, and other specialized state institutions (Federal Security Service (FSS) licensing center, Radiofrequency center (RFC), Rostekhnadzor, Roszdravnadzor, etc.)And this means that the price can vary depending on product specification and certain certification body's pricing policy. If we are talking about the product specification, then the cost can be affected by the number of models, differences in applied models, the number of communication standards used (for radio products), the number of declared protective properties (for PPE), metrology characteristics ( for measuring devices) and so on. Each product is unique, each request must be carefully calculated to determine the type of document, the amount of testing, the most optimal certification scheme, the number of test reports, etc. Also, it is important to note that CU certification bodies have a certain accreditation (product range they can approve). So, in case of big projects that include different products for certification we should apply to several different authorities. Each of those has individual pricing policies due to their testing facilities. This fact can significantly affect the pricing and process. Our goal is to provide accurate consulting services in a specific case. Therefore, we are happy to evaluate the client's application, which contains the name and description of the product and the HS code (Customs code).
4What is the EAC mark and when should it be applied?
The EAC mark is a mandatory approval symbol for products imported into the Customs Union (CU). It grants access to the markets of Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Armenia, and Kyrgyzstan, enabling distribution across a region of nearly 200 million consumers. The EAC mark can only be obtained after completing the certification procedure in accordance with the Technical Regulations of the Customs Union. EAC stands for “Eurasian Conformity.” The unified mark must be affixed to each product unit, its packaging, or accompanying documentation. It should be applied in a single color that contrasts with the surface, and its placement on products, packaging, and documents is defined by the Technical Regulations of the Customs Union.
5Can the production site audit be replaced by CIG report?
A production site audit may be required if a product must obtain a Certificate of Conformity under the Technical Regulations of the Customs Union. Many clients ask whether this audit can be replaced with a CIG report, which is commonly issued by European manufacturers. However, under Customs Union regulations, a CIG report cannot substitute the audit. Certification authority experts are legally required to personally verify the Quality Management System (QMS) during the approval process.
6How is determine whether the Declaration of conformity or Certificate of conformity is required?
The required form of approval documentation depends on the product description and its HS Code (Customs Code). Each Technical Regulation of the Customs Union contains a list that specifies whether a Certificate of Conformity or a Declaration of Conformity is necessary for a given product, based on its HS Code and application area. In certain cases, specific technical parameters must also be considered, such as for pressure equipment, PPE products, and other regulated categories.
7What is required to import the samples for tests?
Samples can be imported for testing only after completing all preparatory steps. First, an application for certification is prepared and confirmed with the client. Next, the client issues an invoice for the delivery of samples, which must be sent to us for verification. When the samples arrive at the customs clearance office, the recipient prepares the required documents confirming the purpose of import and pays the applicable government fees. Import duties are calculated based on the declared product value in the shipping invoice, while products valued under 200 EUR are exempt from such fees. The final stage involves registering the cargo declaration, which confirms that the samples have cleared customs and are eligible for use in the certification process.
8How can the EAC approval documents be prolonged after the expiration date?
The Customs Union certification system does not provide a prolongation procedure. This means the full certification process must be repeated, including testing and, if required, a production site audit. Upon completion of all procedures, a new approval document will be issued.
9Is there an open register where the issued EAC approval document can be checked?
Almost all approval documents must be registered in publicly accessible databases. These include the Register of EAC Certificates of Conformity, the Register of EAC Declarations of Conformity, the Register of State Registration Certificates, and the FFS Notifications (for encrypted means). For additional information, please contact us at info@ves-certtification.com