One thing that we must keep in mind once finishing Egypt Type Approval certification is the label. As we know, almost all approval certification authorities in the world have their own requirements and policies related to the label. And it’s not different with Egypt.
Type Approval certification label in Egypt, or usually known as NTRA label, is quite complex. Labelling requirements are different depending on which certification scheme that the product falls into. The type of product also matters.
This means that in order to determine what labelling information that must be affixed, we need to consider several aspects. So, if you’re still learning about Egypt type of approval certification, or still in the middle of obtaining it, you may find the following information useful.
Generally, Egypt has three certification schemes: Light scheme, Intermediate scheme, and tight scheme. Although these schemes have similar labelling requirements, there are still several differences that we must take into account.
Egypt Type Approval Labelling Requirements according to Each Applicable Certification Schemes
Generally, NTRA label in Egypt doesn’t have specific logo or symbol that needs to be affixed to it. Rather, the requirement is about of what information that needs to be mentioned on the label and where to put the label on, such as on product, on packaging, on carton box, or on power adapter. This information will be verified by officer especially when the product is in clearance process. Officer will see whether the information mentioned on label matches the information mentioned on the NTRA certificate.
That’s why when exporting approved telecommunication products or other products with telecommunication features to Egypt, the model’s name mentioned on shipping invoice must be exactly the same as the model’s name mentioned on NTRA certificate. Otherwise, officer will declare that the product is uncompiled or not having NTRA certificate. Of course, this is the most anticipated event to happen.
Then, what’s the information that must be included in the label? Here’s the information about it
Light Certification Scheme
If your product falls into Light certification scheme in Egypt, here is the information that requires to be included in the label, and where to affix it:
| Item | Required Information | |
| Cellular Terminal Products | Other Products | |
| Device* | 1. Brand 2. Model 3. IMEI numbers (only in case when back cover is removable by user) 4. Country of origin 5. CE or FCC mark | 1. Brand 2. Model 3. Country of origin 4. CE or FCC mark 5. Serial Number |
| Package box | 1. Brand 2. Model 3. IMEI numbers 4. Country of origin. 5. CE or FCC mark | |
| Shipping Cartons | 1. Brand 2. Model 3. IMEI numbers of devices inside each Carton. | 1. Brand 2. Model 3. Serial numbers of devices inside each carton |
| External Battery and Charger (or Power Adapter) | 1. Brand 2. Model 3. CE or FCC or UL mark 4. Country of Origin 5. Electrical Specifications (Input and Output Voltage and Current) | |
For light certification scheme, one thing that must be remembered is related to the information that must be affixed on the product. If the size of the product is too small, makes it not possible to affix all labelling information on it, it is acceptable to affix the model and brand name information only. And it won’t break the law.
Furthermore, if the type-approved products are sold without the compatible charger or power adapter, then the user manual must include the technical information of the charger or power adapter which comply with the product. So, user can find the correct charger or adapter by themselves in the market.
Intermediate Certification Scheme
If your product falls into Intermediate certification scheme, the information that must be mentioned on label is:
| Item | Required Information | |
| Cellular Terminal Products | Other Products | |
| Device* | 1. Brand 2. Model 3. IMEI numbers (only in case when back cover is removable by user) 4. Country of origin 5. CE or FCC mark | 1. Brand 2. Model 3. Country of origin 4. CE or FCC mark 5. Serial Number |
| Package box | 1. Brand 2. Model 3. IMEI numbers 4. Country of origin. 5. CE or FCC mark | |
| Shipping Cartons | 1. Brand 2. Model 3. IMEI numbers of devices inside each Carton. | 1. Brand 2. Model 3. Serial numbers of devices inside each carton |
| External Battery and Charger (or Power Adapter) | 1. Brand 2. Model 3. CE or FCC or UL mark 4. Country of Origin 5. Electrical Specifications (Input and Output Voltage and Current) | |
Just like the light certification scheme, if the product size is too small so it’s not possible to affix all labelling information on it, it is acceptable to affix the model and brand name only. And if the product certified under this scheme has wireless features, the information about operating frequency of the wireless and Effective Isotropic Radiated Power (EIRP) must be mentioned on user manual.
And if the type-approved products are sold without the compatible charger or power adapter included in the packaging box, then in the user manual of the product, it must include the technical information of the charger or power adapter which compatible to the product.
Tight Certification Scheme
As is name, labelling policy on tight certification scheme is also tight. Besides regulating the content of information mentioned on the label, NTRA also regulates how the label must be affixed such as using laser printing or labelling (sticker). Below is the detail for your reference:
| Place of information | Cellular Terminal Product | Other Products | |
| Device* | Information needed | 1. Brand 2. Model 3. IMEI numbers (only in case when back cover is removable by user) 4. Country of origin 5. CE mark 6. WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) Symbol | 1. Brand 2. Model 3. Country of origin 4. CE mark 5. Serial Number 6. WEEE Symbol |
| Writing Method | Irremovable back cover: Laser-printing on the external body of device (IMEI numbers are not mandatory to be written on the device in this case). | Either Labeling or Laser-Printing | |
| Removable back cover: Either Labeling or Laser-Printing on the internal back of the device. | |||
| Package Box | Information needed | 1. Brand 2. Model 3. IMEI numbers 4. Country of origin 5. CE mark 6. WEEE Symbol | 1. Brand 2. Model 3. Country of origin 4. CE mark 5. Serial Number 6. WEEE Symbol |
| Writing Method | Either Labeling or Printing | ||
| Shipping Cartons | Information needed | 1. Brand 2. Model 3. IMEI numbers of devices inside each carton. | 1. Brand 2. Model 3. Serial numbers of devices inside each carton. |
| Writing Method | Either Labeling or Printing | ||
| External Battery & Charger | Information needed | 1. Brand 2. Model 3. CE mark 4. Country of Origin 5. WEEE Symbol | |
| Writing Method | Either Labeling or Printing | ||
Like on the previous schemes, if the product size is too small so it’s not possible to affix all labelling information on it, it is acceptable to affix the model and brand name only. And if the product certified under this scheme has wireless features, the information about operating frequency of the wireless and Effective Isotropic Radiated Power (EIRP) must be mentioned on user manual.
Why We Care
Label is a very important aspect of a product. Especially for Egypt type approval, label is not only a ig that the product has obtained NTRA certificate, but it also contains important product information such as model name, brand name, country of origin, serial number, etc. This information will be used by the officer during customs clearance and surveillance. Officer will match the information mentioned don the label and the information mentioned on the compliance certificate. If they don’t match, then product will be declared as uncomplying. That’s why label must be prepared carefully according to the applied standard.