To import and commercialize telecom and electronic equipment in Costa Rica, manufacturers and importers must comply with regulations set by SUTEL (Superintendencia de Telecomunicaciones) for wireless and telecom devices, and with the Ministry of Economy, Industry, and Commerce (MEIC) for electrical safety and other general product compliance.
Costa Rica does not operate under a single unified certification system, but the two main areas of regulation are:
- SUTEL Type Approval – for wireless and telecom equipment
- MEIC technical regulations – for electrical and electronic safety compliance
1. SUTEL Type Approval (Wireless and Telecom Equipment)
The Superintendencia de Telecomunicaciones (SUTEL) is the national authority responsible for regulating all telecom and radiofrequency (RF) equipment in Costa Rica. Devices that emit RF or connect to public telecom networks must undergo type approval.
Products requiring approval include mobile phones, Wi-Fi routers, Bluetooth devices, RF modules, and other wireless communication equipment.
The approval process generally involves:
- Verifying whether the product falls under SUTEL’s controlled equipment list
- Providing internationally recognized test reports (typically FCC or CE reports are accepted)
- Submitting an application through a local representative in Costa Rica
- Providing technical documentation such as user manuals, frequency details, and labeling samples
- Receiving a Certificate of Homologation from SUTEL, which confirms that the device meets national requirements
SUTEL does not always require local testing, which simplifies the process for most standard RF devices.
Approved equipment must be registered with SUTEL before it is placed on the market. In some cases, labeling requirements may apply, particularly for RF frequency disclosure or user awareness.
2. MEIC Compliance (Electrical and Consumer Products)
For general electrical and electronic products, the Ministry of Economy, Industry, and Commerce (MEIC) oversees the enforcement of applicable technical regulations (reglamentos técnicos) in Costa Rica. These regulations help ensure product safety, energy efficiency, and fair trade practices.
Consumer products such as home appliances, chargers, and IT equipment may be subject to these national standards, often based on IEC or ISO norms.
Importers must:
- Verify whether the product falls under a mandatory technical regulation
- Ensure compliance with international safety and performance standards
- Maintain a technical dossier (expediente técnico) including manuals, declarations of conformity, and risk assessments
- In some cases, register the product or importer with MEIC or the appropriate authority
Testing is not always mandatory within Costa Rica if recognized international certifications are presented, although documentation must be complete and available for inspection by customs or regulatory bodies.
Customs and Market Surveillance
Costa Rica's customs authority (Dirección General de Aduanas) may require supporting documentation during importation, including certificates, test reports, and declarations of conformity. Products that fall under SUTEL or MEIC regulations must be cleared accordingly to avoid delays or rejections.
Customs or regulators may perform spot checks or request additional documents to verify compliance at the time of import or market entry.
Closing Remarks
Certification ensures not only regulatory compliance but also consumer trust and market access. Companies planning to enter the Costa Rican market should budget time and resources for these approvals early in their go-to-market process. Getting certified in Costa Rica 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 Costa Rica.
Need help managing Costa Rica approvals? We are happy to guide you through it!
