After a product obtains NTC certificate, there will be an obligation to affix NTC label or NTC mark. The legal reference for this obligation is Memorandum Circular No. 02-01-2001 specifically on section VI. It states that type-approved equipment must be marked with a tamper proof label. Suppliers or distributors are responsible for producing and affixing their own labels, subject to clearance from the Commission.
In general, the obligation to affix the labels depends on the type-approved device. The NTC Office has established three different label formats depending on the equipment classification. Below is the three label formats based on each classification of telecommunications equipment.
Where CPE, RCE, GEC are abbreviation name in English of Customer Premises Equipment, Radio Communications Equipment, and Grant Equipment Conformity.
Although the NTC Office has established three label formats based on equipment classification, the Memorandum Circular No. 02-01-2001 states that the obligation of physical labeling requires for telecommunications equipment classified as CPE only. The Memorandum Circular No. 01-04-88 also states that suppliers or distributors must provide a properly authenticated seal, label, or sticker to be affixed to each CPE type approved for connection to the public network.
In addition to equipment classified as CPE, the equipment classified as GEC also requires a physical label because the equipment in GEC classification also has CPE functionality. For your information, the GEC classification is intended for telecommunications equipment that exhibits both RCE and CPE functionality.
Regarding the electronic label (E-label), the NTC Office has permitted the use of E-labels, but it cannot substitute for the physical label. This is due to the continued applicability of MC 02-01-2001, which mandates physical labels. So, physical labels are still required even if the equipment already uses E-label.
Why We Care
In many type approval processes, labeling or marking remains crucial for manufacturers to understand because it relates to the surveillance process by regulatory bodies in certain countries. Similar to other countries, labeling requirements for type approval in the Philippines also require suppliers or distributors to affix labels as a sign that their products have met the standards.
Labeling process is the final step in the overall type approval process and also the first step before the manufacturers import their products to the Philippines. Therefore, it is crucial for manufacturers to correctly label their products in order to comply with the labeling requirements set by the NTC Office.
In order to avoid any misunderstandings about label requirements for type approval in the Philippines, manufacturers can consult with a type approval service company. Dimulti has a close relationship with the authority and can ensure the labeling process is carried out correctly according to NTC requirements. So, feel free to drop an email to info@narmadi.com in case you have any questions about labeling or marking requirements for Philippines type approval.