Critical 2025 Regulatory Changes Transform Brazil’s Certification Landscape
Brazil's telecommunications market experienced a significant regulatory transformation
in 2025. New ANATEL requirements now mandate VoLTE (Voice over LTE) support for
all certified devices and permanently prohibit certification of 3G-only equipment. These
changes, combined with Brazil’s mandatory local testing requirements, create both
challenges and opportunities for manufacturers targeting this crucial Latin American
market.
Essential 2025 Updates:
- April 6, 2025: VoLTE support becomes mandatory for all new certifications
- August 13, 2025: Enhanced WWAN (Wireless Wide Area Network, IoT (Internet of Things) requirements under Act 2105/2025
- Ongoing: Stricter cybersecurity and data protection standards
- Market Reality: 3G-only devices permanently excluded from certification pathway
Brazil represents Latin America’s largest telecommunications market, with over 234 million mobile connections and growing demand for connected IoT devices across industrial, automotive, and consumer segments.
Brazil’s Unique Certification Challenge: Why Local Testing is Mandatory
Brazil operates under a protectionist regulatory framework that requires all telecommunications testing to be conducted within Brazilian borders. ANATEL (Agência Nacional de Telecomunicações) mandates that foreign test reports, including FCC, CE, or other international certifications, cannot replace local testing requirements.
Understanding Brazil’s Three-Tier Product Classification
ANATEL categorizes all regulated products into distinct classification tiers, each with specific testing requirements and renewal obligations:
| Product Category | Renewal Frequency | Product Types | Key Requirements |
| Category I | Annual | Smartphones and tabletsWi-Fi routers and smart speakersCordless phonesConsumer terminals | ISO 9001 mandatoryHigher safety standardsConsumer accessibility focus |
| Category II | Biennial | RF modules and componentsAutomotive wireless systemsM2M/IoT devicesProfessional equipment | Industrial-grade testingExtended renewal cycleProfessional use focus |
| Category III | No renewal required | Passive antennasRF cables and connectorsPower suppliesNon-transmitting accessories | One-time certificationMinimal ongoing obligationsPassive component focus |
2025 VoLTE Mandate Reshapes Mobile Device Certification
ANATEL Act 14430/2024 accelerated Brazil’s transition from legacy 3G networks to advanced 4G/5G technologies. This regulation creates immediate compliance requirements for mobile device manufacturers.
New Mandatory Requirements:
- VoLTE support for all voice-capable devices
- SMS (Short Messaging Service) exchange via IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS)
- Emergency calling compatibility through VoLTE protocols
- 4G LTE or 5G network connectivity (3G-only devices prohibited)
Grandfathering Provisions: Devices certified before April 6, 2025, retain valid certifications without retroactive VoLTE compliance requirements, but any recertification must meet current standards.
The Brazilian Testing and Certification Process: A Step-by-Step Guide
This guide outlines the key phases, timelines, and requirements involved in obtaining ANATEL certification for telecommunications and IoT products in Brazil.
| Phase | Duration | Key Activities | Critical Requirements |
| Phase 1: Legal Setup | 2-4 weeks | CNPJ registrationLocal entity establishmentISO 9001 verification | Brazilian legal entity mandatoryValid CNPJ (Portuguese: Cadastro Nacional de Pessoas Jurídicas) number requiredCorporate documentation |
| Phase 2: OCD Engagement | 1-2 weeks | OCD (Organismos de Certificação Designados) Designated Certification Body selectionContract negotiationTesting scope definition | Choose qualified OCDDefine testing parametersCoordinate laboratory access |
| Phase 3: Brazilian Testing | 4-8 weeks | Mandatory local testingSample preparationCompliance verification | ANATEL-accredited labs onlyMultiple samples requiredPortuguese documentation |
| Phase 4: Homologation | 2-3 weeks | Certificate issuanceANATEL submissionFinal approval | OCD conformity certificateSGCH (Anatel’s Certification and Homologation ManagementSystem) system submissionHomologation ID assignment |
Essential Documentation for Brazilian Certification Success
This checklist summarizes the key technical, legal, user, and regulatory documents required for successful ANATEL certification in Brazil. It highlights language requirements and critical documentation categories needed to ensure full compliance and avoid project delays.
Complete Documentation Checklist
| Documentation Category | Required Documents | Language Requirement | Timing |
| Technical Documentation | Product specificationsRF characteristicsBlock diagramsComponent layouts | Portuguese mandatory | Pre-submission |
| Legal Documentation | CNPJ certificatePower of attorneyISO 9001 certificateManufacturing documentation | Portuguese mandatory | Entity establishment |
| User Documentation | User manualsInstallation guidesSafety warningsWarranty terms | Portuguese mandatory | Pre-testing |
| Regulatory Documentation | GS1 registrationEMC declarationsTechnical Construction FileImport/export codes | Portuguese mandatory | Pre-homologation |
Technical Documentation Requirements
Product Specifications and Technical Files
- Complete technical specifications translated into Portuguese
- Internal architecture diagrams and component identification
- RF characteristics, including frequency bands and power levels
- External product photographs showing all angles and identification markings
- Block diagrams illustrating signal flow and system integration
User Documentation and Localization
- User manuals fully translated to Brazilian Portuguese
- Installation and configuration instructions
- Safety warnings and operational guidelines
- Warranty and service information localized for the Brazilian market requirements
Administrative and Legal Documentation
Brazilian Legal Entity Documentation
- CNPJ registration certificate and corporate documentation
- Power of attorney establishing local representative authority
- ISO 9001 certification (mandatory for Category I products)
- Manufacturing facility documentation for multi-site production
Regulatory Compliance Evidence
- GS1 barcode registration for product identification
- Electromagnetic compatibility declarations
- Technical Construction File (TCF) preparation
- Import/export classification and customs documentation
Understanding Costs and Timelines for Brazilian Certification
To help you plan your market entry with confidence, this overview breaks down the typical investment needed for ANATEL certification.
Complete Investment Structure for ANATEL Certification
| Cost Category | Simple RF Device | Complex Cellular Device | Multi-radio System |
| Professional Services | R$3,000 – R$8,000 | R$5,000 – R$12,000 | R$8,000 – R$15,000 |
| Translation Services | R$2,000 – R$5,000 | R$3,000 – R$7,000 | R$4,000 – R$8,000 |
| RF Testing | R$8,000 – R$15,000 | R$12,000 – R$20,000 | R$15,000 – R$25,000 |
| EMC Testing | R$6,000 – R$12,000 | R$8,000 – R$15,000 | R$10,000 – R$18,000 |
| Safety Testing | R$3,000 – R$8,000 | R$5,000 – R$12,000 | R$7,000 – R$15,000 |
| SAR Testing | Not Required | R$5,000 – R$10,000 | R$5,000 – R$10,000 |
| Government Fees | R$1,500 – R$4,000 | R$2,000 – R$5,000 | R$2,500 – R$6,000 |
| TOTAL RANGE | R$25,000 – R$40,000 | R$45,000 – R$75,000 | R$65,000 – R$110,000 |
Timeline Optimization Strategies
Pre-Certification Preparation (Target: 2-3 weeks)
- Establish a Brazilian legal entity early in the market planning process
- Pre-select qualified OCD partners before project initiation
- Prepare documentation templates in Portuguese for rapid deployment
- Maintain current ISO 9001 certification for Category I product qualification
Testing Phase Management (Target: 4-6 weeks)
- Coordinate directly with accredited laboratories for optimal scheduling
- Prepare multiple sample sets to prevent delays from non-conforming units
- Implement parallel testing streams where technically feasible
- Establish clear communication protocols with OCD for progress tracking
Post-Certification Compliance and Market Surveillance
This guide outlines ANATEL’s renewal requirements by category. It shows when to start renewals, how long grace periods last, and what happens if a certificate expires, so you can stay compliant and maintain continuous market access.
Certificate Renewal Requirements by Category
| Product Category | Renewal Frequency | Renewal Timeline | Grace Period | Consequences of Expiration |
| Category I | Annual | Start 6 months early | 180 days | Complete re-certification required |
| Category II | Biennial | Start 6 months early | 180 days | Complete re-certification required |
| Category III | Only when modified | As needed | N/A | Immediate compliance required |
Ongoing Regulatory Obligations
Product Marking and Identification Requirements
All certified products must display the assigned ANATEL homologation number through approved marking methods.
Market Surveillance and Compliance Verification
ANATEL conducts random market surveillance activities, including:
- Functional testing of retail samples from distribution channels
- Product marking and labeling verification procedures
- User documentation accuracy and completeness assessment
- Production consistency monitoring and batch verification
Non-Compliance Consequences:
- Immediate homologation suspension or permanent cancellation
- Mandatory product recalls from distribution channels
- Import authorization blocks for future shipments
- Financial penalties and potential legal action against certificate holders
Certificate Renewal and Maintenance Requirements
Renewal Process Requirements
Certificate renewal must begin at least 6 months before expiration. The original OCD coordinates renewal activities, including:
- Product modification assessment and technical review
- Updated internal and external product photography
- Electrical safety testing repetition is no longer required
- Documentation updates and Portuguese translation certification
Grace Period and Re-certification Requirements
ANATEL provides a 180-day grace period following certificate expiration. Products remain legally marketable during this period, but complete re-certification becomes mandatory if the grace period expires without renewal action.
How MiCOM Labs Coordinates Your Brazilian Market Entry
| Service Tier | Markets Covered | MiCOM Labs Role | Timeline | Cost Level |
| Direct Certification | US, Canada, EU, UK, Japan | Direct certification authority | Fastest (days-weeks) | Standard |
| Testing + Report Submission | 9 APEC economies + Mexico | Test and submit reports | Moderate (weeks) | Moderate increase |
| Partnership/Coordination | Brazil, China, India, others | Project coordination only | Extended (weeks-months) | Highest due to local requirements |
Expert Project Coordination for Mandatory Local Testing Markets
MiCOM Labs recognizes that Brazil’s regulatory framework requires specialized local expertise and mandatory in-country testing. As part of their Partnership/Coordination service tier, MiCOM Labs provides expert project coordination and management through established networks of qualified Brazilian partners.
MiCOM Labs’ Brazil Coordination Services:
- Qualified Brazilian partner identification and technical vetting
- OCD selection based on product-specific expertise and market reputation
- Testing laboratory coordination and project scheduling optimization
- Documentation preparation, guidance, and quality assurance review
- Regulatory timeline management and milestone tracking throughout the process
Global Market Access Strategy Integration
| Market Access Approach | Covered Markets | MiCOM Labs Capability | Strategic Benefits |
| Direct Certification | US (FCC), Canada (ISED), EU (CE), UK (UKCA), Japan (MIC) | Full certification authority | Fastest timelinesComplete controlPlatform integration |
| APEC MRA Phase I | Australia, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Malaysia, South Korea, Singapore, Vietnam | Testing and report submission | Moderate timelinesCost optimizationBroad coverage |
| Coordination Markets | Brazil (ANATEL), China (SRRC), India (TEC/WPC) | Expert project coordination | Local expertiseRisk mitigationComplex market navigation |
Quality Assurance Through Technical Pre-Assessment
Technical pre-assessment services help prevent common issues that delay local testing phases.
Pre-Brazilian Submission Technical Review:
- RF performance evaluation against Brazilian frequency allocations and power limits
- EMC pre-compliance assessment using international reference standards
- Documentation completeness verification against ANATEL submission requirements
- Test sample preparation guidance, ensuring laboratory testing success
Common Challenges in Brazilian Certification Projects
| Challenge Category | Specific Issue | Impact Level | Mitigation Strategy | Timeline Effect |
| Documentation | Portuguese translation accuracy | High | Certified technical translators with telecom expertise | 1-2 weeks additional |
| Laboratory Access | Limited ANATEL-accredited capacity | Critical | Multi-lab relationships, advance scheduling | 2-4 weeks potential delay |
| Regulatory Changes | Frequent ANATEL updates | Medium | Regulatory monitoring services, local consultants | Variable impact |
| Legal Structure | CNPJ and local entity requirements | High | Partner with established Brazilian entities | 3-6 weeks setup time |
- Documentation & Translation Complexities
Challenge: Technical translations in Brazilian Portuguese risk errors and delays.
Solution: Use certified translators with telecom and regulatory expertise. Maintain standardized glossaries for consistent terminology.
- Testing Lab Capacity & Scheduling
Challenge: Limited ANATEL-accredited labs cause scheduling delays, especially during peak periods.
Solution: Partner with multiple labs, schedule tests 8–12 weeks in advance, and target off-peak periods for faster, cheaper access.
- Regulatory Change Management
Challenge: Frequent ANATEL updates can disrupt ongoing certification efforts.
Solution: Monitor official updates and work with local regulatory experts for timely interpretation and response.
- Local Legal Entity Requirements
Challenge: CNPJ registration and local entity setup increase cost and complexity.
Solution: Partner with or acquire Brazilian importers/distributors with existing ANATEL ties for faster market entry.
Strategic Roadmap for Brazilian Market Entry Success
| Phase | Duration | Primary Objectives | Key Deliverables | Success Metrics |
| Phase 1: Foundation | 3-6 months | Regulatory assessmentInfrastructure developmentPartner identification | Gap analysis reportBrazilian legal entityQualified partner network | CNPJ registrationOCD partnershipBudget approval |
| Phase 2: Certification | 2-4 months | Documentation preparationTesting coordinationRegulatory submission | Translated documentationTest completionANATEL homologation | Certificate issuanceHomologation IDMarket authorization |
| Phase 3: Market Launch | Ongoing | Distribution activationCompliance monitoringRenewal management | Import proceduresCompliance systemsMonitoring protocols | Market presenceSales activationCompliance maintenance |
Phase 1: Foundation and Planning (3-6 months before market launch)
Regulatory Assessment and Gap Analysis
- Evaluate product compliance with 2025 VoLTE and IoT regulatory requirements
- Analyze applicable ANATEL product categories and testing scope determination
- Estimate total certification investment and timeline requirements for budget planning
- Assess integration requirements with existing global certification strategies
Brazilian Infrastructure Development
- Establish a Brazilian legal entity and complete the CNPJ registration process
- Identify and evaluate qualified OCD partners based on technical expertise
- Develop relationships with ANATEL-accredited testing laboratories for capacity planning
- Coordinate with established Brazilian distribution and retail channels
Phase 2: Certification Execution and Management (2-4 months)
Documentation Preparation and Quality Assurance
- Complete technical documentation translation and Brazilian localization requirements
- Prepare representative test samples with appropriate configuration and marking
- Coordinate sample shipment to designated Brazilian testing facilities
- Establish project communication protocols and milestone tracking systems
Testing Coordination and Progress Management
- Monitor testing progress and laboratory milestone completion
- Coordinate with the selected OCD for documentation review and technical assessment
- Manage the ANATEL submission process and homologation status tracking
- Prepare market launch materials incorporating the required ANATEL identification marking
Phase 3: Market Launch and Ongoing Compliance (Ongoing operations)
Market Entry and Distribution Channel Activation
- Implement import procedures and customs clearance operational protocols
- Deploy product marking and labeling compliance verification systems
- Execute distribution channel education and regulatory compliance training programs
- Establish ongoing compliance monitoring and certificate renewal management systems
Long-term Market Maintenance and Growth
- Monitor ANATEL market surveillance activities and compliance verification
- Manage certificate renewal schedules and documentation maintenance requirements
- Coordinate product modification assessments and recertification requirements when needed
- Evaluate market expansion opportunities and additional product certification needs
Frequently Asked Questions: Brazilian ANATEL Certification
Can international test reports reduce Brazilian certification costs?
No. Brazil requires mandatory local testing at ANATEL-accredited laboratories within Brazilian borders. While FCC, CE, or other international test reports provide valuable reference information for technical preparation, they cannot replace or reduce the required local testing scope and associated costs.
How do 2025 VoLTE requirements affect devices already in development?
Products in active development must incorporate VoLTE capability to achieve ANATEL certification. Devices certified before April 6, 2025, benefit from grandfathering provisions, but any recertification activities must comply with current VoLTE mandates and enhanced technical requirements.
How long do Brazilian certificates remain valid?
ANATEL homologation IDs remain valid indefinitely once issued. However, the underlying OCD Certificate of Conformity requires periodic renewal: annually for Category I products, biennially for Category II products, and only upon modification for Category III products.
Conclusion: Your Path to Brazilian Market Success
MiCOM Labs’ expert project coordination services, combined with established Brazilian partner networks, provide the specialized knowledge and local relationships essential for successful ANATEL certification. Success in Brazil requires more than regulatory compliance; it demands strategic planning, qualified local partnerships, and expert project management throughout the certification process.