What Is CERT Type Approval in Tunisia and Why Do We Need It? Background, Requirements and Process Overview

1. Introduction

In Tunisia, CERT Type Approval is mandatory for all telecom and RF devices before they can be sold, imported, or used. Managed by the Centre d’Études et de Recherche des Télécommunications  (CERT), this process verifies that your product meets national safety, technical, and spectrum compliance standards.

At Nano Technology Solutions, we provide complete, end-to-end Type Approval services—covering document preparation, local representation, in-country testing, and certificate issuance. Our goal is to get your product into the Tunisian market quickly, smoothly, and without costly delays.

2. Who Needs CERT Type Approval?

If you are a manufacturer, importer, or distributor of telecom or RF devices into Tunisia, you must secure CERT approval before the product is marketed or deployed. Without it, your shipment risks being held at customs or refused entry entirely.

3. Which Devices Require CERT Type Approval?

CERT approval is required for any equipment that:

• Uses RF spectrum

• Connects to telecommunications networks

• Transmits or receives wireless signals

This includes:

• Mobile phones and tablets

• Routers, modems, and network equipment

• Bluetooth and Wi-Fi devices

• Radio transmitters/receivers

• IoT and M2M devices

4. Required Documents

Before we begin, the following documents must be provided:

• User Manual & Technical Datasheet

  (Must include encryption details for devices using any form of data encryption.)

• Declaration of Conformity (DoC)

• Circuit diagrams, PCB layouts, and internal/external photos

• RF, EMC, Health & Safety test reports

• GSMA TAC Letter (for cellular devices)

• Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) or testing guidelines

  
  

  (These are essential for in-country testing to ensure proper setup and evaluation.)

  
  

5. CERT Type Approval Process in Tunisia

Step 1 – Submit Your Documents to Nano Technology Solutions

Send us all required documents. Our experts will review them for completeness and accuracy, prepare the application forms, and coordinate the next steps with CERT.

Step 2 – Ship the Sample to Our Local Team in Tunisia

Once the documents are approved, you’ll need to send a physical RF-conducted sample of the product, along with all necessary accessories required for in-country testing, to our local team.

Please ensure that Channel 14 is disabled on the 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi band, as its use is strictly prohibited in Tunisia. Activation of Channel 14 may result in immediate cancellation of the application.

Typically, one sample is sufficient, but we will confirm the exact quantity after reviewing the TCF (Technical Construction File) documents.

Once the shipment arrives in Tunisia, customs clearance may take minimum of two weeks.

Step 3 – Initial Pre-Testing by Our Experts (1 Week)

Before official CERT testing, our team conducts internal pre-testing to verify that:

• SOPs are correct and usable

• RF-conducted sample is functioning properly

• Drivers and software operate without errors

• No prohibited channel and frequencies are detected

This step is critical—if a sample fails CERT testing, it must be withdrawn, fixed, and resubmitted, potentially doubling the standard lead time. Our pre-testing greatly reduces this risk.

Note: It’s the client’s responsibility to provide accurate technical details and SOPs. However, our experts can guide you through preparation to avoid mistakes.

Step 4 – Testing Appointment with CERT (4–6 Weeks)

After successful pre-testing, the sample is submitted to CERT for official in-country testing.

The primary scope of testing at CERT Includes;

• Operating Frequency Range

• Maximum Power output

The radio frequency (RF) component must be fully embedded within the final product, ensuring that all relevant elements—such as signal transmission and reception systems, antenna configurations, and connection interfaces—are included in the testing process.

Once testing is successfully completed, the CERT prepares detailed test reports and submits them to ANF for evaluation. Based on the review, ANF determines the outcome—whether to approve, reject, or return the reports to CERT for additional or missing information.

Step 5 – Certificate Issuance (2 Weeks)

Following successful testing, CERT issues the Type Approval certificate.

Important: These are standard lead times. Actual timelines may vary depending on CERT’s internal priorities and staff availability.

6. Local Representation Requirement

Applications must be submitted by a locally registered entity in Tunisia.

We can act as your local representative if you don’t have a local representative. The certificate will be issued under the name of the local representative. If your importer requires the certificate under their own name, they must apply for a separate Type Approval certificate—one sample will still be needed, but in-country testing will not be repeated.

7. Exemptions from Type Approval

Currently, Tunisia does not fully implement exemptions. CERT continues to issue Type Approval certificates even for devices that are generally exempt in other markets—such as receive-only devices. In practice, almost all devices require certification before market entry.

At Nano Technology Solutions, we specialize in navigating Tunisia’s complex in-country testing process. We guide you through every step to avoid un-necessary delays. From documentation to final approval, we handle everything so you can focus on your business.