NBTC Certification — Frequently Asked Questions

NBTC certification is the regulatory approval required for telecommunications and radio equipment before it can be imported, sold, or used in Thailand. It confirms that the equipment complies with the technical standards and radio frequency regulations established by the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC).

The NBTC is the government authority responsible for spectrum management and telecommunications standards in Thailand.

NBTC certification ensures that telecommunications devices operate safely and do not cause harmful interference to radio frequency networks. It also confirms compliance with Thailand’s national telecommunications regulations.

NBTC certification is mandatory — telecommunications or radio frequency devices that fall under NBTC regulations must obtain approval before being imported, marketed, or distributed in Thailand.

Devices that transmit radio signals or connect to telecommunications networks typically require certification. Examples include:

• Mobile phones and cellular modules
• Wi-Fi equipment
• Bluetooth devices
• LTE and 5G modules
• IoT and smart home products with wireless connectivity
• Wireless microphones
• Radio communication devices

Consumer electronics that include wireless communication modules (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, LTE, or other radio transmitters) are also subject to certification requirements. Devices without radio frequency transmission may not require approval, but this depends on the technical characteristics of the equipment.

Browse requirements by product category at Find by Device.

NBTC certification applies to telecommunications equipment and devices — it confirms that a product meets technical standards. Telecom licensing typically applies to service providers operating telecommunications networks. These are separate regulatory requirements.

NBTC classifies wireless devices into three certification types:

• SDoC Supplier’s Declaration of Conformity — The supplier declares that the product complies with applicable technical standards, supported by documentation and test reports.
• Class A Registration — Formal application with submission of technical documentation and accredited test reports for NBTC review.
• Class B Certification — Also a formal certification process, covering a different range of device types as defined by NBTC.

The applicable type is determined by the frequency band, transmit power, and communication technology of the device. Some applications may involve a split path, where different bands or power levels within the same device lead to different certification requirements. See the full breakdown at NBTC Certification Types.

The applicable certification type is determined by the device’s frequency band, technology, and transmit power. Use the NBTC Certification Checker to get a preliminary classification for your device.

For devices combining multiple radio technologies or operating across bands with different certification requirements, a Regulatory Consultation is available to clarify the correct route before application.

Only one application is required. NBTC will issue a single certificate covering all technologies used, with the certification class determined by the highest applicable class among the technologies involved.

The certification process follows these steps:

1. Documentation Verification
2. Application Preparation
3. Submission to the Regulatory Authority
4. Authority Review
5. Preliminary Approval
6. Certificate Issuance

For a detailed breakdown of each step, see the NBTC Certification Process guide.

Estimated timelines from submission date:

• SDoC approximately 1 week
• Class A approximately 5 weeks
• Class B approximately 6 weeks

These are estimates for standard submissions. Additional time may be required if NBTC requests supplementary documents. Incomplete or inaccurate submissions are the most common cause of delays — ensuring all documents are complete and correct before submission helps avoid additional review rounds.

No. Each certificate is issued for a single model only. A separate application is required for each model. Multiple models can be submitted concurrently, each as its own application.

Certification should ideally begin as early as possible in the product development cycle. Given that the process involves laboratory testing, document preparation, and regulatory review, it is advisable to initiate certification at least three to six months before the intended market entry date to allow sufficient time for any additional review rounds or document revisions.

Yes. Many companies apply for NBTC certification before importing their products to avoid delays at customs. Obtaining approval in advance means the certification number is available when shipments arrive.

NBTC may either request additional information during the review process or reject the application outright. If additional information is requested, Zergo handles the response on your behalf, provided the required materials can be supplied within 30 days of the request.

If the application is rejected due to documentation issues on the client’s side, Zergo will provide the reason for rejection and guidance on how to address the issues. A re-submission can be made after addressing the concerns, but additional fees may apply. See Re-Submission Fee in the Service Policy for details.

All certification types require:

• Completed application form
• Evidence of applicant eligibility
• Technical specifications, including wireless details
• Product photos
• Applicable test reports from an accredited laboratory

Class A and Class B applications also require the ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation certificate and scope of the testing laboratory.

Documentation may be submitted in English or Thai.

Yes. NBTC accepts test reports from internationally accredited laboratories. All certification types require test reports from an ISO/IEC 17025-accredited laboratory. For Class A and Class B applications, the laboratory’s accreditation certificate and scope must also be submitted. For SDoC, the accreditation certificate is not required, but the test report must still come from an accredited laboratory.

The device does not need to be physically sent to Thailand for testing if an existing test report meets NBTC requirements.

ISO/IEC 17025 is the international standard for testing and calibration laboratories. Accreditation under this standard confirms that a laboratory is technically competent to produce reliable and accurate test results. NBTC requires test reports from ISO/IEC 17025-accredited laboratories to ensure the validity of submitted results.

NBTC specifies accepted test standards for each device type in its technical requirements, drawing on international standards published by bodies such as FCC and ETSI. A test report that covers the standards applicable to the device type may satisfy NBTC’s testing requirement, provided it was issued by an ISO/IEC 17025-accredited laboratory. Whether a specific report is sufficient depends on whether the standards and measurements it contains align with what NBTC requires for that device.

Required technical parameters include operating frequency, transmit power, modulation type, and communication standard (for example, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or LTE). Additional parameters may be required depending on the device type and applicable NBTC technical standards.

Products using pre-certified radio modules may have reduced testing requirements. Whether existing module test reports are sufficient depends on the integration and the applicable NBTC requirements for the final product configuration.

Zergo prepares and submits the NBTC application, acts as or coordinates the local representative for the filing, handles all communication with NBTC throughout the review, and delivers the official approval details upon completion. The service covers the complete certification process — from application preparation to certificate issuance.

Zergo does not provide laboratory testing. A test report from an accredited laboratory is required before the certification application can proceed.

Full service details are available at NBTC Certification Service.

All NBTC applications require a local representative — a Thai juristic person on record as the filer. There are two options:

• Option 1: Zergo’s in-house local representative. Zergo’s own documents are already on file, so no external coordination is needed.
• Option 2: The client’s appointed local representative. The client prepares their own local representative documents; Zergo submits on their behalf.

Regardless of which option is used, Zergo handles all application preparation and all communication with NBTC throughout the process. The local representative role is a filing requirement only and does not extend to post-certification obligations on behalf of the client. See Local Representative in the Service Policy for full details.

No. Zergo ensures that all applications are prepared and submitted in accordance with NBTC requirements, based on the documentation and information clients provide. The final approval decision rests with NBTC and is contingent on the product meeting all applicable technical standards and regulatory requirements as determined by NBTC’s review process.

Yes. The Pre-Submission Review add-on covers a completeness check of your documents and verifies that test standards align with NBTC requirements. This service is priced at USD 250 per review and is deductible from the certification service fee if you proceed with a full NBTC certification application.

Yes. Upon approval, Zergo will provide the official approval details:

• SDoC — SDoC document with reference number
• Class A — Certificate of Registration with Registration Number
• Class B — Approval Certificate with Approval Number

NBTC fees are separate from Zergo’s service fees unless otherwise agreed in writing. The applicable NBTC fees may vary depending on the readiness of the appointed local representative, including the availability of a valid NBTC trade license and NBTC supplier code.

A re-submission fee of USD 250 per occurrence applies where applicable. See Fees and Payment in the Service Policy for full details.

Yes. Zergo’s role is limited to the NBTC certification process. Customs clearance is a separate process that typically requires coordination with a local importer or customs broker. Zergo does not provide customs declaration or clearance services. See Local Representative in the Service Policy for the full scope of Zergo’s role.

Foreign manufacturers can apply through Zergo — a local representative in Thailand handles the submission on their behalf. Distributors and importers may also apply with authorisation from the manufacturer. The applicant must be a Thai juristic person; international companies work through Zergo to satisfy this requirement.

Labelling requirements depend on the certification type:

• Class A and Class B: The NBTC label must be purchased directly from NBTC using documentation such as the approval document and an invoice indicating the required quantity. The label format includes elements such as the registration or approval number and the supplier code.
• SDoC: Products must carry a conformity statement referencing the applicable NBTC standard.

In both cases, the label or conformity statement should be displayed on the product. Where space on the product itself is insufficient, it may be placed on the packaging or product documentation instead.

Generally, certification does not expire unless the product specifications change. Changes to radio modules, RF parameters, antenna configuration, or hardware design that affect radio performance may require a new certification application or evaluation.

Changes that typically require a new evaluation or certification application include:

• Modifications to radio modules or antenna configuration
• Changes to operating frequency or transmit power
• Hardware design changes affecting RF performance
• Firmware updates that alter radio transmission parameters

Minor changes that do not affect core technical parameters may be eligible for a certificate amendment rather than a new application.

Yes. The approval is tied to the specific model and technical configuration submitted. For future shipments of the same model with unchanged specifications, the approval can generally be referenced again.

Selling regulated telecommunications equipment without approval may violate Thailand’s telecommunications regulations. Regulatory authorities may take enforcement actions, including seizure of non-compliant equipment, and penalties may apply. Obtaining NBTC certification in advance reduces the risk of product seizure, import rejection, or penalties, and provides assurance to distributors and buyers that the product is legally cleared for the Thai market.

Customs authorities may request documentation confirming regulatory approval for telecommunications equipment falling under NBTC regulation. This may include the certification document, technical description of the product, or evidence of regulatory approval. Obtaining certification before importing avoids potential delays or clearance issues.

Some radio communication equipment may require specific permits or regulatory approval prior to importation, depending on the technical characteristics of the device. NBTC certification is typically the primary regulatory requirement for telecommunications and RF equipment entering the Thai market.