Type Approval Service Guide

What is a Type Approval

Type Approval is your assurance that communications equipment meets Kiribati's safety and technical standards. Before selling or using certain communications equipment in Kiribati, you need to obtain Type Approval from CCK.

Why Do You Need Type Approval?

Type Approval ensures your equipment:
- Won't interfere with other communications services
- Is safe for users
- Meets international quality standards
- Operates reliably on Kiribati's networks

Accepted International Standards

We recognize equipment certified by these international authorities:
- ACMA (Australia Communications and Media Authority)
- CE (European Commission)
- FCC (Federal Communications Commission-USA)
- ITU (International Telecommunications Union)

Equipment Guidelines

Equipment That Needs Approval:

1. Radio/Wireless Equipment
  - Mobile phones and cellular devices
  - Wi-Fi routers and access points
  - Bluetooth-enabled devices
  - Laptops and tablets with wireless capabilities
  - 3G/4G/GSM equipment
  - WiMax devices
  - GPRS/EDGE equipment

2. Fixed Equipment
  - Satellite services equipment
  - Fixed microwave links
  - Satellite earth stations
  - Telecommunications switching equipment
  - Radio transmitters

3. Fixed Wireless Terminal Equipment
  - CDMA desktop phones
  - GSM gateways
  - Cordless phones
  - Telex equipment
  - Fixed-line telephone equipment

4. Broadband Terminal Equipment
  - WiMax terminals
  - Wi-Fi terminals
  - CDMA USB/PCMCIA modems
  - ISDN terminal equipment
  - ADSL/HDSL equipment

Equipment That Doesn't Need Approval:

- Personal computers without built-in radio transmitters
- Radio and TV receivers (including satellite dishes and aerials)
- Remote controls (for TVs, toys, garage doors)
- Amateur radio equipment for personal use
- Personal communications equipment brought from overseas with valid international compliance marks (ACMA, CE, FCC, or ITU)

How to apply for a Type Approval?

Step 1: Preliminary Check
- Check if your equipment requires approval using the lists above
- Verify your equipment isn't already approved by searching the Type Approval Register on our website
- Ensure you have AUD 10 for the application fee

Step 2: Document Preparation
Gather these required documents:

1. Declaration/Certificate of Conformity
  - Must be from the original equipment manufacturer
  - Should state compliance with relevant technical standards

2. Test Reports
  - Must be from laboratories accredited by ACMA, CE, FCC, or ITU
  - Should demonstrate compliance with:
    * Radio spectrum usage standards (for wireless equipment)
    * Network safety standards
    * User health and safety requirements
    * Electromagnetic compatibility standards

3. Equipment Documentation
  - Original product manual or catalog
  - Clear description of equipment functions
  - Technical specifications
  - Operating instructions

4. Compliance Evidence
  - Clear photos of existing approval marks/labels on the equipment
  - Photos should show ACMA, CE, FCC, or ITU compliance markings

5. Local Support Information
  - Details of repair services available in Kiribati
  - Contact information for local technical support

6. Payment Proof
  - Receipt of AUD 10 application fee payment
  - Must be paid before submission

Step 3: Application Submission
Choose your preferred submission method:

Option 1: In-Person
- Visit CCK offices during business hours
- Bring all documents in hard copy
- Pay fee at our cashier

Option 2: Email
- Send to typeapproval@cck.ki
- Attach all documents in PDF format
- Include scanned proof of payment

Step 4: Application Processing
- Processing begins only when all required documents are received
- Standard processing time is 7 calendar days
- CCK will review technical compliance and documentation
- You'll receive status updates via your preferred contact method

Step 5: Approval Decision
If Approved:
- You'll receive an Approval Certificate
- Equipment will be listed in the Type Approval Register
- You can begin importing/selling the equipment
- Certificate remains valid as long as equipment complies with standards

If Rejected:
- You'll receive a detailed explanation
- You can address the issues and reapply
- Application fee is non-refundable
- New application and fee required for resubmission

Fees and Payment Information

Fee Structure

1. New Application Fee
  - Amount: AUD 10
  - Non-refundable
  - Must be paid before application submission
  - Covers processing and evaluation costs

2. Additional Certificate Fee
  - Amount: AUD 5
  - For additional certificates of already approved equipment
  - Required for each business location selling the equipment
  - Covers ongoing market surveillance

Payment Methods

- Cash (in-person only)
- Check (payable to CCK)
- Bank transfer (bank details provided upon request)
- All payments must be in Australian Dollars (AUD)

After Approval

Your Responsibilities
- Display the Approval Certificate at your business location
- Maintain compliance with technical standards
- Cooperate with CCK market surveillance activities
- Report any equipment modifications or issues

Market Surveillance
- CCK conducts regular equipment checks
- Keep your Approval Certificate accessible
- Non-compliant equipment may be confiscated
- Violations may result in penalties under the Communications Act 2012

Available Support

- Application form guidance
- Document requirements clarification
- Technical standards information
- Status check on submitted applications

Download Resources

- Type Approval Application Form [Link]
- Document Checklist [Link]
- Fee Schedule [Link]
- Technical Standards Guide [Link]