Nicaragua: Radio Device Homologation
Scope and Regulatory Framework
This summary outlines the requirements for the homologation (type approval) of telecommunications equipment in Nicaragua, as established by the Nicaraguan Institute of Telecommunications and Posts (TELCOR). The primary regulation is Administrative Agreement No. 004-2025, "Regulation for the Homologation of Telecommunications Equipment." The goal of homologation is to ensure that devices comply with technical standards, electromagnetic compatibility, and interoperability requirements, guaranteeing the safety of users and the integrity of public networks.
The process also involves related regulations for importation and fees:
Administrative Agreement No. 005-2025: Governs the issuance of a "Certificate of No Objection" required for importing restricted equipment.
Administrative Agreement No. 006-2025: Establishes the official fees for all regulatory procedures, including homologation.
Modification of Previous Regulations
This new regulatory framework, issued under Law No. 1223, replaces previous regulations. Notably:
Agreement No. 005-2025 repeals Administrative Agreement No. 16-98 concerning equipment importation.
Agreement No. 006-2025 repeals Administrative Agreement No. 03-98 and others related to fees and tariffs.
Equipment Subject to Homologation
Homologation is mandatory for all individuals or entities intending to manufacture, import, commercialize, or use telecommunications equipment that falls into the following categories:
Equipment that uses the radio-electric spectrum.
Equipment designated as restricted-use.
TELCOR is responsible for publishing and updating a reference list of equipment categories subject to homologation on its official web portal.
Exemptions from Homologation
The following types of equipment are exempt from the homologation process:
Equipment that does not connect to a public telecommunications network, provided it does not produce radio emissions.
Radiocommunication equipment operating in Citizens' Band (CB) and Amateur Radio service frequencies.
Industrial, Scientific, and Medical (ISM) equipment that does not contain a wireless communication module.
Government institution equipment for use in their own private networks, unless it is restricted-use equipment with radio emissions.
Equipment used by the Nicaraguan Army and National Police for institutional purposes of public order and national security.
Equipment in transit through the country.
Equipment temporarily imported by official missions or aid/rescue delegations during national emergencies.
Equipment temporarily imported in limited quantities for demonstration at industry trade fairs or similar events.
Equipment listed in TELCOR's official list of exempt categories.
Conformity Assessment and Homologation Procedure
The homologation process in Nicaragua is documentary and does not require in-country testing. The assessment is based on verifying compliance with technical, regulatory, health, and safety standards applicable in the country or adopted by TELCOR from international organizations.
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit the following documentation:
Completed homologation application form.
Simple copy of the applicant's identity document.
Simple copy of the legal representative's authorization, if applicable.
Certificate of Conformity issued by an accredited international normalization body or regulatory authority. In the absence of such a certificate, a Notarized Declaration of Conformity may be submitted instead.
Laboratory test reports and technical specification sheets for the equipment.
Internal and external color photos of the equipment.
Proof of payment for the application study fee.
Procedure Steps
The applicant submits the complete documentation package to TELCOR.
TELCOR reviews the submission. If any inconsistencies or missing information is found, the applicant will be notified and given a maximum of twenty (20) business days to provide the necessary corrections.
Once the documentation is complete and verified, TELCOR will issue a resolution on the homologation application within a maximum of thirty (30) business days.
Upon approval, the applicant must pay the fee for the issuance of the Homologation Certificate.
Labeling Requirements
After a Homologation Certificate is issued, all manufacturers, importers, and distributors must affix a label to the homologated equipment. The label must contain the certificate number and the following text in a legible size:
Homologado por TELCOR
Certificado de Homologación No.XXXXXXXXXX
Importation of Restricted Equipment
For equipment classified as restricted-use, a Certificate of No Objection (Constancia de No Objeción) is required for customs clearance. This is a separate step that must be completed after the equipment has been successfully homologated.
The application for this certificate is submitted to TELCOR.
The Certificate of No Objection is valid for 180 calendar days from its date of issuance.
Applicable Fees
According to Administrative Agreement No. 006-2025, the following fees apply (denominated in Nicaraguan Córdoba, C$):
Application Study Fee (General): C$ 2,000.00
Homologation Certificate Issuance: C$ 10,000.00
Certificate of No Objection for Import (Issuance and Replacement): C$ 3,000.00
