In Bahrain, type approval procedures are managed by the Telecommunications Regulatory Authoriy (TRA).
The requirements for conformity are essentially the same as for the European Union with a Declaration of conformity in accordance with EU directive 2014/53/EU. With the help of a local partner, which directly works together with Manama authority to get certificates in the minimum processing time possible.
The homologation procedure in Bahrain involves neither local laboratory testing nor engagement with local representatives. A product sample for viewing can, however, be requested from the authority. Certificate is valid for limited period (three years currently) and the approved products shall be labelled mandatorily. Our trained professionals will be happy to provide assistance in respect of your product certification and relevant standards.
| Concerned Authority | TRA (Telecommunications Regulatory Authority) |
| Requirement | Obligatory |
| Certification Validity Period | 3 Years |
| In-Country Testing | Not Required |
| In-Country Representation | Not Required |
| Average Time to Get Type Approval | 4 Weeks |
| Labelling Requirement | Required |
| Country Calling Code | +973 |
| Capital | Manama |
| Currency | Bahraini Dinar |
| Population | 1.6 Million |
Certificate example file for Bahrain (TRA Certification)
Below is a sample certificate for Bahrain Type Approval, shared to help applicants understand the standard structure and details of the approval document.
What is TRA Type Approval in Bahrain, and Why Does Your Product Need It?
Bahrain: The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) – Government regulates guidelines for quality and safety of telecom equipment such as smart phones, tablet computers, network routers etc. The TRA has introduced a Type Approval mechanism that facilitates compliance to regulatory standards for all equipment as part of meeting technical requirements and safety standards. In this guide, we explain the importance of Type Approval process in Bahrain, and share what are those steps involved in the process.
Why is TRA Type Approval Important?
All Telecommunications Equipment manufacturers, importers, and distributors are required to apply for Type Approval as a necessary step before selling or importing their equipment into Bahrain. It acts as a crucial quality assurance step that makes sure the equipment:
- Accomplishes the specific technical needs stated by the TRA.
- Meets safety requirements to provide protection for users and network infrastructure.
- Shall not cause harmful interference to any telecommunications network.
- Hits the radio spectrum efficiently, not generate interference in destructive form
- Encourages programming style that allows usage for other devices/interfaces as well.
- Protects user data, privacy and access to emergency services
- Helps with anti-fraud functions and can be used by people with special needs.
Equipment Categories that Should be Type Approved in Bahrain
If you need to sell or import telecommunications equipment into Bahrain, it is essential that you are aware of the type of telecommunications equipment that needs to go through the process of Type Approval. The following pieces of equipment are generally the subject to type approval:
- Mobile phones and accessories
- Wireless routers and modems
- Communications (satellite phones and gear)
- Bluetooth devices
- GPS receivers
- Telecommunications cables
- Fiber optic equipment
- Antennas and transmitters
- Radio and television transmission equipment
Guide to the Bahrain TRA Type Approval Process
The Type Approval process set forth by the Bahrain TRA comprises numerous steps, with each step being of paramount importance in confirming that Telecommunications Equipment are compliant.
- Initial Application
The Bahrain TRA Type Approval process consists of an initial application to the TRA. An application is submitted by the applicant (either the manufacturer, importer or distributor of the equipment) that contains relevant information.
Such information generally includes the supplier name and address, contact numbers, equipment data (e.g., place of manufacture, trademark, model and type, hardware and software versions), technical specifications.
TRA Type Approval applications are permitted to be submitted only by services of commercial entities with valid Commercial Registration Number (CRN), and registered locally.
- Technical Review
Upon receiving the application, the TRA conducts an assessment to examine whether the equipment meets Bahrain’s technical specifications. Similarly, these technical necessities include even radio frequency as well as safety specifications along with the relevant compatibility of existing network system. In case no standards are applicable, the applicant should demonstrate as part of its conformity assessment.
- Type Approved Certificate by Bahrain TRA
Once the equipment passes the technical requirements and meets safety standards, a Type Approval Certificate is issued by the TRA. The certificate is an unmistakable proof that equipment can be utilized in the field of telecommunications network in bahrain. Type Approval Certificate remains valid for 3 years.
- NOC (no objection certificate)
For Telecommunication Equipment importations, No Objection Certificate (NOC) by the TRA is required before clearing customs. It states that the equipment is granted Type Approval and has licensed to be imported into the country, according to NOC.
- Market Surveillance
In this regard, TRA constantly performs market surveillance activities to ensure that the approved Telecommunications Equipment continue to meet the Technical Requirement. Market Surveillance is verification of equipment in the market against the standards defined during Type Approval process. The TRA conducts these surveillance activities and Supplier Holders, Approval Holders shall collaborate with the TRA in the conduct of these surveillance activities.
- Revocation of Bahrain Type Approval
TRA has power to cancel Type Approval Certificate, if it believes that the equipment no longer meets with the technical requirements or endangers safety or goes against regulation. In such scenarios, the TRA will inform parties of any grounds for revocation.
Temporary Importation Approval
TRA also provides simplified approval processes for Telecommunications Equipment imported for the purpose of testing, development, explanation or demonstration. As such, this simplification makes the customs clearance process easier for temporary importation and a temporary No Objection Certificate (NOC) may be granted to facilitate the utilization of such equipment only for a limited duration.
Mutual Recognition Agreements
In order to ease the importation process, the TRA recognizes test reports as well as certificates and/or declarations of conformity that are issued in accordance with a mutual recognition agreement concluded between another country or regional or international organization. This, in some cases, helps to speed up the Type Approval process for particular equipment.
How DataX International Simplifies the TRA Approval Process
With DataX International, TRA Type Approval becomes a seamless and smooth-sailing task! We take care of end to everything, from working with local partners registered with the Telecommunications Regulatory Authoriy (TRA) to you telecom equipment approval. Spend less time wading through red tape and regulation, and leave the hassle to us so that you can focus on your business.
Our expert team handles everything from the most important documents such as declaration of conformity (DoC), technical test reports, and import permits. We offers an effortless, no hassle method on how to satisfy all of the TRA requirements and clears your device into the market headache-free.
Do not hesitate to reach out on info@dataxinternational.com with your questions and your Bahrain Type Approval needs for a free of charge detailed assessment and approval quotation.