New Zealand and Pakistan radio certification
New Zealand and Pakistan both borrow their technical standards from ETSI, CISPR and IEC, so the test evidence of a CE product goes a long way. The paperwork does not travel. New Zealand runs a supplier self-declaration under Radio Spectrum Management (RSM): a supplier in New Zealand signs the declaration, and the conformity level of the product decides whether it carries the R-NZ label or the RCM. Pakistan runs a per-model type approval by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), then a certificate of compliance (CoC) for each import, with IMEI registration through DIRBS for SIM and IMEI devices. Since July 14, 2026, the Telecommunication Equipment Standards Regulations, 2024 make that CoC mandatory before import or use of any telecommunication equipment. This guide reads both regimes from the notices and regulations in force on October 7, 2026.
The texts, dated
Section titled “The texts, dated”| Date | Text | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| October 2, 2008 | Radiocommunications (Mutual Recognition: Australia) Notice 2008 (NZ) | Exempts from the New Zealand declaration and labelling products declared, labelled and supplied under the ACMA notices |
| October 2, 2008 | Radiocommunications (Mutual Recognition: Accredited Testing Body) Notice 2008 (NZ) | Recognises test facilities designated under the APEC, EC, Singapore and Taiwan arrangements |
| September 7, 2017 (gazette) | Mobile Device Identification, Registration and Blocking Regulations, 2017 (PK), S.R.O. 904(I)/2017 | Legal basis of DIRBS: compliant devices need valid, unique GSMA IMEIs and PTA type approval or a CoC |
| January 13, 2021 (gazette) | Radiocommunications (Compliance) Notice 2020 (NZ) | Levels of conformity, declaration contents, labelling and records; revokes the Compliance Notice 2013 No 2 |
| January 25, 2021 | Type Approval Technical Standards Regulations, 2021 (PK), S.R.O. 1172(I)/2021, gazetted September 13, 2021 | Per-model type approval and CoC procedure; repeals the Type Approval Regulations, 2019 |
| August 1, 2022 | General User Radio Licence for Short Range Devices Notice 2022 (NZ) | Licence-free SRD bands and power limits; revokes the 2020 SRD notice |
| August 16, 2022 (gazette) | Type Approval Technical Standards (Amendment) Regulations, 2022 (PK), S.R.O. 1515(I)/2022 | New Annex B fee table; IMEI whitelisting through DIRBS and the FBR WeBOC system for imports |
| March 21, 2025 (gazette) | Type Approval Technical Standards (Amendment) Regulations, 2025 (PK), S.R.O. 287(I)/2025 | CoC for completely built units by commercial importers; CKD and SKD kits only by authorised mobile device manufacturers |
| September 1, 2025 | Radiocommunications Regulations (Radio Standards) Notice 2025 (NZ) | Current radio standards and conformity levels; revokes the 2023 notice |
| July 14, 2026 (gazette) | Telecommunication Equipment Standards Regulations, 2024 (PK), S.R.O. 1110(I)/2026 | Standards tables for EMC, safety, RF, mobile, satellite and terrestrial equipment; CoC mandatory before import, deployment or use; in force at once |
New Zealand: RSM self-declaration
Section titled “New Zealand: RSM self-declaration”New Zealand has no pre-market approval for radio and EMC products. RSM, part of the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, administers a supplier self-declaration under the Radiocommunications Act 1989 and the Radiocommunications Regulations 2001, through gazette notices: the Compliance Notice 2020 (procedure), the Radio Standards Notice 2025 and the EMC Standards Notice 2019 (technical standards), the general user radio licences (where and at what power a device may transmit without an individual licence), and the mutual recognition notices.
Who is the supplier
Section titled “Who is the supplier”The Compliance Notice 2020 defines the supplier as a person in New Zealand who installs, sells, distributes, manufactures or imports a product, including an agent. RSM adds that an overseas manufacturer may have its New Zealand-based agent sign the declaration. The RSM declaration form asks for a New Zealand physical address, a New Zealand company or GST number, and the ERAC supplier number. An overseas manufacturer therefore works through its New Zealand importer or agent; an Australian address alone does not fill the form.
Two registrations sit on top of the declaration:
- ERAC supplier number. RSM requires suppliers to register as a responsible supplier on the national database run by the Electrical Regulatory Authorities Council, shared with Australia, and renew it every year. This registration gives the right to use the RCM and the R-NZ label.
- Licence to Supply Radio Transmitters. Anyone importing or supplying radio transmitters must also hold this licence. RSM states it is free, usually processed within one business day, and does not need renewal. It does not authorise the holder to transmit.
Levels of conformity and the mark they impose
Section titled “Levels of conformity and the mark they impose”The level is set per product class by the standards notices, not chosen by the supplier. The compliance actions and the mark follow from it.
| Level | Typical products (RSM examples) | Evidence the supplier holds | Mark |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 (low risk) | Simple EMC products such as heaters, switches, light bulbs; the few radio products harmonised with Australia | Evidence of compliance; declaration and product description required for radio, or for EMC products the supplier chooses to label | RCM (mandatory for radio, optional for EMC) |
| 2 (medium risk) | Household appliances, TVs, power tools, personal computers | Test report or other reasonable evidence, product description, declaration | RCM |
| 3 (high risk) | Group 2 ISM equipment such as diathermy machines and RF plastic welders | Test report from an accredited testing body, product description, declaration | RCM |
| A1 (low risk) | Short range devices: garage door openers, wireless-enabled devices, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth equipment | Evidence of compliance, product description, declaration | R-NZ |
| A2 (medium risk) | Cordless telephones, CB radios, emergency position indicating radio beacons, paging and mobile radios | Test report or other reasonable evidence, product description, declaration | R-NZ |
| A3 (high risk) | Products assigned A3 by the standards notice | Accredited test report, product description, declaration | R-NZ |
RSM describes the R-NZ label as a New Zealand-only label for radio products not harmonised with Australia, and states that levels A1 to A3 cover the majority of radio products on the New Zealand market. All products, whatever their level, must meet the unwanted emission limits of the Radio Standards Notice.
Standards in the Radio Standards Notice 2025
Section titled “Standards in the Radio Standards Notice 2025”The Radio Standards Notice 2025 came into force on September 1, 2025 and revoked the 2023 notice. It mixes joint and European standards. Among the rows that matter for connected products, at level A1:
| Product class | Standard listed | Level |
|---|---|---|
| Short range devices, 25 MHz to 1 GHz | EN 300 220-1 V3.1.1 | A1 |
| Wideband transmission, 2.4 GHz (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth) | EN 300 328 V2.2.2 | A1 |
| High performance RLAN, 5 GHz | EN 301 893 V2.1.1 | A1 |
| 6 GHz WAS/RLAN, 5925 to 6425 MHz | EN 303 687 V1.1.1 | A1 |
| Ultra wide band devices | EN 302 065-1 V2.1.1 | A1 |
The notice also lists AS/NZS 4268 for short range devices. Where the applicable standard is an ACMA Radiocommunications Standard, conformity (including EMR performance) is assessed under the ACMA requirements. The edition matters: the notice names a version, and the declaration form asks for the standard title, number and edition.
Test reports
Section titled “Test reports”Test reports must be in English and kept for 5 years after the product stops being supplied. A report or other documented evidence (such as a manufacturer specification) is enough for levels 1, 2, A1 and A2; levels 3 and A3 need a report from an accredited testing body. The Accredited Testing Body Notice 2008 recognises test facilities designated under the APEC mutual recognition arrangement for electrical and electronic equipment, the New Zealand and European Community mutual recognition agreement, the New Zealand and Singapore closer economic partnership, and the New Zealand and Taiwan arrangement. New Zealand laboratories are accredited by IANZ.
Labelling
Section titled “Labelling”The Compliance Notice 2020 requires the mark on an external surface, as near as practical to the model identification, legible and no smaller than 3 mm high. When that is not practical it may go on the packaging, the instructions or the guarantee. A product with a built-in display may be labelled electronically if the accompanying documentation explains how, and the mark is hard to delete or modify.
Australia: mutual recognition, not a shared mark
Section titled “Australia: mutual recognition, not a shared mark”The Mutual Recognition (Australia) Notice 2008 exempts from the New Zealand declaration and labelling requirements:
- products in the classes covered by the EMC Standards Notice, when declared, labelled and supplied under the ACMA EMC labelling notice,
- radio products whose applicable standard in the Radio Standards Notice is an ACMA Radiocommunications Standard, when declared, labelled and supplied under the ACMA compliance labelling notice.
It does not exempt a radio product whose New Zealand standard is an ETSI EN at level A1 or A2: that product still needs a New Zealand declaration and the R-NZ label. The Australian side of the pair, including the national database that replaced the Supplier Code Number and the ACMA exemption for devices imported from New Zealand, is covered in ACMA and RCM (Australia + New Zealand).
Sub-GHz and Wi-Fi bands
Section titled “Sub-GHz and Wi-Fi bands”The General User Radio Licence for Short Range Devices Notice 2022 sets the licence-free bands. The sub-GHz rows:
| Band | Maximum e.i.r.p. | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| 864 to 868 MHz | 6 dBW | Above 0 dBW (1 W), frequency hopping or digital modulation required |
| 868 to 870 MHz | -27 dBW (2 mW), 1 % duty cycle | Telemetry and remote control only; 869.20 to 869.25 MHz allows -20 dBW (10 mW) at 0.1 % |
| 915 to 928 MHz | 0 dBW | Unwanted emission limits below 915 MHz and above 928 MHz |
| 920 to 928 MHz | 6 dBW | Frequency hopping or digital modulation above 0 dBW, same emission limits |
A LoRa device on the European 868 MHz channels therefore falls into the narrow 868 to 870 MHz telemetry row and its low power cap, while 864 to 868 MHz and 915 to 928 MHz are open at much higher power. The same notice covers 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz and 6 GHz RLAN; RSM publishes a separate guidance leaflet on 5 GHz devices. Check BLE and Wi-Fi power and DFS conditions against the notice rather than against EN limits.
Electrical safety is a separate regime
Section titled “Electrical safety is a separate regime”Mains safety is not RSM business. Under the Electricity (Safety) Regulations 2010, WorkSafe New Zealand regulates declared high risk articles (approval needed before supply, or deemed approval through EESS registration by a New Zealand manufacturer or importer registered as responsible supplier) and declared medium risk articles (supplier declaration of conformity). WorkSafe recognises Australian approvals and certifications under the EESS and New Zealand mutual recognition agreements for electrical equipment.
Pakistan: PTA type approval and CoC
Section titled “Pakistan: PTA type approval and CoC”Two instruments, two steps
Section titled “Two instruments, two steps”Pakistan regulates telecommunication equipment under the Pakistan Telecommunication (Re-organization) Act, 1996. The procedure rests on two sets of regulations:
- Type approval, per model. The Type Approval Technical Standards Regulations, 2021 define the Type Approval Certificate as the certification that a type or model of terminal equipment conforms to the technical standards prescribed by PTA. Each model and each variant needs its own approval.
- Certificate of compliance (CoC), per import. Once a model is approved, importers obtain a CoC to import it commercially; for SIM and IMEI devices the application goes through the PTA online DIRBS portal. The 2025 amendment reserves completely knocked down and semi knocked down kits to manufacturers holding a PTA mobile device manufacturing authorisation.
The Telecommunication Equipment Standards Regulations, 2024 (notified May 25, 2026, gazetted July 14, 2026, in force at once) extend the logic: they apply to all PTA licensees, manufacturers and importers, and PTA states that a CoC is mandatory before import, deployment or operational use. The CoC application goes to commercialcoc@pta.gov.pk with a declaration of conformity, test reports for every standard declared, the bill of lading or airway bill, the customs port, technical literature and an end-to-end connectivity diagram. Licensees, importers and manufacturers keep records of their equipment for 3 years.
Who can apply
Section titled “Who can apply”The 2021 regulations define the applicant as a company, entity or authorised distributor applying for type approval. A foreign entity applies with its company registration, a board authorisation to apply for PTA type approval, and shareholder details. The applicant may appoint a local third party, representative or consultant to file the type approval and CoC applications and represent it at PTA. A change of manufacturer or OEM ownership requires a fresh type approval.
What the application contains
Section titled “What the application contains”Regulation 5 of the 2021 regulations lists:
- application form and applicant undertaking,
- applicant credentials (for a foreign entity: company registration, board authorisation, shareholders),
- a manufacturer declaration of conformity listing the standards applied (RF, safety, SAR, EMC),
- detailed test reports for those standards, on request,
- a technical data sheet (output power, operating frequencies),
- WiMAX Forum certification for WiMAX terminals,
- the fees,
- one complete sample with accessories; PTA may disassemble it for hardware and PCBA checks, which can void the warranty,
- for IMEI devices, the GSMA Type Allocation Code details, checked against the GSMA database,
- undertakings that the device carries no customised built-in encryption in its native applications and that user data privacy is ensured.
Two technical requirements are written into the regulations: a valid IMEI, and for mobile and handheld devices a SAR limit of 2 W/kg averaged over 10 g. Test reports must come from laboratories accredited by the national accreditation body of their country.
Modules are approved for use within a declared finished product: each specific module needs type approval and must be used within the finished product named in the application. A software-only upgrade does not need a new approval; a hardware change (PCBA or motherboard change, RAM or ROM variant) makes it a new model.
Annex B, as replaced by the 2022 amendment:
| Category | Certificate fee, imported | Certificate fee, local | Processing fee per application (non-refundable) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Short range devices, UWB, IoT, RFID, Bluetooth, M2M, smart metering and similar | USD 50 | PKR 2,500 | USD 50 imported, PKR 2,500 local |
| SIM, IMEI and Wi-Fi based mobile devices (handsets, tablets, dongles) | USD 100 | PKR 5,000 | USD 100 imported, PKR 5,000 local |
| Tracking devices with SIM or IMEI, satellite terminals, two-way radios, ISM band devices, VoIP equipment, PBX | USD 100 | PKR 5,000 | USD 100 imported, PKR 5,000 local |
PTA may revise the list. These are regulator fees only; testing is paid separately.
Standards in the 2024 regulations
Section titled “Standards in the 2024 regulations”The Telecommunication Equipment Standards Regulations, 2024 adopt standards from ITU-T, the RED (Directive 2014/53/EU), EN, FCC, ISO, OHSAS, CENELEC, ETSI, IEC and CISPR, and tabulate them by class:
| Class | Examples listed |
|---|---|
| EMC | EN 55032 / CISPR 32, EN 55035 / CISPR 35, EN 301 489 parts (including -1, -3, -17, -19, -52), IEC 61000-3-2 and -3-3 |
| Health and safety | IEC 62368-1, EN 60950 series, EN 50360, EN 50566, EN 62209-1 and -2 |
| Wireless connectivity | EN 300 328, EN 301 893 and EN 300 440 for 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz; EN 303 687 for 6 GHz Wi-Fi; EN 300 220 for SRD |
| Mobile devices | 3GPP TS 51.010 and EN 301 511 (2G), EN 301 908 parts and TS 34.121 (3G), TS 36.521 (4G), TS 38.521 (5G) |
For IoT the regulations list 433.05 to 434.79 MHz and 920 to 925 MHz as the long-range bands. All wireless terminal equipment operates on a non-interference basis within the bands allowed by PTA and the Frequency Allocation Board (FAB).
DIRBS and IMEI
Section titled “DIRBS and IMEI”The Mobile Device Identification, Registration and Blocking Regulations, 2017 set up DIRBS. A compliant mobile device has a valid GSMA-assigned IMEI, a unique IMEI, is not on a stolen or lost list, and is type approved or covered by a CoC. Devices with duplicated, cloned or counterfeit IMEIs are refused a CoC. Since the 2022 amendment, IMEIs uploaded through DIRBS are checked by PTA and transmitted to the FBR WeBOC customs system; on approval they are whitelisted. Type approval holders may only use IMEIs containing a GSMA-issued Type Allocation Code.
Marking
Section titled “Marking”Regulation 14 of the 2021 regulations requires the type approval holder to place on each approved device a verifiable sign, on paper or embedded electronically in the software, showing the unique PTA type approval number and the words "Approved by PTA". A device with a screen that uses electronic identification must display the PTA identifier.
Side-by-side comparison
Section titled “Side-by-side comparison”| Aspect | New Zealand | Pakistan |
|---|---|---|
| Regulator | Radio Spectrum Management (MBIE); WorkSafe for electrical safety | Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) |
| Route | Supplier self-declaration, no pre-market review | Per-model type approval, then CoC per import |
| Who signs or applies | A supplier in New Zealand (importer, manufacturer, agent) | Manufacturer or entity, foreign or local, possibly through a local representative |
| Registrations | ERAC supplier number; Licence to Supply Radio Transmitters | Type approval register; DIRBS for SIM and IMEI devices |
| Mark | R-NZ (levels A1 to A3) or RCM (levels 1 to 3), at least 3 mm | "Approved by PTA" with the type approval number |
| Accredited report needed | Levels 3 and A3 only | Test reports from accredited laboratories |
| Records | 5 years after supply ends | 3 years (2024 regulations) |
| Sub-GHz IoT | 864 to 868 MHz, 915 to 928 MHz, 920 to 928 MHz | 433.05 to 434.79 MHz, 920 to 925 MHz |
For related regimes, see ACMA and RCM (Australia + New Zealand), Telstra cellular acceptance in Australia and ISED Canada radio certification.
Step by step: one campaign, two files
Section titled “Step by step: one campaign, two files”- List each radio interface and its band plan. Flag sub-GHz channels: European 868 MHz settings fit neither country at full power.
- Find the New Zealand class and level in the Radio Standards Notice 2025 or the EMC Standards Notice 2019, and the standard edition it names.
- Map the Pakistan standards from the 2024 regulations tables, including SAR for handheld devices.
- Reuse the CE test reports where the standard and edition match; run gap tests for the local bands and for any accredited report required (levels 3 and A3 in New Zealand).
- New Zealand: have the New Zealand supplier register with ERAC, obtain a Licence to Supply Radio Transmitters, sign the declaration, keep the compliance folder and apply R-NZ or RCM as the level requires.
- Pakistan: file type approval per model with a sample and the GSMA Type Allocation Code for IMEI devices, then a CoC for each consignment, through DIRBS for SIM and IMEI devices.
- Label: R-NZ or RCM in New Zealand, "Approved by PTA" with the approval number in Pakistan, physically or on the screen.
- Keep records: 5 years after supply ends in New Zealand, 3 years in Pakistan.
See Certification timeline for fitting this sequence into a global launch schedule.
Claims the texts contradict
Section titled “Claims the texts contradict”| Common claim | What the text says |
|---|---|
| "The supplier can use a New Zealand or Australian address" | The Compliance Notice 2020 defines the supplier as a person in New Zealand; the RSM form asks for a New Zealand physical address and company or GST number |
| "Suppliers choose between R-NZ and RCM depending on the market they target" | The conformity level decides: R-NZ for levels A1 to A3, RCM for levels 1 to 3 |
| "Any RCM product is recognised in New Zealand through the trans-Tasman arrangement" | The 2008 notice exempts only EMC classes and radio products whose New Zealand standard is an ACMA standard, declared and labelled under the ACMA notices |
| "New Zealand sub-GHz is 915 to 928 MHz only" | The 2022 SRD notice also opens 864 to 868 MHz, and 868 to 870 MHz at low power for telemetry |
| "Both markets accept any ILAC-MRA accredited report" | New Zealand needs an accredited report only for levels 3 and A3, from bodies recognised by the 2008 notice or accredited by IANZ; Pakistan asks for reports from labs accredited by their national body |
| "PTA type approval is filed by a locally registered applicant who holds the certificate" | A foreign entity may apply and may appoint a local representative to file for it |
| "The TAC is the PTA Type Approval Certificate" | In the PTA regulations, TAC is the GSMA Type Allocation Code of an IMEI; the approval is the Type Approval Certificate |
| "The PTA certificate has a stated validity period" | The 2021 regulations set grounds for withdrawal and revision, not a validity period |
| "A foreign manufacturer gets a Supplier Code Number through an agent" | The Supplier Code Number is gone: suppliers register on the national database (ERAC) shared by Australia and New Zealand |
Further reading
Section titled “Further reading”- ACMA and RCM (Australia + New Zealand)
- Telstra cellular acceptance in Australia
- ISED Canada radio certification
- India BIS, TEC, and WPC certification
- Singapore IMDA certification
- CE vs FCC: EMC differences
- EU and US dual certification
Sources and references
Section titled “Sources and references”Sources & references
- Radiocommunications (Compliance) Notice 2020 (New Zealand Gazette 2021-go52), New Zealand Gazette (Radio Spectrum Management, MBIE) gazette.govt.nz/notice/id/2021-go52
- Radiocommunications Regulations (Radio Standards) Notice 2025 (in force September 1, 2025), New Zealand Gazette (Radio Spectrum Management, MBIE) gazette.govt.nz/notice/id/2025-go4751
- Radiocommunications Regulations (General User Radio Licence for Short Range Devices) Notice 2022, New Zealand Gazette (Radio Spectrum Management, MBIE) gazette.govt.nz/notice/id/2022-go3100
- Radiocommunications (Mutual Recognition: Australia) Notice 2008, Radio Spectrum Management (New Zealand) www.rsm.govt.nz/assets/Uploads/pdfs/gazette/5ac64f4fc1/radiocommunications-mutual-recognition-australia-notice-2008.pdf
- Radiocommunications (Mutual Recognition: Accredited Testing Body) Notice 2008, Radio Spectrum Management (New Zealand) www.rsm.govt.nz/assets/Uploads/pdfs/gazette/d9f5b6944a/radiocommunications-mutual-recognition-accredited-testing-body-notice-2008.pdf
- Step 3: levels of conformity, test reports and mutual recognition, Radio Spectrum Management (New Zealand) www.rsm.govt.nz/business-individuals/supplier-compliance/steps/step3-product-testing
- Step 6: become a registered supplier, Radio Spectrum Management (New Zealand) www.rsm.govt.nz/business-individuals/supplier-compliance/steps/step-6
- Step 7: label your products (RCM and R-NZ), Radio Spectrum Management (New Zealand) www.rsm.govt.nz/business-individuals/supplier-compliance/steps/step-7
- Supplier Declaration of Conformity form (version 01-10-2021), Radio Spectrum Management (New Zealand) www.rsm.govt.nz/assets/Uploads/documents/Forms/RSM_-_Suppliers_declaration_of_Conformity.pdf
- Get a licence to supply radio equipment, Radio Spectrum Management (New Zealand) www.rsm.govt.nz/business-individuals/supplier-compliance/get-a-licence-to-supply-radio-equipment
- Radio Spectrum Management Compliance Guide, Radio Spectrum Management (New Zealand) www.rsm.govt.nz/about/publications/compliance-guide
- Radiocommunications Act 1989, New Zealand Legislation (PCO) www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1989/0148/latest/DLM195576.html
- High and medium risk products (Electricity (Safety) Regulations 2010), WorkSafe New Zealand www.worksafe.govt.nz/topic-and-industry/electricity/appliances-and-fittings/high-and-medium-risk-products/
- Type Approval Technical Standards Regulations, 2021 (S.R.O. 1172(I)/2021), Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), Gazette of Pakistan www.pta.gov.pk/assets/media/notification_ta_reg_2021_20092021.pdf
- Type Approval Technical Standards (Amendment) Regulations, 2022 (S.R.O. 1515(I)/2022), Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), Gazette of Pakistan www.pta.gov.pk/assets/media/type_approval_amendment_reg_2022_09-09-2022.pdf
- Type Approval Technical Standards (Amendment) Regulations, 2025 (S.R.O. 287(I)/2025), Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), Gazette of Pakistan www.pta.gov.pk/assets/media/2025-03-26-21-03-25-Type-Approval-Technical-Standards-Amendment-Regulations-2025.pdf
- Telecommunication Equipment Standards Regulations, 2024 (S.R.O. 1110(I)/2026), Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), Gazette of Pakistan www.pta.gov.pk/assets/media/Telecommunication%20Equipments%20Standards%20Regulations-2024.pdf
- Implementation of Telecom Equipment Standards Regulations (press release, September 8, 2026), Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) www.pta.gov.pk/category/implementation-of-telecom-equipment-standards-regulations-1149711125-2026-09-09
- Mobile Device Identification, Registration and Blocking Regulations, 2017 (S.R.O. 904(I)/2017), Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), Gazette of Pakistan www.pta.gov.pk/assets/media/dirbs_reg_120917.pdf
Frequently asked questions
- Does a CE or FCC report cover New Zealand and Pakistan?
- It can be the evidence, never the approval. Both regimes are built on ETSI, CISPR and IEC standards: the New Zealand Radio Standards Notice 2025 lists ETSI ENs such as EN 300 328 and EN 301 893, and the PTA Telecommunication Equipment Standards Regulations, 2024 list EN, ETSI, FCC, IEC and CISPR sources and the RED. But New Zealand still needs a Supplier Declaration of Conformity signed by a supplier in New Zealand, and Pakistan needs a PTA type approval and a certificate of compliance (CoC). The frequency plans also differ, so a European sub-GHz configuration is not automatically lawful in either country.
- Is a local representative mandatory in New Zealand and Pakistan?
- In New Zealand, in practice yes: the Radiocommunications (Compliance) Notice 2020 defines the supplier as a person in New Zealand, and the RSM declaration form asks for a New Zealand physical address, a New Zealand company or GST number and an ERAC supplier number. An Australian address is not enough. In Pakistan, no: the Type Approval Technical Standards Regulations, 2021 accept a foreign entity as applicant (with its company registration and board authorisation) and let it appoint a local third party or consultant to file and represent it at PTA.
- When does a product carry R-NZ rather than RCM in New Zealand?
- It is not the supplier's choice; the conformity level decides. Radio products in levels A1, A2 and A3, the majority of radio products and those not harmonised with Australia, carry R-NZ. EMC products and the few radio products harmonised with Australia (levels 1, 2 and 3) carry the RCM. Separately, the Mutual Recognition (Australia) Notice 2008 exempts from the New Zealand declaration and labelling a product that is declared, labelled and supplied under the Australian ACMA notices, within the classes the notice sets.
- Which sub-GHz bands can an IoT device use in New Zealand and Pakistan?
- In New Zealand, the General User Radio Licence for Short Range Devices Notice 2022 opens 864 to 868 MHz, 915 to 928 MHz and 920 to 928 MHz (above 0 dBW e.i.r.p. only with frequency hopping or digital modulation), and 868 to 870 MHz only for telemetry and remote control at low power and 1 % duty cycle. In Pakistan, the Telecommunication Equipment Standards Regulations, 2024 list 433.05 to 434.79 MHz and 920 to 925 MHz for long-range IoT, so neither the European 868 MHz plan nor the full 915 to 928 MHz plan fits as is.
- What is the difference between PTA type approval and the CoC?
- Type approval is per model: PTA checks the documents, test reports and a sample, and issues a Type Approval Certificate. The certificate of compliance to technical standards (CoC) is then needed to import approved models commercially, consignment by consignment, through the DIRBS portal for SIM or IMEI devices. The Telecommunication Equipment Standards Regulations, 2024, gazetted on July 14, 2026, make a CoC mandatory before import, deployment or operational use of all telecommunication equipment.
- What does PTA type approval cost?
- Annex B of the Type Approval Technical Standards Regulations, as replaced in 2022, sets for imported equipment a certificate fee of USD 100 for most categories and USD 50 for short range devices, UWB, IoT, RFID, Bluetooth and M2M devices, plus a non-refundable processing fee of USD 100 per application (USD 50 for the short range category). Local manufacturers pay PKR 5,000 or PKR 2,500. Test campaign costs are separate.
- How long does approval take in each country?
- Neither text sets a review deadline for the regulator. New Zealand has no pre-market review at all: the supplier tests, declares and labels. RSM states that a Licence to Supply Radio Transmitters is usually processed within one business day. In Pakistan, the 2021 regulations give an applicant 7 working days to complete an application that PTA returns as incomplete, failing which it may be refused.