United Arab Emirates, Paraguay, Mexico, Hong Kong, Indonesia
Author: Global Market Access Update
UAE MoIAT to Cancel Open Model Number Certificates
The Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT) in the UAE recently decided that all ECAS and EQM certificates with open model numbers (numbers with a placeholder “*” or “x” denoting a model family) will be cancelled soon. Certification in this way will not be allowed going forward. The exact date for this transition has not yet been determined, and Approve-IT recommends customers holding certificates with this type of model designation to re-certify.
Paraguay CONATEL Publishes Resolución Directorio N° 0148-2025
The Comisión Nacional de Telecomunicaciones (CONATEL) of Paraguay modified the Plan Nacional de Atribución de Frecuencias (PNAF) on January 22, 2025, through Resolución Directorio N° 0148-2025. According to the Resolution, the 3300-3700 MHz will be allocated for 5G, however no carriers have been assigned this band yet.
DEKRA –Mexico Regulations Impact Telecom and Electronic Importations
Since January 1, 2025, the new REGLAS GENERALES DE COMERCIO EXTERIOR PARA 2025 are in force for the new law that presents higher import taxes, more restrictive express shipping rules, mandatory labeling requirements, and enforced compliance with Official Mexican Standards (NOMs). Main modifications:
1. Import Tax Adjustments
- 19% import tax applies to most electronic products.
- Shipments from the U.S. and Canada retain tax exemptions for goods ≤ $117 USD.
2. Enhanced Import Controls
- Temporary Imports: Must be returned to origin or regularized within set deadlines.
- Definitive Imports: Mandatory NOM compliance required for customs clearance and market entry; non-certified goods may be detained.
3. Express Shipment Rules
- Simplified customs clearance limit remains at $2,500 USD.
- Shipments valued 1,000–1,000–2,500 USD: Importers must register with Mexican authorities.
- Documentation: Detailed product descriptions and recipient data required; generic descriptions rejected.
4. NOM Compliance Mandates
- Electronics, electrical goods, and telecom devices must meet NOM standards pre-entry.
- Non-compliance: Goods held for ≤30 days or returned to origin.
- Labeling (Spanish):
✓ Importer details
✓ Country of origin
✓ Safety warnings
Note: Compliance with NOM-024 ensures alignment with these requirements.
1. Import Tax Adjustments
- 19% import tax applies to most electronic products.
- Shipments from the U.S. and Canada retain tax exemptions for goods ≤ $117 USD.
2. Enhanced Import Controls
- Temporary Imports: Must be returned to origin or regularized within set deadlines.
- Definitive Imports: Mandatory NOM compliance required for customs clearance and market entry; non-certified goods may be detained.
3. Express Shipment Rules
- Simplified customs clearance limit remains at $2,500 USD.
- Shipments valued 1,000–1,000–2,500 USD: Importers must register with Mexican authorities.
- Documentation: Detailed product descriptions and recipient data required; generic descriptions rejected.
4. NOM Compliance Mandates
- Electronics, electrical goods, and telecom devices must meet NOM standards pre-entry.
- Non-compliance: Goods held for ≤30 days or returned to origin.
- Labeling (Spanish):
✓ Importer details
✓ Country of origin
✓ Safety warnings
Note: Compliance with NOM-024 ensures alignment with these requirements.
Hong Kong OFCA Updates TFA
The Office of the Communications Authority (OFCA) in Hong Kong updated the Table of Frequency Allocations in January 2025.
Indonesia SDPPI Restructuring and National Holiday Cause Certification Delays
Recent internal restructuring at Indonesia’s Telecommunication Equipment Certification Agency (SDPPI), combined with a prolonged national holiday, has led to significant delays in product certification processes. According to official updates, the current backlog of certification applications has surpassed 1,000 cases, with processing times now estimated at 2–3 weeks, compared to the previous 5-day turnaround.