Angola’s INACOM Type Approval: Your Gateway to Market Compliance

Entering the Angolan market requires strict compliance with national telecommunications regulations. The Instituto Angolano das Comunicações (INACOM) oversees this process through a mandatory Type Approval certification for all telecom, wireless, ICT, and radio equipment.

From mobile devices and routers to IoT products and network infrastructure, every device must be approved to ensure compliance with safety and performance standards. Since Angola aligns its technical framework with European ETSI standards, international manufacturers benefit from a familiar and consistent approval process.

The Role of INACOM in Regulating Telecom and ICT Equipment

INACOM plays a central role in safeguarding Angola’s telecommunications environment by verifying that all electronic communication equipment complies with both national and international requirements.

Type Approval serves multiple purposes:

• Consumer protection by ensuring devices are safe and reliable.

• Network protection by preventing interference with existing systems.

• Market regulation by maintaining fair competition and adherence to standards.

Without INACOM certification, products cannot legally be sold or distributed in Angola.

Essential Documentation for a Successful INACOM Submission

To secure Type Approval, applicants must prepare and submit a set of compliance documents:

• Technical Literature (User Manual and Specifications/Data Sheet)

• Declaration of Conformity (DoC)

• RF, EMC, Health & Safety Test Reports (per applicable standards)

• GSMA TAC Letter (mandatory for cellular devices)

• Power of Attorney/Authority (Complete Chain From Manufacturer to Nano Technology Solutions)

 

Device Categories Covered

The INACOM certification system applies to a wide range of products, including:

• Smartphones and mobile phones

• Wireless routers and modems

• IoT devices and smart solutions

• Network infrastructure components

Two important aspects simplify Angola’s process:

• No product samples are required, saving time and cost.

• No labeling requirements, giving manufacturers more flexibility in packaging and branding.

This makes Angola one of the more straightforward markets for ICT compliance in Africa.

Type Approval Rules for Host Devices and RF Modules

The regulatory authority confirms that type approval is mandatory for host devices containing embedded RF modules, even if the host device itself does not have direct RF functionality. Approval can be granted based on the RF test reports of the integrated modules, ensuring compliance without requiring separate certification for the individual RF modules themselves.

Certificate Usage and Model-Specific Requirements

Importers are permitted to use the certificate issued for a product for importation purposes, meaning a separate certificate under their own name is not required. INACOM, however, issues one certificate per model, and each version of the same model must be certified individually. This means that within a product family, every version requires its own approval certificate to maintain compliance.

Timeline, Validity, and Representation in the INACOM Approval Process

The pathway to certification is structured and time-efficient:

• Lead Time: Typically 4–5 weeks from submission to approval.

• Certificate Validity: 1 year, with annual renewal required.

• Local Representation: Mandatory for all applicants, ensuring clear communication with INACOM.

By following this process carefully, companies can achieve market entry without unnecessary obstacles.

Comprehensive Support Services for Seamless Compliance

Navigating INACOM’s regulatory requirements can be complex, especially for companies entering Angola for the first time. That’s where our end-to-end compliance services make the difference. We don’t just guide you through the process—we ensure your approval is

secured smoothly, efficiently, and on time.

Our tailored support includes:

Regulatory Consultation – Clear assessment of your device and expert guidance on required documentation.

Application Management – Hassle-free preparation and direct coordination with INACOM on your behalf.

Annual Renewal Assistance – Stay compliant year after year with proactive reminders and renewal management.

Local Representation Services – No presence in Angola? Our trusted local team represents you with professionalism and efficiency.

With our support, compliance becomes a competitive advantage—giving you faster market access, reduced risk, and peace of mind while you focus on growing your business.

The Strategic Advantages of Expert Guidance in Angola

Securing INACOM Type Approval doesn’t need to be a challenge. By partnering with Nano Technology Solutions, companies can transform a complex regulatory requirement into a

smooth, cost-effective pathway to market success.

We secure faster approvals to certify your products within expected timelines and avoid unnecessary delays, while reducing risk through Nano Technology Solutions’ professional management that safeguards the approval process from start to finish.

With Nano Technology Solutions as your compliance partner, you gain more than certification, you gain peace of mind, faster time-to-market, and the freedom to focus on business growth, knowing regulatory matters are in expert hands.