Bhutan - BICMA Type Approval - Overview

The Bhutan InfoComm and Media Authority (BICMA) is the national regulator responsible for Radio and Telecommunication Equipment Type Approvals in Bhutan.

Although BIMCA has a fairly lenient Type Approval regime, there are still some equipment categories requiring mandatory BICMA Type Approval. All BIMCA Type Approvals have permanent validity and no samples are required for the BICMA Type Approval applications.

We provide the following end to end Bhutan BICMA country Type Approval services :

1- Guidance and consulting on the approval scope and applicable Test standards in Bhutan

2- Handling all local customs duties and taxes payments and Govt. charges for Bhutan Type Approval Applications.

3- Management of the full Bhutan Type Approval Process

4- Full support with BIMCA re-approvals in-case of any modifications to the already BICMA Type Approved equipment

Approval Summary

Exempt Items

Regulatory Updates

Bhutan Apprval Summary

Bhutan BICMA Type Approval - Summary:

Concerned Authority : Bhutan InfoComm and Media Authority (BICMA) (www.bicma.gov.bt)
Applicable Radio and Telecommunication Equipment Certification : BICMA Type Approval
Required Documents:
- Technical Literature of Device (User Manual, Specifications/Data Sheet, Operational Description)
- Declaration of Conformity (DoC)
- RF,EMC,Health and Safety Test Reports as per applicable Test standards
- GSMA TAC Letter(for cellular devices)
Sample Requirements: Not Required
Approval Validity: Permanent
In-country Testing Requirements: Not Applicable
Local Representation : Not Required
Labelling Requirement: Yes, all BICMA Type Approved Equipment requires BICMA Logo and "Type Approved by BICMA" with approval year as labels
Lead time : 4-6 Weeks

Bhutan Exempt Items

List of Exempt Items from Bhutan BICMA Type Approval:

1- Mobile Phones

2- Telephone Handsets, PABX, Fax

3- Wireless Modems

4- Equipment embedded in Personal Computers that can either receive or transmit with output power below 100mW for example : Wifi, Bluetooth

5- Bluetooth, Wifi,CCTV, Cordless Audio Devices, Wireless Microphones, RFID Equipment

6- Amateur Radio equipment

7- GPS, Radio Sets (FM/AM/SW), Satellite Dish, Set-top-box

8- Vehicle Embedded Devices (VTDs, VSDs), Remote Car Keys, Remote Sensor Devices

9- Remote Control, Access Control, Alarms and Movement Detectors

Bhutan Updates and artices

Bhutan BICMA Type Approval - Frequently Asked Questions [FAQs]:

1. What is BICMA Type Approval?

BICMA Type Approval is a mandatory regulatory process administered by the Bhutan InfoComm and Media Authority (BICMA). It ensures that specific radio and telecommunication equipment complies with national standards before being marketed or used within Bhutan.

2. Which equipment requires BICMA Type Approval?

All radio and telecommunication equipment that is not explicitly exempted by BICMA must undergo Type Approval. The requirement is based on the type, functionality, and RF capabilities of the equipment.

3. What documents are required for the for Bhutan Type Approval application?

Technical documentation (User Manual, Datasheet, Operational Description)
Declaration of Conformity (DoC)
RF, EMC, Health, and Safety test reports (from ISO 17025 accredited labs)
GSMA TAC allocation letter (for cellular devices)

All documentation must be clear, complete, and compliant with BICMA’s technical requirements.

4. Are product samples required for Bhutan Type Approval BICMA?

No, BICMA does not require physical product samples for Type Approval.

5. Is in-country testing required for Bhutan Type Approval BICMA?

No, BICMA does not mandate in-country testing. Internationally recognized test reports are accepted, provided they meet the applicable standards.

6. Does BICMA issue an exemption letter for devices that are exempted from Type Approval?

No. BICMA does not issue any exemption letter or official confirmation for devices that fall under the exemption list.

7. Is local representation in Bhutan required for BICMA Type Approval application?

No. Local representation is not required to submit or manage a Type Approval application in Bhutan.

8. What is the validity period of the BICMA Type Approval?

BICMA Type Approval is granted with permanent validity, as long as the approved product remains unchanged in all aspects. Any modification to the brand, model number, hardware, software, radio parameters, or functionality requires a new Type Approval application. Reuse of the existing certificate in such cases is not permitted.

9. What are the labeling requirements for Bhutan BICMA type approved product?

All approved equipment must bear the BICMA logo, the phrase “Type Approved by BICMA,” and the year of approval. Labeling is mandatory and subject to inspection.

10. What is the expected lead time for BICMA Type approval application?

The standard lead time to obtain BICMA Type Approval is between 4 to 6 weeks, depending on the completeness and accuracy of the submitted documentation.

11. What happens if the BICMA Type Approved equipment is modified?

Any change to the brand name, model number, hardware, software, radio parameters, or functionality invalidates the previous approval. A new Type Approval is required in such cases.

12. Can BICMA revoke an existing Type Approval?

Yes. BICMA reserves the right to revoke an approval if: