Jordan TRC vs JSMO Approval: Understanding Telecom and Safety Requirements

Manufacturers bringing telecommunications, radio, electrical, or electronic products into Jordan may encounter two important compliance routes: TRC Type Approval and JSMO/Safety Approval.

While both are part of the broader product compliance landscape, they serve different purposes. TRC Type Approval focuses primarily on telecommunications and radio equipment, while JSMO covers standards, safety, quality, and conformity requirements across a much wider range of products.

Understanding the distinction between these frameworks helps manufacturers determine which requirements apply before importing, manufacturing, or distributing products in Jordan.

What Is Jordan TRC Type Approval?

The Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (TRC) is Jordan's national authority responsible for telecommunications and radio equipment.

TRC Type Approval applies to relevant telecommunications and radio products before they are marketed or used in Jordan. Depending on the product, the assessment may cover RF, EMC, health and safety, and telecommunications requirements.

Typical technical documentation may include:

• User manual

• Product specifications/data sheet

• Schematic diagrams

• PCB and component information

• Layout and parts list

• Operational description

• Functional block diagrams

• Declaration of Conformity (DoC)

• RF, EMC, health and safety test reports

• GSMA TAC Letter, where applicable for cellular devices

A local representative registered at ministry is required for the TRC Type Approval process.

TRC does not generally require in-country testing. However, product samples may be requested on a case-by-case basis.

Test reports should be issued by ISO/IEC 17025-accredited laboratories.

The typical TRC approval timeline is approximately 2–4 weeks after complete documentation has been submitted.

What Is JSMO/Safety Approval?

The Jordan Standards and Metrology Organization (JSMO) is Jordan's national standards body. It develops, approves, and enforces standards and conformity requirements for goods, services, and practices.

JSMO conformity requirements apply to regulated products within the relevant product categories. The objective is to ensure that products meet applicable national standards, technical regulations, safety, and quality requirements before they are imported, manufactured, or distributed in Jordan.

For electrical and electronic products, JSMO/Safety requirements may cover areas such as electrical safety and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC).

Depending on the product, JSMO may require testing or inspection through approved laboratories. Test reports from accredited laboratories may also be accepted as part of the conformity assessment.

TRC vs JSMO: What Is the Difference?

The simplest distinction is based on the primary purpose of each framework:

TRC Type Approval → Telecommunications and radio compliance

JSMO/Safety Approval → Product standards, safety, quality, and conformity

The two frameworks are therefore not automatically interchangeable.

A product may comply with TRC requirements while still being subject to additional safety, standards, or conformity requirements under JSMO, depending on its product category and characteristics.

Which Products May Need TRC Approval?

TRC requirements can apply to telecommunications and radio products such as:

• Cellular devices

• Wi-Fi equipment

• Bluetooth equipment

• Radio equipment

• Other telecommunications equipment

However, certain products may be exempt from TRC Type Approval.

Which Products May Need JSMO Approval?

JSMO has a significantly broader scope and may apply to various regulated product categories, including:

• Food and beverages – safety, labelling, and nutritional requirements

• Electrical and electronic equipment – safety and EMC

• Pharmaceuticals and medical devices – safety, efficacy, and labelling

• Construction materials – cement, steel, insulation, and related products

• Automotive parts – safety and environmental requirements

• Cosmetics and personal care products – health and safety

• Chemical products – safety, handling, and environmental requirements

Because JSMO requirements extend beyond telecommunications, manufacturers should assess the complete product and its intended use, rather than evaluating telecom requirements in isolation.

Can One Product Need Both TRC and JSMO?

Yes, depending on the product.

For example, a wireless electronic device may contain radio or telecommunications functionality that brings it within the scope of TRC, while its electrical safety and other applicable conformity requirements may fall under JSMO.

The requirements can therefore be viewed as:

TRC: Radio and telecommunications compliance

JSMO: Applicable safety, standards, and conformity requirements

Obtaining one approval does not automatically satisfy all other applicable regulatory requirements.

Product Changes and TRC Approval

Manufacturers should also consider regulatory compliance when making changes to an already approved product.

Changes to the brand, model name, or key technical specifications may require a modification request or regulatory review.

This is particularly relevant for manufacturers selling multiple versions of the same device. Reviewing product changes before production or shipment can help prevent delays and compliance issues.

TRC Type Approval is valid for one year, so manufacturers should monitor certificate expiry dates and plan renewal or re-approval in advance.

TRC vs JSMO at a Glance

Requirement	TRC Type Approval	JSMO / Safety Approval
Main focus	Telecom & radio equipment	Standards, safety & conformity
Authority	Telecommunications Regulatory Commission	Jordan Standards & Metrology Organization
Key areas	RF, EMC, health & safety, telecom/radio	Safety, EMC, technical regulations & standards
Product scope	Applicable telecom/radio products	Specific regulated product categories
Local representative	Required	Depends on applicable route
Testing	Generally not required in Jordan	May be required, depending on product
Test reports	ISO/IEC 17025-accredited labs	Accredited lab reports may be accepted
Samples	Case-by-case	Depends on product

How Nano Technology Solutions Can Help

Nano Technology Solutions supports manufacturers with Jordan TRC Type Approval and JSMO/Safety Approval.

For TRC, support includes approval scope assessment, applicable test-standard guidance, technical documentation support, application management, government charge coordination, and re-approval support following device or hardware modifications.

For JSMO/Safety Approval, Nano Technology Solutions supports manufacturers throughout the approval process, including applicable safety, testing, standards, and conformity requirements.

For companies entering the Jordanian market, understanding the distinction between TRC and JSMO is an important part of building an effective market-entry strategy.

The applicable requirements ultimately depend on the product, its technical characteristics, intended use, and regulatory classification. In some cases, manufacturers may need to address both TRC and JSMO requirements before their products can be legally placed on the Jordanian market.

For Support: info@nanotechsol.com