Guide for Registration of Telecommunication Equipment (Singapore)
This document, issued by the Info-communications Media Development Authority (IMDA), outlines the mandatory framework for suppliers to register telecommunication equipment for sale and use in Singapore. Registration is based on the Supplier’s Declaration of Conformity (SDoC), signifying that the equipment meets IMDA Technical Specifications.
Equipment Registration Schemes
There are three primary registration schemes based on equipment type and risk level:
Enhanced Simplified Equipment Registration (ESER): A self-declaration scheme for complex multi-line equipment and Short Range/Low Power Devices (SRD/LPD). No registration fee is payable.
Simplified Equipment Registration (SER): A self-declaration scheme for cellular mobile terminals (5G/LTE/GMPCS) and broadband access equipment (ADSL, Cable Modems). A registration fee is required.
General Equipment Registration (GER): Mandatory for equipment with high interference potential or new technologies, such as cellular base stations, Ultra-Wideband (UWB) devices, and wireless broadband access equipment. This requires certification by an IMDA-recognized body or technical evaluation by IMDA.
Supplier Obligations and Technical Compliance
Local suppliers must hold a valid Telecommunication Dealer’s Licence and adhere to the following responsibilities:
Marking Requirements: Equipment must be legibly and indelibly marked with the supplier/manufacturer’s brand and model reference.
Safety and EMC: Equipment must comply with international safety standards (e.g., IEC 62368-1), radiation safety limits (ICNIRP), and Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) requirements (IEC CISPR 32).
Document Retention: Suppliers must retain test reports and technical data for at least five years (the duration of the registration validity).
Technical Issues: Suppliers are required to resolve any technical or compatibility problems within one month of notification by IMDA.
Modifications to Registered Equipment
Changes to registered equipment are categorized to determine if re-registration is necessary:
Class 1 Modifications: Minor changes that do not affect technical compliance (e.g., enclosure color, material, or software updates not affecting radio parameters). Re-registration and IMDA notification are not required.
Class 2 Modifications: Changes affecting compliance with IMDA Technical Specifications, such as modifications to the transmitting antenna, output power, or the addition of new network interfaces. These require a fresh registration request.
Registration Validity and Renewal
Equipment registration is valid for five years. Suppliers may renew the registration for successive five-year periods via the GoBusiness Licensing portal. Renewal requests should be submitted at least two months before the expiry date.
Specific Equipment Categories
M2M Devices: Machine-to-Machine equipment is only eligible for registration if it utilizes a local SIM card. Devices with permanent roaming via overseas SIM cards are not registered under this framework.
CCHN Equipment: Coaxial Cable Home Networking equipment must comply with IMDA TS CCHN and be registered under the SER scheme. Sales are restricted to recognized telecommunication licensees.
Radio Licensing: Registration with IMDA does not guarantee the assignment of operating frequencies. Separate written approvals must be obtained for frequency assignment and output power allocation.
Technical Specifications and Regulations
Annex D of the guide provides a comprehensive list of technical regulations for both line terminal equipment (e.g., IMDA TS PSTN, IMDA TS ADSL) and radio-communication equipment (e.g., IMDA TS SRD, IMDA TS LMR, IMDA TS CMT). These specifications incorporate requirements for electrical safety and electromagnetic compatibility where applicable.
