To sell or distribute electronic and telecommunications equipment in Paraguay, manufacturers and importers must comply with local regulations administered by CONATEL (Comisión Nacional de Telecomunicaciones). In addition, electrical and consumer products may need to follow general import or labeling requirements enforced by customs or the Ministry of Industry and Commerce.
The two main certification areas include:
- CONATEL Type Approval – for wireless and telecom equipment
- Electrical Safety/Import Controls – for general electrical/electronic devices (informal or case-by-case compliance)
1. CONATEL Type Approval (Wireless and Telecom Equipment)
CONATEL is the national telecommunications authority responsible for regulating all RF-emitting and telecom devices in Paraguay. Devices that use radio frequencies or connect to public networks must be approved before they can be imported or sold.
Products requiring CONATEL approval include mobile phones, RF modules, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi devices, IoT products, and telecommunications terminals.
The type approval process involves:
- Appointing a local representative or importer registered with CONATEL
- Submitting internationally recognized test reports—typically FCC or CE reports are accepted
- Providing technical documentation including frequency range, emission power, modulation type, and user manuals
- Filing the application through CONATEL’s system or with physical documentation
- Receiving a Type Approval Certificate (Certificado de Homologación) upon successful review
Local testing is not required in most cases, and approvals are generally based on existing international certifications. Approved products must display the CONATEL approval number or certificate reference on packaging or documentation.
Certificates are valid for five years, and renewal is required if the product undergoes significant hardware or RF-related changes.
2. Electrical Safety and General Import Compliance
Paraguay does not operate a unified national scheme for electrical safety certification similar to those in larger Latin American markets. However, general consumer protection laws and customs controls apply. The Ministry of Industry and Commerce (MIC) may issue technical guidelines for specific products.
Key requirements may include:
- Accurate product labeling in Spanish
- User manuals and safety instructions
- Manufacturer declarations of conformity or third-party test reports for high-risk items
- Compliance with MERCOSUR or international norms (e.g., IEC standards), especially for power products and appliances
- In some cases, importer registration and traceability
While not every product requires formal certification, importers are expected to demonstrate product safety and quality upon customs inspection or in case of a complaint.
Customs and Market Oversight
Paraguayan Customs (Dirección Nacional de Aduanas) enforces compliance with CONATEL regulations and general product requirements at the time of import. Products lacking proper documentation or approval certificates may be delayed, rejected, or seized.
It is essential to coordinate closely with your local representative or distributor to ensure all certifications and labeling are completed before shipping.
Closing Remarks
Certification ensures not only regulatory compliance but also consumer trust and market access. Companies planning to enter the Paraguayan market should budget time and resources for these approvals early in their go-to-market process. Getting certified in Paraguay can feel complex, but it’s essential for legal market entry and consumer safety. Whether you're launching smart devices, telecom gear, or electrical appliances—compliance is your passport to Paraguay.
Need help managing Paraguay approvals? We are happy to guide you through it!
