Selling or importing telecom and electrical products into Brazil requires compliance with local certification rules. Brazil has two main certification bodies: ANATEL (for telecom/wireless) and INMETRO (for electrical safety and performance).
1. ANATEL Certification (National Telecommunications Agency)
Applies to: All wireless and telecom equipment
Common Products Requiring ANATEL Approval
- Mobile phones and smartphones
- Wi-Fi routers and Bluetooth devices
- IoT devices using radio frequencies (e.g., Zigbee, LoRa)
- Modems, base stations, wireless access points
- VoIP phones and networking equipment
Certification Process
- Testing
- Must be done at a laboratory accredited by ANATEL (located in Brazil)
- Includes RF performance, EMC, safety, and SAR (if applicable)
- Local Representation
- A Brazilian legal entity must act as the certificate holder
- Responsible for regulatory communications and post-market surveillance
- Application Submission via OCD
- An OCD (Designated Certification Body) submits the application to ANATEL
- Required documents include: test reports, technical documents, user manual, photos, labeling layout
- Labeling Requirements
- Products must display the ANATEL seal and approval number on the product or packaging
Validity and Renewal
- Certificate is valid for 2 years
- Requires renewal and possibly retesting depending on changes or regulations
- ANATEL conducts market surveillance and random product audits
2. INMETRO Certification (National Institute of Metrology, Quality and Technology)
Applies to: Electrical/electronic products with safety risks
Common Products Requiring INMETRO Approval
- Power supplies, battery chargers, adapters
- IT equipment (monitors, desktops, some peripherals)
- Audio and video electronics
- Home appliances (microwaves, washing machines, refrigerators, etc.)
Certification Process
- Product Testing
- Conducted in an INMETRO-accredited laboratory (can be local or internationally recognized)
- Evaluates electrical safety, EMC, energy efficiency, and compliance with Brazilian standards
- Factory Audit (if applicable)
- For higher-risk products, onsite factory inspections may be required
- Manufacturers must demonstrate a quality management system (e.g., ISO 9001)
- Local Legal Representation
- A Brazil-based company must apply for and hold the certification
- Labeling Requirements
- Products must carry the INMETRO seal and the mark of the OCP (Product Certification Body)
Validity and Maintenance
- Validity ranges from 1 to 5 years depending on the product and scheme
- Includes ongoing factory audits and surveillance activities
- Products without valid certification may be denied entry at customs or removed from the market
Why Certification Matters
Brazil has strict enforcement for uncertified products:
- Products may be detained at customs
- Fines may be imposed on importers and manufacturers
- Product recalls and sales bans are possible for non-compliant items
Certification ensures not only regulatory compliance but also consumer trust and market access. Companies planning to enter the Brazilian market should budget time and resources for these approvals early in their go-to-market process.
Getting certified in Brazil 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 Brazil.
Need help managing ANATEL or INMETRO approval? I’m happy to guide you through it!
