To import and commercialize telecom and electronic equipment in Argentina, manufacturers and importers must comply with local regulations enforced by ENACOM (Ente Nacional de Comunicaciones) for wireless and telecommunications equipment, and IRAM/Secretaría de Comercio for electrical safety and energy efficiency.
Argentina’s certification landscape is structured around two main areas:
- ENACOM Type Approval – for wireless and telecommunications equipment
- Electrical Safety Certification – for electrical and electronic consumer products
1. ENACOM Type Approval (Wireless and Telecom Equipment)
ENACOM is the national authority responsible for regulating telecommunications and radio frequency (RF) equipment in Argentina. Any device that transmits or receives radio signals—including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and mobile technologies—must be approved before being marketed or used.
Devices requiring approval include mobile phones, RF modules, routers, Bluetooth accessories, and other wireless technologies.
The approval process involves:
- Appointing a local legal representative in Argentina
- Submitting internationally recognized test reports (typically FCC or CE reports) or conducting local testing in an ENACOM-recognized lab if required
- Preparing technical documentation including frequency specs, block diagrams, and user manuals
- Applying through the ENACOM portal for homologation
- Receiving a Homologation Certificate issued by ENACOM
Approved products must bear the ENACOM label, which includes a certification number and logo. This label must be visible on the product or its packaging before it is made available for sale in Argentina.
The validity of ENACOM certificates is generally indefinite, as long as the product design remains unchanged. However, any hardware modification or version update requires a new approval.
2. Electrical Safety and Energy Efficiency Certification
For general electrical and electronic products—especially those connected to mains power—Argentina requires compliance with electrical safety standards, enforced by IRAM (Instituto Argentino de Normalización y Certificación) and the Secretaría de Comercio.
Product categories typically requiring certification include household appliances, chargers, lighting, power supplies, and IT equipment.
Steps to certify include:
- Determining if the product is listed under mandatory certification (Res. SC No. 169/2018 and other applicable regulations)
- Conducting safety testing in an accredited local laboratory or using recognized international reports (may need local validation)
- Submitting documentation and test results through an approved certification body in Argentina
- Receiving the IRAM mark or S-Mark and listing the product in the national registry
Products must bear the safety mark and be traceable via a label or technical plate. Some categories may also require energy efficiency labeling in line with Argentine labeling regulations.
Certification validity is typically for five years but may vary depending on the product and conformity scheme.
Customs and Market Enforcement
The Argentine Customs Authority (AFIP) enforces compliance with technical and safety regulations at the border. Products that are not certified or improperly labeled may be detained or denied entry. Importers should ensure that all certificates, declarations, and labels are ready before shipment.
Market surveillance is conducted by both ENACOM and the Secretaría de Comercio to ensure products in circulation remain compliant.
Closing Remarks
Certification ensures not only regulatory compliance but also consumer trust and market access. Companies planning to enter the Argentine market should budget time and resources for these approvals early in their go-to-market process. Getting certified in Argentina can feel complex, but it’s essential for legal market entry and consumer safety. Whether you're launching smart devices, network equipment, or household electronics—compliance is your passport to Argentina.
Need help managing Argentina approvals? We are happy to guide you through it!
