South Africa - ICASA Approval

The ‘Electronic Communications Act’ issued in 2005 stipulates approval of electronic communication equipment or facilities. The ‘Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA)’ as relevant authority operates a Conformity Assessment framework. It incorporates an Equipment Risk Profiling. Low Risk ICT Equipment (Classification 1) do not need to undergo the Conformity Assessment procedure, but requires compliance with mandatory standards and authority registration. Equipment per Classification 2 or 3 is subject to Conformity Assessment, involving an accredited laboratory and a designated certification body as well as the authority. Moreover, re-evaluation of conformity is a prerequisite of Classification 2 and 3. The mandatory standards applied in the Conformity Assessment are officially published and base on internationally recognized the standard schemes. The Conformity Assessment concludes with a "Type Approval", authorizing an Equipment to be used in South Africa or imported into South Africa. A local representative is required in case of imported equipment, who can be held accountable for the performance of the equipment in the market.