To sell or distribute electronic and communication devices in the UAE, manufacturers and importers must comply with several national regulatory frameworks. The key certification systems include:
- TDRA Type Approval – for wireless and telecom equipment
- ECAS/EESL – for electrical safety and energy efficiency
1. TDRA Type Approval (Telecommunications and Wireless Equipment)
Regulator: Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA)
Applies to: Wireless, radio, and telecom devices sold or used in the UAE
Products requiring approval include:
- Mobile phones and cellular modules
- Wi-Fi routers, Bluetooth devices
- IoT devices using RF or cellular communication
- Telecommunication terminals and base stations
Certification process:
- Verify if the product falls under the TRA Type Approval list
- Appoint a local UAE-based company as the applicant (manufacturer or importer)
- Conduct testing in an ISO/IEC 17025-accredited lab; UAE-specific testing is not always required if international reports are available
- Prepare technical documentation (test reports, circuit diagrams, RF specs)
- Submit application via the TDRA online portal
- Upon approval, receive the Certificate of Conformity and approval reference number
Labeling requirements:
- Devices must display the TRA registration number and comply with TDRA labeling guidelines
- The compliance label can be affixed on the product, packaging, or user manual
Validity and renewal:
- Certificates are valid for 3 years
- Re-certification is required for hardware changes or model updates
2. ECAS and EESL (Safety and Energy Efficiency Certification)
Regulator: Emirates Authority for Standardization and Metrology (ESMA, now part of MoIAT)
Applies to: Consumer electrical products such as home appliances, adapters, IT devices
ECAS (Emirates Conformity Assessment Scheme):
- Mandatory for product categories listed under UAE Technical Regulations
- Covers electrical safety and electromagnetic compatibility
EESL (Emirates Energy Efficiency Standard & Labeling):
- Applies to selected energy-consuming products (e.g., air conditioners, refrigerators, lighting products)
Certification process:
- Determine if the product is listed in the ECAS/EESL controlled product list
- Conduct product testing in an accredited laboratory (ISO/IEC 17025)
- Appoint a UAE-based legal entity (importer or distributor) to apply
- Submit the application through the MoIAT portal with test reports, technical files, and risk assessment
- Receive ECAS Certificate and apply appropriate markings (ECAS/EESL label)
Labeling requirements:
- ECAS-marked products must bear the Emirates Quality Mark (EQM) or ECAS logo
- EESL products must carry energy rating labels (star rating system)
Validity:
- Certificates are typically valid for 1 year
- Annual renewal is required for continued market access
Certification ensures not only regulatory compliance but also consumer trust and market access. Companies planning to enter the UAE market should budget time and resources for these approvals early in their go-to-market process. Getting certified in the UAE 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 the UAE.
Need help managing UAE approvals? We are happy to guide you through it!
