Some big questions when processing Brazil type approval are about certification lead time and validity period of the certificate. Lead time is the period of time required to finish the certification process. This matters because it directly affects to the product delivery schedule. That’s why as manufacturer; we must know the information about lead time accurately. By knowing the accurate certification lead time, it can help us to arrange product delivery forecast so customer can see when they are expected to receive the product, or when they are expected to be able to buy it from the store.
Certification lead time depends on the how the certification is processed, or through what methods certification will be issued. Usually when the certification method is from local test, the lead time will be much longer compared to the certification that can be processed through full paperwork method. This is because typically, local test needs more coordination and expertise. Besides, we also need to consider testing queue happening in the lab.
Specifically for Brazil Type Approval, the process is combination between local test and paper evaluation. For the local test part, it will be performed by ANATEL-accredited local test laboratory. And to support the test result, there will be additional overseas test report required. That’s why the process involves both local test and paperwork. To finish all the process, typically we need around 8-12 weeks until certificate can be issued. However, this lead time can be extended depending on the evaluation and testing queue, complexity of the product, and lab availability.
Now let’s move to the validity period of Brazil Type Approval certificate. As we may already be familiar with, certificate validity is the period of the issued certificate is being valid. In some countries, they apply permanent validity, meaning that after certificate is issued it will be valid forever. However, some other countries, including Brazil, apply limited validity time.
For the case of Brazil, validity period of certificate depends on the product type. To determine the product type, we must refer to ANATEL Act No. 7,280. There, it’s stated that there are two types of products regulated; Firstt, if the products are intended for general public use, the validity period is 2 years. And if the products are intended for Infrastructure and professional use, the validity period is 3 years.
Why We Care
Knowing the accurate time of certificate delivery is very important. And this is something that either manufacturer or third party needs to keep monitor. By doing close monitoring to the lead time, product can be delivered to the market timely. And most importantly, product can be delivered into the market when it’s already “legal” according to the applied regulation. Because if the product is already delivered to the market when it is not the time yet, it can caused sanction from the government. Besides lead time, certificate validity is also something that we need to monitor. It’s vital to do in order to make sure that certificate is active/valid during import/sale. Otherwise, importer can get sanction for selling product with non-valid certificate.