Ensure Type Approval - CRAN
The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) has reported a rise in telecommunications devices being imported into the country without the necessary Type Approval certification.In response, the authority urges consumers, vendors, importers, resellers and other industry participants to ensure that all telecommunications equipment entering the Namibian market is properly certified.
Type Approval is a vital process that confirms devices such as mobile phones, routers and modems comply with Namibia’s technical, safety and performance standards. The certification protects consumers, maintains reliable communication networks, and prevents counterfeit or substandard products from circulating in the country.
Compatibility
“Before any telecommunications device reaches the Namibian market, it must be assessed to ensure it is safe, reliable and compatible with our networks,” said Mufaro Nesongano, executive for communication and consumer relations at CRAN. “Type Approval is not just a regulatory requirement – it is a safeguard that guarantees consumers receive quality products and uninterrupted connectivity.”
Since the introduction of Type Approval regulations in 2016, CRAN has processed thousands of applications to prevent unsafe or incompatible devices from entering Namibia. Between January and September 2025, the authority received 902 applications, of which 279 were declined due to incomplete documentation or safety concerns. Inspections have revealed that several devices, including mobile phones, were counterfeit or failed to meet national standards.
MoU
To strengthen monitoring and enforcement, CRAN signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Namibia Revenue Agency (NamRA) in February 2023. The collaboration enhances border control, helping to identify and block non-compliant devices while streamlining import procedures and building local capacity.
CRAN urges all stakeholders to verify the Type Approval status of any telecommunications device before purchase or import. Verification can be done via www.cran.na or by contacting the Equipment Approval Team at [email protected] or +264 61 222 666.
“Obtaining Type Approval is a shared responsibility,” added Nesongano. “It promotes consumer safety, supports fair business practices and ensures a secure, interference-free communications environment in Namibia.”