Qatar Type Approval - Communications Regulatory Authority

Type approval in Qatar is managed by the Communications Regulatory Authority (CRA).

Qatar generally offers one of the most streamlined approval processes in the Gulf region, characterized by “Indefinite Validity” and no requirement for a local license holder to apply.

1. Regulatory Authority

• Authority Name: Communications Regulatory Authority (CRA).

• Mandate: Regulates the telecommunications, information technology, and postal sectors, including the type approval of all Radio and Telecommunications Terminal Equipment (RTTE).

2. Key Requirements

• Local Representative: Not Required.

  • Unlike Saudi Arabia or Oman, a foreign manufacturer can apply for and hold the CRA Type Approval certificate directly. You do not need a local Qatari company for the certification process itself.

• Testing: No in-country testing is required.

  • The CRA relies on a review of foreign technical reports (primarily EU/RED).

• Validity: Indefinite (Permanent).

  • Once a device is approved, the certificate does not expire, provided the device standards or the regulations themselves do not change.

• Lead Time: Approximately 2–4 weeks.

3. Required Documentation

The CRA follows the European “Radio Equipment Directive” (RED) standards closely.

• Test Reports (ILAC Accredited):

  • RF: EN 300 328, EN 301 893, etc.

  • EMC: EN 301 489 series.

  • Safety: IEC/EN 62368-1.

  • SAR/Health: Required for body-worn or handheld devices.

• Declaration of Conformity (DoC): Signed by the manufacturer.

• Technical Datasheet: Describing the device and its frequencies.

• GSMA TAC: Required for cellular devices (IMEI).

4. Technical Frequency & Network Notes (2025/2026)

• 3G Shutdown (Deadline: Dec 31, 2025):

  • Qatar is aggressively phasing out 3G.

  • Status: 3G services will be completely discontinued by December 31, 2025.

  • Import Rule: The import of mobile phones that support only 2G and 3G is banned. All cellular devices must support 4G (LTE) and VoLTE (Voice over LTE).

• Wi-Fi 6E (6 GHz): Approved.

  • Qatar was one of the first countries in the region to open the band.

  • Allocated Band: 5925–6425 MHz.

  • Power Limit: 200mW (23 dBm) EIRP for Indoor use (LPI).

• 5G: Widely deployed and approved.

5. Labeling Requirements

• CRA Specific Mark: None.

  • The CRA does not require a specific regulatory label (like the “TRA” label in UAE or Oman) to be placed on the device or box.

• Standard Marking:

  • Devices are expected to carry the CE Mark.

  • Origin Marking: Customs requires a “Made in [Country]” mark (e.g., “Made in Vietnam”) on the device or its nameplate. This is strictly enforced at the border.

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