Technological advancements are spreading across various sectors, and one sector that cannot be ignored is the automotive sector. Many modern cars today are equipped with advanced features, ranging from keyless entry systems to vehicular radar sensors.
Generally, many of the modern technologies we find in vehicles rely on wireless technology. These features certainly provide convenience and enhance driving safety.
Did you know that some automotive components require Radio Frequency (RF) type approval certification? Without the required certification, these components may not be legally permitted to be imported, distributed, or marketed in certain countries.
For manufacturers, brand owners, importers, and distributors, understanding RF type approval for automotive components is a crucial part of preparing for distribution in the global market.
What Is RF Type Approval?
Radio Frequency (RF) type approval is a common process used to assess the compliance of devices that utilize wireless technology. This is often a key requirement for gaining market access in the target country.
Devices must be tested in accordance with the varying RF frequency allocations and technical requirements in the target market. This ensures that their use on specific frequencies does not interfere with other technologies or radio communication systems. Testing may focus on parameters such as frequency range, output power, bandwidth, and spurious emissions.
Additionally, testing may include Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) requirements to ensure that the device does not generate harmful electromagnetic emissions or cause interference with other electronic devices when in use. Some products may require additional testing, such as safety testing and Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) testing.
All of these tests will result in test reports that must be submitted to the relevant regulatory authority in the target market, along with other required documentation, for evaluation. Products that meet the applicable requirements may receive a type approval certificate immediately.
Which Automotive Components Need Certification?
Essentially, not all automotive components require RF type approval testing. In fact, only certain components require it.
What we need to understand is the principle behind RF type approval itself. This certification is generally required for devices that operate using radio frequency technology.
Therefore, automotive components that use wireless technology are the ones that may need to undergo this process. Technologies commonly found in automotive components include Bluetooth, Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN), radar, low-power radio, and cellular technology.
Examples of products that need certification
Here are examples of automotive component products and the technologies they use that may require RF type approval certification:
| Automotive Component | Wireless Technology / Frequency |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring Sensor (TPMS) | Low-power radio – 433 MHz |
| Body Control Module (BCM) | |
| Body Control Module (BCM) | Low-power radio – 125 kHz |
| Seatbelt Sensor | |
| Immobilizer | |
| Rear Seat Entertainment Unit | Bluetooth; WLAN – 2.4/5 GHz |
| Car or Motorbike Head Unit | |
| Telematics Control Unit (TCU) | Cellular; Bluetooth; WLAN – 2.4/5 GHz |
| Dashcam / GPS Receiver | |
| Vehicular Radar Sensor | Radar – 24/77 GHz |
The specific approval requirements for these components can vary depending on the technology, operating frequency, and target market. Therefore, identifying the wireless functions and applicable frequency bands is an important first step before determining the type approval requirements for automotive components.
Type Approval Procedure
Obtaining RF type approval certification for automotive components involves quite a long process. In some countries, it can even take up to 12 weeks. This lengthy process may occur when a country’s regulatory authority requires local testing.
Many applicants believe the process involves only testing, document submission, and certificate issuance. In reality, the certification process begins long before that; determining the device specifications and the required tests is where it all starts.
1. Product and RF Specification Review
Before beginning the application process, we naturally need to know the specifications of the product we wish to submit. This will determine the next steps in the certification process.
Product specifications will relate to applicable technical standards, testing requirements, the number of samples, and the type of certification application (for countries that require different types of certification based on product type). In fact, the preparation of documents will also be tailored to all of these factors.
2. Regulatory Requirement Assessment
After reviewing the product specifications, the next step is to familiarize yourself with the regulations governing that technology in your target market. This will help you identify the technical requirements that must be met for the device you intend to submit for approval.
This involves reviewing the specific parameters that must be met in the target country. Then, you can determine whether your device already meets those requirements or not.
3. Sample and Documentation Preparation
Sample and document requirements are something that always need to be adjusted. The number and type of samples will depend on the testing required. In fact, some labs also have their own policies regarding this matter.
Generally, each test may require one sample. Radiated mode is typically used for certain RF tests, while normal samples are used for EMC testing. If a device requires additional testing, such as safety testing and Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) testing, the number and type of samples will be adjusted accordingly.
Document requirements also vary by country. This depends on the policies of each regulatory authority. However, the documents typically required include product specifications, product photos, a self-declaration of conformity, and test reports.
4. RF Pre-Testing
RF pre-testing is something that many applicants rarely consider when submitting an application. In fact, this process can be crucial for ensuring that the equipment meets applicable technical standards.
The reason may not be a lack of knowledge, but rather that few consulting agencies currently offer this service. When a consultant does offer it or when an applicant is aware of it, the applicant is often charged an additional fee for this process.
5. Official Testing
Official testing refers to testing conducted at an accredited laboratory recognized by the authorities of the country where your product will be marketed. For countries that require local testing, the testing will be conducted at a local laboratory in that country.
For countries that do not require local testing, testing may be conducted at an overseas laboratory recognized by or working with the relevant authority.
Generally, type approval testing is conducted by laboratories accredited to ISO/IEC 17025. The testing is performed according to the applicable technical standards and regulatory requirements of the target market, such as FCC or CE standards.
6. Document Submission and Evaluation
Once the testing is complete, you will receive a test report, which is one of the mandatory documents required to submit your application. Next, all documents must be submitted to the relevant authority (some submissions can be submitted online, while others must be submitted in person at the office).
After that, the completeness of the documents will be evaluated to ensure they meet all requirements. If the evaluation is successful, the RF type approval certificate will be issued according to the procedures and timeline established by the relevant authority.
RF Type Approval Around the World
As briefly mentioned earlier, each country has its own policies regarding the implementation of RF type approval for automotive components. These requirements may include the applicable frequency allocations and technical standards established for radio devices in each country.
The application process also varies. Some countries require local testing, while others do not require local testing. Some countries offer local testing as an additional option if an applicant does not yet have a test report.
The difference is not only in the requirements and the processes, but also in the certification application cost, which varies significantly. Some countries have low application fees, while others have significantly higher costs. However, obtaining the necessary certifications is a mandatory step for your device to be legally marketed in a country.
Here are some examples of RF type approval authorities and schemes around the world:
- Australia: ACMA Type Approval
- Brazil: ANATEL Type Approval
- Cambodia: TRC Type Approval
- Colombia: CRC Type Approval
- Egypt: NTRA Type Approval
- India: WPC ETA and/or TEC MTCTE Type Approval
- Indonesia: DJID Type Approval
- Japan: MIC Type Approval
- Malaysia: SIRIM Type Approval
- Mexico: CRT Type Approval
- Philippines: NTC Type Approval
- Saudi Arabia: CST Type Approval
- Singapore: IMDA Type Approval
- South Korea: KC Type Approval
- Thailand: NBTC Type Approval
- United Arab Emirates (UAE): TDRA Type Approval
- Vietnam: MoST Type Approval
- Yemen: MTIT Type Approval