Importing automotive components is more than finding the right product. There are several things to keep in mind, especially for components that use wireless technology. These components must meet the applicable type approval requirements.
Manufacturers, importers, and distributors should be aware that not all automotive components require Radio Frequency (RF) type approval. Even when a product requires type approval, the requirements may differ depending on the wireless technology, frequency, product model, and target market. Understanding why type approval matters can also help you prepare for market entry.
This is why you need to understand the requirements before starting the approval process. Check the applicable requirements, documentation, and testing needed for your automotive components before preparing them for the market.
So, what should importers keep in mind when preparing automotive components for a new market?
1. Not All Automotive Components Need Type Approval
Yes, it’s true that not all automotive components require RF type approval. The first thing to determine is whether the component uses wireless technology that requires type approval.
In general, automotive components that use technologies such as Bluetooth, WLAN, cellular, radar, or low-power radio may require RF type approval. However, the requirements are not always the same. They can depend on the technology, frequency, product scope, and target market.
One common mistake is assuming that every automotive component requires the same type of approval. Before moving forward, check the wireless functions and product specifications first. This will help you understand which requirements apply to your product.
2. Identify the Wireless Technology and Frequency
Knowing that your automotive components may require RF type approval is one thing. Identifying the wireless technologies and frequencies used is another step you need to take.
Different automotive components may use different wireless technologies.
- Keyless systems use low-power radio
- Head units use Bluetooth and WLAN
- Telematics Control Units (TCUs) use cellular, Bluetooth, and WLAN
- Vehicular radar sensors operate at 24 GHz or 77 GHz
Once you know the technologies being used, you also need to check the frequency bands used by the product. This is important because frequency allocations can vary from country to country. Frequencies permitted in one market may have different requirements in another.
Having accurate information about the wireless technologies and frequencies will help determine the applicable type approval requirements for your target markets. Orapada Approval can also help determine the applicable requirements based on the product specifications you provide.
3. Check the Requirements in the Target Market
After identifying the wireless technologies and frequencies used by your product, the next step is to review the requirements in your target market. Each country may have different requirements for automotive components that use wireless technology.
You need to identify the relevant regulatory authorities, product scope, approval schemes, frequency allocations, and technical requirements that apply to your product. For example, does the approval scheme require local testing? What frequency allocation applies to your product?
Some countries may require testing to be conducted locally. Other countries may accept test reports from recognized foreign laboratories, provided they meet the applicable requirements.
For example, if you are preparing a product for the Indonesian market, you need to check whether the frequencies used by the product are permitted and what requirements apply to them.
Here are some examples of frequency ranges relevant to wireless technologies commonly found in automotive components in Indonesia:
| Technology | Example Frequency Range |
| Bluetooth | 2400–2483.5 MHz |
| Low-Power Radio | 433–434.79 MHz |
| WLAN | 2400–2483.5 MHz; 5150–5350 MHz; 5725-5825 MHz |
| Cellular | Depends on the cellular band supported by the product |
| Automotive Radar | 24–24.25 GHz; 76–77 GHz |
These are only examples. The applicable frequency range and technical requirements still need to be checked based on the product specifications and the regulations applicable in the target market. Indonesia’s current spectrum allocation table includes these ranges under relevant categories such as Short Range Device (SRD) and Radio Local Area Network (RLAN).
Documentation requirements may also vary by market. Knowing which documents are required before beginning the approval process can help you prepare everything properly.
Reviewing these requirements early on will give you a clearer picture of what needs to be prepared. That way, you can have everything ready before the product enters the target market.
4. Check the Product Model
Once you have identified the wireless technology and reviewed the requirements in your target market, the next step is to review the product model. This is a straightforward step, but it is an important part of the type approval process.
The type approval certificate may apply to specific product models or configurations, depending on the requirements in your target market. This is because a single automotive component can come in different models or variants. These differences may stem from variations in hardware, RF modules, antennas, frequency bands, or firmware.
Such differences may affect the applicable type approval requirements. Importers must ensure that the model number listed in the application matches the actual product to be sold and distributed.
Differences in models or variants must be reviewed to determine whether a separate application is required. Reviewing the product model early on can help prevent issues related to the approval of the imported product. Different models or variants may also require different testing.
5. Understand the Testing Requirements
Make sure you understand the testing requirements that apply to your automotive components. Testing will depend on the wireless technology, product specifications, and requirements in the target market.
Generally, testing for automotive components includes Radio Frequency (RF) and Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) testing. RF testing covers parameters such as frequency range, output power, bandwidth, and spurious emissions. Meanwhile, EMC testing ensures that the device does not generate electromagnetic emissions that could interfere with other devices.
Before conducting testing, you need to check whether the target market requires local testing or accepts test reports from accredited laboratories abroad. This will affect the preparation process, testing location, and required documentation.
Understanding the testing requirements will help you properly prepare the product samples and necessary documentation. That way, you can avoid non-conformities during testing.
6. Prepare the Required Samples and Documents
Product samples and required documentation must be prepared in accordance with the requirements of the target market and applicable testing procedures. The number and type of samples may vary depending on the device and the tests to be performed.
Generally, at least one sample may be required for each type of test. For RF testing, either a conducted sample or a radiated sample may be required, depending on the wireless technology and applicable testing method.
Conducted sample:
- Bluetooth, WLAN 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz
- Cellular (2G, 3G, 4G, 5G)
Radiated sample:
- Low Power 125 kHz and 433 MHz
- Radar 24 GHz and 77 GHz
Documentation requirements will also vary depending on the regulatory authority and approval scheme. Commonly required documents include product specifications, product photos, user manuals, a declaration of conformity or other conformity documents, and applicable test reports.
7. Do Not Wait Until the Product Is Ready to Ship
RF type approval should be obtained before the product is ready for shipment. This certification can generally serve as your product’s “passport” for entering the target market.
If the certification process does not begin until the product is ready for import, it can cause shipment delays. Any testing or documentation issues may also cause the product to be held up during the import process.
Orapada Approval recommends starting the process while the product is still in development or being prepared for distribution. Importers can then identify the applicable requirements, review product models, determine the necessary testing, and prepare samples and documentation.
Understanding type approval requirements early on can help you prepare your product properly. Starting the process early will also give you more time to address potential issues before the product enters the target market.