List Of Devices
Overview
In Iraq, the Type Approval process for radio and telecommunications terminal equipment is regulated by the Communications and Media Commission (CMC).
The framework is heavily aligned with European (EU/RED) standards. If your product is already certified for the European market (CE Mark), the approval process in Iraq is generally a straightforward document review rather than a testing-heavy procedure.
1. Key Authority & Scope
Regulator: Communications and Media Commission (CMC).
Scope: Mandatory for all equipment transmitting or receiving radio frequencies, including:
Short Range Devices (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, RFID, NFC).
Cellular devices (4G, 5G).
Automotive radars (24 GHz, 77 GHz).
GPS/GNSS receivers.
Basis: The CMC relies on the National Frequency Allocation Table (NFAT) to determine allowed bands.
2. The Approval Process
The process is primarily an administrative review of technical documents.
Testing: No in-country testing is required. The CMC accepts foreign test reports from ILAC-accredited laboratories.
Samples: Generally not required, though the CMC reserves the right to request a sample for scrutiny in rare cases.
Lead Time: Typically 4 to 8 weeks, depending on the complexity of the device and current CMC workload.
3. Requirements & Documentation
Applications are usually submitted through a local representative or a registered local company.
Test Reports: Full suite of RED (Radio Equipment Directive) reports:
RF (e.g., EN 300 328 for Wi-Fi/BT).
EMC (e.g., EN 301 489).
Safety (e.g., EN 62368).
SAR/Health (e.g., EN 50566 or EN 62479).
Technical Data: Block diagram, schematics, operational description, and antenna gain specifications.
Product Identity: Photos (internal/external) and label artwork.
LoA: Letter of Authorization from the manufacturer to the local applicant.
4. Certificate Validity & Maintenance
Validity: 1 Year.
Renewal: Certificates must be renewed annually. If the technical specs are unchanged, renewal is administrative but requires fees.
Family Approval: A “Family Certificate” is available for models that are technically identical (same PCB/RF module) but have different model names or cosmetic differences.
5. Labeling
Requirement: There is NO specific CMC regulatory mark or label required to be placed on the device or packaging.
Best Practice: Ensure the device carries standard international markings (Brand, Model, Manufacturer, Origin) and the CE mark, as the approval is based on EU compliance.
6. Recent & Critical Updates
Wi-Fi 6E (6 GHz): As of late 2025, Iraq has shown movement toward opening the 6 GHz band for unlicensed use (typically the lower 5925–6425 MHz portion), but regulations here are volatile.
Automotive Radar: 77–81 GHz is generally permitted for automotive applications, aligning with global standards.
SRD & UWB: In late 2025, CMC issued specific regulations for Short Range Devices and Ultra-Wideband, harmonizing them with ETSI EN 302 065 standards.
Overview
Iraq Wireless Type Approval Rules (CMC)
In Iraq, the import and commercialization of wireless and telecommunications equipment are strictly regulated by the Communications and Media Commission (CMC). Type Approval is mandatory for all radio and telecommunications terminal equipment to ensure it meets national standards and does not interfere with public networks.
The following guide outlines the current rules, process, and key requirements as of late 2025.
1. Key Regulatory Details
| Feature | Details |
| Authority | Communications and Media Commission (CMC) |
| Mandatory? | Yes, for all wireless/telecom equipment. |
| Validity | Generally 1 Year (Recent 2025 regulations for SRDs suggest a potential extension to 2 years for local applicants). |
| Local Rep? | Required. You must have a local applicant/representative in Iraq. |
| Testing | No in-country testing typically required. CMC accepts EU/FCC test reports. |
| Labeling | No specific CMC mark is required on the product. |
| Lead Time | Approximately 4–8 weeks. |
3. The Approval Process
The process in Iraq is primarily a paperwork review based on international standards (mostly European RED).
Step 1: Local Representation
Foreign manufacturers cannot apply directly. You must appoint a Local Representative (an Iraqi company) to submit the application on your behalf. This representative will hold the license.
Step 2: Documentation Preparation
You must compile a Technical Construction File (TCF). The CMC relies heavily on CE (European) compliance.
Test Reports: RED (Radio Equipment Directive) reports from ISO 17025 accredited labs are preferred.
RF (Radio Frequency): e.g., EN 300 328, EN 301 893.
EMC: e.g., EN 301 489 series.
Safety/Health: e.g., EN 62368, EN 50566 (SAR).
Product Specs: Datasheets, functional description, and block diagrams.
User Manual: English and/or Arabic.
Photos: Internal and external photos of the device.
LoA (Letter of Authorization): A letter authorizing the local partner to apply for Type Approval.
Step 3: Submission & Review
The local representative submits the application to the CMC in Baghdad. The CMC engineers review the technical documents to ensure frequency allocation matches the Iraqi National Frequency Plan.
Note on Samples: Samples are not routinely required, but the CMC reserves the right to request one for specific or high-risk cases.
Step 4: Certificate Issuance
Upon approval, a Type Approval certificate is issued to the local applicant.
4. Recent Updates (2025)
There have been significant regulatory updates throughout 2025 that impact market access:
Wi-Fi 6E & Wi-Fi 7 (6 GHz Band): In September 2025, the CMC officially released new regulations for Short-Range Devices (SRDs) and Ultra-Wideband (UWB), opening the 5945–6425 MHz band for Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7 use.
PMR 446 Devices: A new regulation was introduced for devices operating in the 446.0–446.2 MHz band, aligning with international standards (analog and digital PMR).
Family Approval: The CMC now explicitly allows “Family Certificates” for models that share the same technical specifications (RF design/PCB) but differ only in model name or cosmetic features.
5. Labeling Requirements
Unlike many other countries (like UAE’s TRA or Saudi’s CITC), Iraq does not currently require a specific regulatory label or ID number to be printed on the device or packaging.
Standard Labeling: The device must still bear standard international markings (Manufacturer Name, Model Number, etc.) that match the Type Approval certificate.
Overview
Based on the most recent regulations from the Communications and Media Commission (CMC) (updated late 2025), almost any device that emits a radio signal or connects to a public telecommunications network requires Type Approval.
There is no single “exempt” list. Instead, the CMC publishes regulations that group devices by technology. If your device falls into any of the categories below, it requires a certificate before import.
1. Short-Range Devices (SRDs)
Most consumer electronics fall here. Recent 2025 updates have expanded this list significantly.
Wi-Fi / WLAN:
2.4 GHz & 5 GHz (Standard Wi-Fi)
NEW (Sept 2025): 6 GHz band (5945–6425 MHz) is now allowed for Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7.
Bluetooth: All classes (Classic & BLE).
RFID & NFC:
13.56 MHz (Contactless cards, readers)
UHF RFID (860–960 MHz range – specific sub-bands apply).
Home Automation: Zigbee, Z-Wave, LoRa (operating in 433 MHz or 868 MHz bands).
Inductive Devices: Wireless chargers (Qi), inductive loops.
Microphones: Wireless audio systems (mics, IEMs).
2. Cellular & Mobile Terminals
Handhelds: Smartphones, feature phones, tablets (3G/4G/5G).
Data Modules: M2M modules, dongles, 4G/5G routers, mobile hotspots.
Tracking: GPS trackers with SIM cards (Vehicle locators, asset trackers).
3. Automotive & Radar (UWB)
This is a heavily regulated sector in Iraq due to potential interference with military bands.
Automotive Radar:
24 GHz (Blind spot detection)
77 GHz & 79 GHz (Adaptive Cruise Control / Collision Avoidance).
Ultra-Wideband (UWB):
Keyless entry systems (3.1 – 10.6 GHz).
Building material analysis scanners.
4. Commercial & Industrial Radio
PMR 446: Personal Mobile Radio (Walkie-Talkies) in the 446.0–446.2 MHz band (New regulation issued Dec 2025).
Private Mobile Radio: TETRA, DMR terminals (requires a frequency license before Type Approval).
Satellite Terminals:
VSAT equipment.
Satellite phones (Thuraya, Iridium, Inmarsat) – Strictly controlled; requires operational license first.
5. Wired Terminal Equipment
While the focus is on wireless, equipment connecting directly to the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) or public fiber network often requires approval to ensure safety and compatibility.
Fax machines
PBX systems (Telephone exchanges)
xDSL Modems
Crucial Distinction: “License-Free” vs. “Type Approval”
It is a common mistake to think that “License-Free” devices do not need approval.
Spectrum License: You do not need a license to use a Wi-Fi router or Bluetooth mouse (it is “License-Free” spectrum).
Type Approval: You DO need a Type Approval certificate to import and sell that Wi-Fi router. The government must verify that it actually operates in the correct license-free band.
Exceptions (Rare)
Receive-Only: Pure receivers (like a simple FM radio or GPS receiver without any transmission capability) are sometimes exempt, but this is decided on a case-by-case basis by the CMC. If it has Bluetooth/Wi-Fi, it is not exempt.
Test Equipment: Equipment imported temporarily for testing/R&D (requires a special temporary release letter, not a full certificate).
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