ARN Certification in Guinea-Bissau: Key Insights, Obligations, and Steps

In Guinea-Bissau, Type Approval—known locally as Declaração de Conformidade—is a mandatory certification process regulated by the Autoridade Reguladora Nacional das Comunicações (ARN). This certification ensures that telecommunications and radio equipment comply with the country’s technical and safety standards before being imported, marketed, or used.

Whether you are a manufacturer, distributor, or importer, obtaining ARN Type Approval is essential to access the Guinea-Bissau market legally.

1. ARN Certification Obligations in Guinea-Bissau: Who Must Comply

All companies intending to import, sell, or distribute ICT, RF, or telecom equipment require approval. This includes:

• Mobile phones and tablets

• Wi-Fi and Bluetooth devices

• IoT modules and smart devices

• Radio communication equipment

• Network infrastructure

⚠️ Note: No devices are exempt. Even receive-only equipment (such as GNSS receivers, Rx-only antennas, and amplifiers) must obtain ARN approval.

2. Governing Body for Radio Compliance in Guinea-Bissau

The approval is overseen by: Autoridade Reguladora Nacional das Comunicações (ARN) – Guinea-Bissau’s national regulator for telecommunications and spectrum compliance.

3. Required Documents for Declaração de Conformidade

To apply for ARN Type Approval in Guinea-Bissau, you will need:

• Declaration of Conformity (DoC) – the key compliance document

• Technical Datasheet & User Manual (with encryption and radio details where applicable)

• Accredited Test Reports (RF, EMC, safety) from CE/FCC or equivalent bodies

• Photos (external, internal, block diagram)

• GSMA TAC Letter (for cellular equipment)

  
  

4. Are Samples for Approval Required by ARN?

Unlike many African regulators, ARN does not require physical samples for Type Approval (Declaração de Conformidade). Approvals are issued based solely on document review.

5. ARN Type Approval Process in Guinea-Bissau

Here’s how the process works with Nano Technology Solutions:

1. Submit Documents to Our Team

   You provide the required technical documents. Our technical experts review them to ensure accuracy and completeness.

   
   

2. Application Preparation

   We prepare the approval application form and share it with you for review before submission.

   
   

3. Submission to ARN

   Our local team submits the application and documents directly to ARN.

   
   

4. Review and Certification

   ARN examines the documents. If everything is in order, the official Declaração de Conformidade (Type Approval Certificate) is issued within 3 to 6 weeks after submission.

   
   

6. Certificate Validity

ARN Type Approval certificates in Guinea-Bissau are valid for 5 years. Renewals are required after expiry to maintain compliance.

7. How we help our clients with Guinea-Bissau Certification?

• We simplify the Declaração de Conformidade process with ARN.

• Our local team in Guinea-Bissau ensures smooth and fast handling.

• We minimize risk of rejection by thoroughly verifying documents before submission.

• We support you through renewals and regulatory updates.

With Nano Technology Solutions by your side, obtaining ARN Type Approval in Guinea-Bissau becomes a seamless, reliable, and efficient path to market entry. 📩 Contact us at info@nanotechsol.com to get started today with your African Certifications.