Breaking into Thailand’s wireless device market requires NBTC (National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission) type approval. For manufacturers selling mobile phones, IoT devices, Wi-Fi routers, or Bluetooth products, this certification grants you access to a market of 71 million consumers. Once issued, NBTC certificates remain valid indefinitely, provided your product specifications don’t change.
The challenge: Thailand mandates ISO 17025-accredited test reports before the NBTC reviews your application. MiCOM Labs holds this accreditation (Certificate #2381.01), allowing you to complete the required testing stateside and coordinate the NBTC submission without shipping samples internationally or navigating Thai-language requirements on your own.
What Thailand Type Approval Covers in 2026
Thailand’s regulatory framework sorts wireless devices into three approval pathways.- Class A Certification applies to devices operating at transmit power above 20 mW or used within 20 cm of the body. This includes smartphones, tablets with cellular connectivity, and wearable devices. The NBTC assigns a unique certificate number tied to your specific model.
- Class B Certification covers lower-power devices used beyond 20 cm from the body: wireless routers, smart home hubs, and industrial sensors. Class B devices follow a streamlined pathway but still require NBTC review.
- Supplier’s Declaration of Conformity (SDoC) allows ultra-low-power devices meeting specific technical thresholds to self-declare conformity. You submit test reports and technical documentation for registration rather than formal certification.
All three pathways require test reports from ISO 17025-accredited laboratories. The NBTC does not accept self-testing by manufacturers.
How MiCOM Labs Simplifies Your Thailand Entry
| Traditional Approach | MiCOM Labs Coordination Model |
|---|---|
| Ship samples to a Thailand-based lab | Test at MiCOM Labs’ U.S. facility |
| Wait 3-4 weeks for the Thai lab scheduling | Real-time test tracking via the MiTest® platform |
| Navigate Thai-language forms independently | Pre-filled documentation packages prepared |
| Hire a separate local representative | Local representative coordination included |
| Limited visibility into certification status | Updates through the GMA application portal |
| 10-12 week total timeline | 8-week average timeline |
Required Documentation Breakdown
The NBTC evaluates five core document categories during review.1. Technical Specifications Sheet
The Technical Specifications Sheet must detail frequency ranges, modulation types, and maximum transmit power for each operating mode. Devices supporting multiple wireless protocols need separate entries for each.2. Test Reports from ISO 17025 Lab
Test Reports from ISO 17025 Lab demonstrate compliance with applicable NBTC notification standards. For most wireless devices, this means testing against Radio Equipment Directive (RED) parameters adapted to Thailand’s frequency allocation plan. MiCOM Labs’ accreditation covers RF emissions testing up to 220 GHz, EMC/EMI evaluation, and SAR assessment for body-worn devices.3. User Manual in English
User Manual in English requires an NBTC-specific safety statement. The exact wording varies by device class, but all versions must include radio-exposure warnings and frequency-band disclosures.4. Product Photos and Internal Layout Diagrams
Product Photos and Internal Layout Diagrams include high-resolution external photos of all six sides of your device, plus internal board layouts that identify RF modules, antennas, and shielding.5. Power of Attorney for Local Representative
Power of Attorney for Local Representative authorizes an agent to accept NBTC correspondence. Our coordination service includes connection to established representatives who understand device certification workflows.Timeline Expectations
Thailand type approval follows a sequential review process.| Phase | Timeline | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Testing Phase | Week 1-2 | MiCOM Labs conducts required RF, EMC, and safety testing. You receive provisional results through the MiTest® platform as tests are completed, allowing your engineering team to address issues before the final report is generated. |
| Documentation Compilation | Week 3 | We package test reports with your technical files, verify completeness against NBTC checklists, and prepare Thai-language application forms. |
| NBTC Submission | Week 4-5 | Your local representative submits the complete package. The Commission performs an administrative completeness check within 5-7 business days. |
| Technical Evaluation | Week 6-7 | NBTC engineers review your test data against notification standards. They may request clarifications about measurement methodologies. |
| Certificate Issuance | Week 8 | Upon approval, the NBTC issues your certificate or registers your SDoC. Class A and B certificates remain valid indefinitely unless regulations change. |
Timeline Note: This 8-week timeline assumes complete, accurate documentation at submission. Incomplete applications add 2-4 weeks for information requests.
Labeling and Compliance Requirements
Thailand mandates specific on-product markings before customs clearance.- Class A Devices display the NBTC Class A mark (triangle with “A” designation) plus your certificate number. Smartphones require SAR values printed in the user manual.
- Class B Devices show the Class B mark and certificate number. Smart home devices can use smaller marking dimensions than cellular-capable products.
- SDoC Products display the RCA (Radio Communications Act) mark with your registration number and a QR code linking to your filed declaration. Thailand introduced QR code requirements in 2023 to streamline customs verification.
Permanent markings must appear on the device itself, not just packaging. E-labels stored in device menus satisfy requirements only if the physical device displays a “Check device menu for certification info” statement.
What Happens If Regulations Change
Thailand periodically updates frequency allocation plans and technical standards. For example:- Wi-Fi 6E Spectrum Opening (February 2025): The NBTC opened 5.925-6.425 GHz for Wi-Fi 6E devices operating indoors only. New approvals for this band require EN 303 687 test reports starting February 28, 2025.
- 2G/3G Phase-Out Notification (June 2025): Starting June 2025, the NBTC will not accept new applications for devices supporting only 2G or 3G cellular bands. Devices must include 4G or 5G capability to receive approval.
MiCOM Labs’ MiComms™ regulatory newsfeed tracks these changes and flags any impacts on your existing certifications, giving you lead time to schedule retesting before compliance deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use FCC or CE test reports for Thailand approval?
The NBTC accepts test data conducted to RED or FCC standards if the testing laboratory holds ISO 17025 accreditation. However, you must supplement with Thailand-specific frequency band testing if your device operates on bands allocated differently than U.S. or EU markets.
The NBTC accepts test data conducted to RED or FCC standards if the testing laboratory holds ISO 17025 accreditation. However, you must supplement with Thailand-specific frequency band testing if your device operates on bands allocated differently than U.S. or EU markets.
Do firmware updates require new NBTC approval?
Software changes that modify RF parameters (transmit power, modulation, frequency range) trigger re-certification. Bug fixes and feature additions that don’t affect radio performance typically fall under your existing certificate.
Software changes that modify RF parameters (transmit power, modulation, frequency range) trigger re-certification. Bug fixes and feature additions that don’t affect radio performance typically fall under your existing certificate.
How does Thailand handle modular approvals?
The NBTC allows module certification, where a pre-approved RF module receives its own certificate. Host device manufacturers can reference the module certificate when seeking approval for their finished product, reducing the testing scope to integration and EMC verification.
The NBTC allows module certification, where a pre-approved RF module receives its own certificate. Host device manufacturers can reference the module certificate when seeking approval for their finished product, reducing the testing scope to integration and EMC verification.
How long does an NBTC certificate remain valid?
Class A and Class B certificates have no expiration date under current regulations. You maintain compliance as long as you manufacture to the approved specifications and display required markings.
Class A and Class B certificates have no expiration date under current regulations. You maintain compliance as long as you manufacture to the approved specifications and display required markings.
Why Manufacturers Choose MiCOM Labs for Thailand Access
| Advantage | Your Benefit |
|---|---|
| Faster U.S.-Based Testing | Your testing is performed in an ISO 17025–accredited U.S. facility, eliminating international sample shipments. This cuts 1–2 weeks from typical timelines and provides direct access to test engineers throughout evaluation. |
| Real-Time Test Visibility | The MiTest® platform delivers provisional results as each test completes. If your Bluetooth module passes emissions on Tuesday afternoon, your team will see the data the same evening, enabling immediate design adjustments as needed. |
| Engineer-Friendly Report Format | Reports use a hyperlinked structure, not cluttered inline graphics. Engineers review data tables first and click into specific graphs only when needed, reducing report review time and improving clarity. |
| Thailand NBTC Support Included | Our established local representative streamlines NBTC approvals. We handle agent coordination, application submission, responses to NBTC requests, and approval tracking through the GMA portal, eliminating the need for you to research and vet contacts yourself. |
Next Steps to Start Your Application
Upload your product specifications and technical documentation through the MiCOM Labs portal. Within 48 hours, you receive a detailed approval roadmap that includes the required testing scope, documentation checklist, fixed-price quote, and projected timeline from sample receipt to certificate issuance. Schedule a technical consultation to review your device’s RF architecture, discuss potential testing challenges, and align approval timing with your Thailand market entry plans.
Thailand’s wireless device market continues expanding, with 5G network deployment driving demand for compatible smartphones, IoT applications, and industrial equipment. NBTC approval positions your products for this growth when you navigate the certification process efficiently.
Start your application today to receive Thailand type approval within 8 weeks.