General Notice No. 4/2026: Mandatory Type Approval and Importation Controls
The Eswatini Communications Commission (ESCCOM) has issued General Notice No. 4/2026 to enforce the Electronic Communications (Importation, Type Approval, and Distribution of Communications Equipment) Regulation, 2016. This notice ensures that all electronic communications equipment used within Eswatini complies with established technical standards and regulatory requirements.
Effective Date and Requirement
Implementation Date: Effective from Monday, April 13, 2026.
Mandatory Certification: All entities intending to import or use electronic communications equipment in Eswatini must obtain and possess a valid Type Approval Certificate issued by ESCCOM.
Enforcement and Customs Integration
Compliance will be monitored through a collaborative effort between ESCCOM and the Eswatini Revenue Service (ERS) under the Customs and Excise Act, 1971.
Ports of Entry: Inspection and verification procedures will be enforced at all entry points to identify non-compliant hardware.
ASYCUDAWorld System: The ERS will facilitate the implementation of these requirements via the ASYCUDAWorld system used for managing customs declarations.
Verification and Compliance Resources
To support manufacturers and importers in maintaining compliance and avoiding the use of counterfeit or harmful devices, the following resources are available:
Public Database: ESCCOM maintains a publicly accessible database of equipment that has already received type approval.
Access Path: The database can be found on the official website (www.esccom.org.sz) under the Mandate > Type Approval section.
Objectives of Enhanced Controls
The enforcement of these regulations aims to foster a secure digital environment, protect consumers from counterfeit devices, and ensure that all communications services within Eswatini maintain a high standard of quality and safety.
