To legally import and sell telecommunications and electronic equipment in Colombia, companies must comply with regulations established by the Ministry of Information Technologies and Communications (CRC), along with product safety standards overseen by the Superintendence of Industry and Commerce (SIC) and the National Institute of Metrology, Quality and Technology (ICONTEC).
Certification focuses mainly on:
- CRC Type Approval – for wireless and telecom equipment
- Safety and EMC Certification – for electrical and electronic devices
1. CRC Type Approval (Wireless and Telecom Equipment)
The Ministry of Information Technologies and Communications (MinTIC) regulates telecommunications and radio frequency devices in Colombia. Any device that transmits or receives radio signals must be approved before importation or sale.
Products requiring approval include mobile phones, wireless routers, RF modules, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi devices, and telecommunications terminal equipment.
The approval process typically involves:
- Appointing a local authorized representative or importer
- Submitting internationally recognized test reports (FCC, CE, or similar) and technical documentation such as frequency charts, user manuals, and block diagrams
- Filing an application through MinTIC’s online platform
- Review by MinTIC technical staff, with possible requests for additional information or local testing in select cases
- Issuance of a Type Approval Certificate or technical approval document
Approved products must carry identification labels with the approval number or MinTIC mark for market distribution.
Certificates generally remain valid unless the product’s hardware or RF characteristics change.
2. Safety, EMC, and Energy Efficiency Certification
Electrical and electronic products require compliance with Colombian technical standards, including electrical safety, electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), and energy efficiency where applicable.
ICONTEC, the national standards organization, coordinates these certifications often in conjunction with the Ministry of Mines and Energy and SIC.
Certification steps include:
- Determining applicable Colombian Technical Standards (NTC) or IEC-based norms
- Conducting testing at accredited laboratories (local or international)
- Submitting technical documentation, test reports, and product labels to certification bodies
- Receiving safety and EMC certificates, which may be mandatory for products such as power supplies, lighting, household appliances, and IT equipment
- Ensuring energy efficiency labels where required, according to Colombian regulations
Products must be correctly labeled with certification marks and technical data, often including instructions in Spanish.
Customs and Market Surveillance
The Colombian Customs Authority (DIAN) enforces product certification compliance at the border. Importers must present valid certificates and documentation to clear shipments.
Market surveillance by SIC ensures ongoing compliance, and non-compliant products may face fines or withdrawal from the market.
Closing Remarks
Certification ensures not only regulatory compliance but also consumer trust and market access. Companies planning to enter the Colombian market should budget time and resources for these approvals early in their go-to-market process. Getting certified in Colombia can feel complex, but it’s essential for legal market entry and consumer safety. Whether you're launching smart devices, telecom equipment, or household electronics—compliance is your passport to Colombia.
Need help managing Colombia approvals? We are happy to guide you through it!
