New regulation for telecom equipment in Niger

Niger, which is officially named Republic of the Niger, is a country in West Africa, located inland north of Nigeria. The population is presently about 26 mill, with Niamey as the capital and largest city.

The Ministry of Communication, Posts & Digital Economy(ARCEP), which is the Nigerian regulatory authority for telecommunication, has published a new Decree No. 000/MCP/EN/SG/DL, which updates their type approval requirements for telecom equipment sold and used in the country.
This decree introduces a modernized compliance framework aimed at enhancing the oversight and technical integrity of such equipment.

The key updates are:
•    The validity period for the certificates has been reduced from 10 years to 3 years. Existing certificates issued prior to February 2025 will remain valid until their originally assigned expiration dates.

•    The certificate format is modified to improve traceability and ensure comprehensive compliance, and now includes: 
-Name and address of both the manufacturer and importer, 
-Frequencies intended for equipment usage and  
-Specific usage conditions and limitations, if applicable.

•    Fees apply for both documentation review and for issuance of the certificate.
In addition, laboratory testing and technical verification costs now billed at 150% of the certificate issuance fee.

•    Exemptions from the certification requirement are Portable devices used exclusively for sound broadcasting reception and Equipment designated for national defense and public safety.

The new decree which took effect on the date of its signature in February this year, replaces all conflicting prior regulations, including:
•    Decree No. 012/MC/DPT (from 10 March 2005)
•    Decree No. 018/MPT/EN (from 1 January 2016)

For further information or assistance with certification for Niger and/or other central African countries, please contact Geremy.Bradshaw@nemko.com

(This article is based on the information provided by Geremy Bradshaw and edited by T.Sollie)