Cameroon ART Type Approval: Your Gateway to Market Compliance
- Nano African Compliance Team
- Sep 23
- 3 min read
The Role of ART in Regulating Telecom and ICT Equipment
The Agence de Régulation des Télécommunications (ART) serves as Cameroon’s central authority for overseeing the approval, control, and monitoring of telecommunications and ICT equipment. Its mandate ensures that all devices entering the Cameroonian market meet technical, safety, and interoperability requirements in line with international standards.
ART’s role is crucial not only for protecting consumers from unsafe or non-compliant devices but also for maintaining network integrity and supporting the country’s expanding digital infrastructure.
By requiring Type Approval, ART creates a regulated pathway for manufacturers of smartphones, routers, IoT devices, and RF modules to introduce their technologies while ensuring fair competition and market confidence.
Mandatory Documentation for ART Compliance
Preparing the right documentation is critical to avoiding delays or rejections. ART requires manufacturers to submit:
Technical Literature – including the user manual, product specifications, and datasheets to clearly describe the device’s operation and features.
Declaration of Conformity (DoC) – a signed statement from the manufacturer confirming compliance with relevant standards.
Test Reports (RF, EMC, and Health & Safety) – independent laboratory test results based on European ETSI standards to demonstrate performance, electromagnetic compatibility, and safety compliance.
GSMA TAC Letter – mandatory for cellular-enabled devices to validate unique IMEI allocations.
Ensuring these documents are complete and accurate is the foundation of a successful and timely ART approval process.
Applicable Devices for Cameroon ART Type Approval
ART Type Approval is applicable to a broad range of wireless and telecom equipment, ensuring that every device capable of radiofrequency transmission or network connectivity is properly regulated. This includes:
Mobile Devices – smartphones, tablets, and feature phones.
Networking Equipment – routers, modems, switches, and Wi-Fi access points.
IoT Devices & Modules – smart home devices, industrial IoT, and M2M communication modules.
RF Communication Systems – radio transmitters, Bluetooth devices, and wireless headsets.
If your device transmits data wirelessly over cellular networks, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or RF bands, it falls under ART’s approval requirements.
Process Duration, Certificate Validity, and Requirements
Cameroon’s ART approval process is structured and predictable, offering manufacturers a clear roadmap:
Timeline: Typically 5–8 weeks from submission to certificate issuance, depending on documentation accuracy and sample testing.
Approval Validity: Certificates are valid for 3 years, providing a long-term window for market access.
Sample Requirements: (3) physical samples must be submitted for laboratory testing and technical evaluation.
Labeling Requirement: All approved devices must carry ART-compliant labeling to confirm their authorization for the Cameroonian market.
Local Representation: Unlike many African markets, no local representative is required, significantly reducing administrative complexity for foreign manufacturers.
This structure provides manufacturers with a streamlined process, making Cameroon one of the more accessible African markets for product entry.
Important note: Generally the samples are required but with the help of our expert local team, we are able to proceed most of the applications without samples.
Comprehensive Assistance for Approval Success
Our Cameroon ART Type Approval services ensure that manufacturers and distributors can navigate compliance requirements with confidence. We provide:
Expert Product Classification – determining the correct category for your device based on ART’s regulatory framework.
End-to-End Application Handling – managing forms, documents, and official fee payments to prevent delays.
Sample Submission Coordination – ensuring devices reach ART labs in the correct format and quantity.
Direct Liaison with ART – facilitating clear communication with regulators to keep the process smooth and transparent.
Post-Approval Support – assisting with certificate renewals, updates due to firmware or hardware changes, and compliance monitoring throughout the product lifecycle.
By combining local expertise with global compliance knowledge, we help manufacturers reduce risks, avoid costly mistakes, and achieve faster market access in Cameroon.
Conclusion:
Cameroon’s telecom market is rapidly expanding, making ART Type Approval a vital step for manufacturers aiming to enter and thrive in this growing ecosystem. With its 5–8 week approval timeline, 3-year certificate validity, and reliance on international ETSI standards, Cameroon offers a structured, efficient, and internationally recognized pathway for compliance.
With the support of the type approval experts at Nano Technology Solutions, you can enjoy a hassle-free process, focusing on business growth while we handle regulatory compliance. Feel free to contact us on our email: info@nanotechsol.com for your upcoming projects.
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