Kuwait Type Approvals
Overview
Kuwait Type Approval Overview
Type Approval in Kuwait is a mandatory process for telecommunications and radio equipment intended for import, sale, or use within the country. It is governed by the Communication and Information Technology Regulatory Authority (CITRA).
The following overview covers the key technical, procedural, and regulatory requirements.
1. Regulatory Authority
Name: Communication and Information Technology Regulatory Authority (CITRA).
Role: Manages the National Frequency Plan, issues type approvals, and regulates the ICT sector in Kuwait.
Website: citra.gov.kw
2. Scope of Equipment
Approval is required for almost all equipment that emits radio frequencies or connects to the public telecommunication network. This includes:
Radio Equipment: Wi-Fi routers, Bluetooth devices, RFID, Short Range Devices (SRD).
Terminal Equipment: Mobile phones, tablets, satellite terminals.
Telecommunications Infrastructure: Base stations, microwave links.
3. Key Process Details
| Feature | Detail |
| In-Country Testing | Not Required. CITRA accepts foreign test reports (specifically EU/RED). |
| Local Representative | Not Required. Foreign manufacturers can apply directly or through an international agency. |
| Validity | 3 Years. (Previously 1 year; updated in late 2021). |
| Lead Time | Typically 4 to 6 weeks. |
| Sample Requirement | Rarely. Samples are generally not required unless specifically requested for scrutiny. |
4. Documentation Requirements
Kuwait primarily follows the European (RED) compliance model. You typically do not need FCC reports if you have a full suite of CE documents.
Technical Datasheet: Describing the product functions and specifications.
EU Declaration of Conformity (DoC): Signed by the manufacturer.
Test Reports (CE/RED):
RF (Radio Frequency)
EMC (Electromagnetic Compatibility)
Safety (LVD)
Health/SAR (Specific Absorption Rate)
User Manual: English and/or Arabic.
External Photos: Showing the product and its ports/features.
GSMA TAC Letter: Required specifically for cellular devices (phones, tablets, trackers) to prove the IMEI range is valid.
5. Labeling Requirements
No Specific Mark: Unlike the UAE (TDRA) or Saudi Arabia (CST), Kuwait does not currently require a specific regulatory label or ID number to be printed on the product or packaging.
CE Marking: Since approval is based on European standards, the equipment usually retains the CE mark.
6. Critical Recent Updates (2024–2025)
3G Sunset: CITRA has announced the discontinuation of 3G services, scheduled to be fully phased out by June 2025. This frees up spectrum for 4G and 5G networks.
2G/3G Only Devices Banned: Since September 2023, CITRA has stopped issuing type approval or import permits for devices that operate only on 2G or 3G. Devices must support 4G (LTE) or 5G to be approved.
Wi-Fi 6E (6 GHz): Kuwait was one of the early adopters in the MENA region to open the 5925–6425 MHz band for Wi-Fi 6E (Low Power Indoor use).
Overview
The Wireless Type Approval Rules in Kuwait are governed by CITRA (Communication and Information Technology Regulatory Authority). These rules are strict regarding frequency allocation, technical standards (following EU/RED), and device capabilities (bans on legacy networks).
Below are the specific rules categorized by function.
1. Technical & Spectrum Rules
EU Compliance Rule: Kuwait does not write its own technical standards for every device. Instead, it mandates compliance with European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) standards. You must provide RED (Radio Equipment Directive) test reports.
Rule: If a device passes CE (Europe), it generally passes CITRA, provided the frequencies align.
3G Sunset & Ban (Critical Rule):
Rule: CITRA has stopped issuing approvals for devices that support only 2G and/or 3G.
Requirement: All cellular devices must support at least 4G (LTE).
Timeline: The 3G network is scheduled to be completely shut down by June 2025.
Frequency Restrictions (Wi-Fi):
2.4 GHz: Max 100 mW EIRP.
5 GHz (Band 1 & 2): Max 200 mW EIRP (Indoor use only).
5 GHz (Band 3 & 4): DFS (Dynamic Frequency Selection) and TPC (Transmit Power Control) are mandatory features. If your device cannot demonstrate DFS capability in the test report, it will be rejected.
6 GHz (Wi-Fi 6E): Allowed for Low Power Indoor (LPI) use (5925–6425 MHz) at max 200 mW.
2. Administrative & Process Rules
Validity Period: Type Approval certificates are valid for 3 years.
Renewal Window (Strict): You must apply for renewal within the window starting 3 months before expiration and ending 20 days after expiration.
Consequence: If you miss this “20 days after” cutoff, the certificate is cancelled, and you must restart the application as a new product (higher cost and longer time).
Software Locking: The device firmware must be “locked” regionally. The end-user must not be able to easily reconfigure the software to access restricted bands (e.g., changing the region to “USA” to unlock higher power or forbidden frequencies).
Prohibited Technologies: Devices using Iridium satellite technology are generally prohibited or require special security clearance.
3. Labeling & Marking Rules
Unlike Saudi Arabia (which requires the Gen.001 Mark) or UAE (which requires the TDRA Label), Kuwait’s rules are currently simpler:
No CITRA Label: There is no requirement to print a CITRA ID number or logo on the product hardware or packaging.
CE Mark: The product should generally carry the CE mark, as the approval relies on European compliance.
4. Import & Customs Rules
Customs Clearance: A valid Type Approval certificate is required to clear shipments at Kuwaiti customs.
Personal Use Exemption: Individuals importing a single unit (e.g., 1 phone or 1 laptop) for personal use usually do not need a Type Approval certificate, though this is subject to Customs officer discretion. Commercial shipments (B2B) always require it.
Summary Table of Power Limits
| Band | Frequency Range | Max Power (EIRP) | Condition |
| Wi-Fi 2.4 GHz | 2400 – 2483.5 MHz | 100 mW | Standard |
| Wi-Fi 5 GHz | 5150 – 5350 MHz | 200 mW | Indoor Only |
| Wi-Fi 5 GHz | 5470 – 5725 MHz | 500 mW | DFS Required |
| Wi-Fi 6E | 5925 – 6425 MHz | 200 mW | Indoor (LPI) |
| Bluetooth | 2400 – 2483.5 MHz | 100 mW | Standard |
| Radar (Auto) | 76 – 77 GHz | 55 dBm (peak) | Vehicle Radar |
Overview
In Kuwait, the scope for Type Approval is extremely broad. Generally, any device that emits a radio signal or connects to the public telecommunication network requires approval from CITRA.
Below is the categorized list of devices that require Type Approval.
1. Mobile & Cellular Devices
Smartphones & Feature Phones (Must support 4G/LTE; 2G/3G-only devices are banned).
Tablets & iPads (Cellular models).
GSM/LTE Modems & Dongles.
Smartwatches (Cellular/eSIM models).
Vehicle Trackers (AVL) (Must be 4G capable).
2. Wireless Networking (Wi-Fi/WLAN)
Wireless Routers (Home and Enterprise).
Access Points (APs) & Range Extenders.
Gateways & Switches with wireless capability.
Wi-Fi 6E Devices (6 GHz band is regulated but allowed for Low Power Indoor).
3. Short Range Devices (SRD)
Bluetooth Devices: Headphones, speakers, keyboards, mice.
RFID & NFC: Readers, tags, and access control cards.
Remote Controls: Garage door openers, key fobs (315 MHz, 433 MHz, 868 MHz).
Wireless Microphones & Audio Systems.
Smart Home Sensors: Motion detectors, door sensors (Zigbee/Z-Wave).
4. Embedded Modules
If you are importing a finished product that contains a wireless module, the finished product itself usually needs approval. However, the module itself can also be approved if sold separately.
Wi-Fi/Bluetooth Modules.
Cellular (3G/4G/5G) Modules.
GNSS/GPS Modules (Often scrutinized for receiver specs).
5. Automotive Radar & Telematics
Automotive Radar: 24 GHz (being phased out in some regions, checked strictly), 77 GHz, 79 GHz.
Car Infotainment Systems (Bluetooth/Wi-Fi/Navigation units).
Keyless Entry Systems.
6. Terminal Equipment (Wired)
Even if a device has no radio, it requires approval if it connects to the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) or Optical Network.
Landline Telephones (PSTN/IP).
Fax Machines.
PABX / PBX Systems (Private Branch Exchange).
Modems (ADSL, VDSL, Fiber ONTs).
7. Prohibited / Restricted List (The “Negative List”)
The following are either strictly banned or require special security clearance (MoI/MoD):
2G/3G Only Devices: Import permits are no longer issued for devices that do not support 4G.
Satellite Phones: Specifically Iridium devices are often prohibited or require strict security clearance.
Drone/UAVs: Commercial drones with cameras or wireless links often require Ministry of Interior clearance before Type Approval.
High Power Jammers: Strictly prohibited.
Spyware/Hidden Surveillance Devices: Strictly prohibited.
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