Chile has amended its technical standards for devices using short-range radio waves to enhance compatibility, safety, and operational efficiency across telecommunications equipment.
Chile Tightens Rules for Short-Range Radio Devices
Importers must meet new technical standards for radio equipment before market entry.
What changed
Technical standards enhanced for safety, compatibility, and operational efficiency.
Resolution 1.985 amended through multiple addenda (737, 966, 2.219).
HS code alignment with codes 8517, 8525, 8526, and 852692.
Consumer protection strengthened to prevent deceptive practices.
Who it affects
Importers of short-range devices must ensure products meet updated technical standards.
Telecommunications equipment suppliers under HS codes 8517, 8525, 8526, 852692.
Manufacturers must comply with Chilean technical requirements before export.
What to do
Verify products fall under affected HS codes (8517, 8525, 8526, 852692).
Ensure compliance with updated technical standards for safety and compatibility.
Obtain necessary certification for short-range radio devices.
Align with consumer protection requirements before market entry.
Key dates
Compliance Requirements for Short-Range Radio Wave Devices in Chile
Chile has amended its technical standards for short-range radio wave devices to enhance compatibility, safety, and operational efficiency. The updated regulations establish two compliance pathways—certification and self-verification—along with mandatory labeling and documentation requirements. Below is a structured analysis of the key obligations for manufacturers and importers.
1. Compliance Pathways
The regulations distinguish between two categories of devices, each subject to distinct compliance processes:
A. Certification (Mandatory for Certain Devices)
- Applicability: Devices requiring a certificate from the Undersecretariat of Telecommunications (Subtel) to confirm compliance with technical standards for radioelectric emissions before use in Chile1.
- Process:
- The manufacturer/importer must obtain a Test Report (Informe de Ensayo) from an accredited laboratory demonstrating that radioelectric emissions comply with sectoral telecommunications regulations2.
- Laboratories must hold international accreditation to ensure measurement quality and objectivity1.
- Test Reports must be submitted to Subtel for certification.
B. Self-Verification (For Low-Risk Devices)
- Applicability: Devices listed in Article 1, literals a), b), c), d), e), f), i), j), and k) of Resolution Exenta N° 1.985 (2017), as amended2.
- Process:
2. Mandatory QR Code Labeling
All devices subject to self-verification (and certain certified devices) must include a QR code on packaging or documentation, linking to a Spanish-language website with the following information2, 3:
| Requirement | Details | Citation |
|---|---|---|
| Placement | Visible on external packaging, the device itself, or accompanying documentation (e.g., manual). | 1, 2 |
| QR Code Content | Hyperlink to a website in Spanish with: | 2 |
| – Commercial Information | Equipment name, manufacturer/importer details (name, address, email, website). | 2, 3 |
| – Technical Compliance | Confirmation of adherence to radioelectric emission standards. | 2 |
| – Test Report Reference | Optional: Subtel may request Test Reports via email (include "Ingreso Number" and device ID). | 4 |
| Design Specifications | Must not interfere with other markings; dimensions/design may be adjusted for readability. | 4 |
| Website Requirements | – Searchable (if multiple devices are listed). – Secure access (password-protected if confidential). | 2 |
3. Technical Standards for Radioelectric Emissions
The amendments update power limits and frequency bands for short-range devices. Key changes include:
| Device Type | Frequency Band | Power Limit (p.i.r.e.) | Citation |
|---|---|---|---|
| General short-range devices (j.1) | Not specified | 30 dBm | 3 |
| Low-power devices (j.1) | Not specified | 24 dBm | 3 |
| Medical data acquisition devices (g.3) | 430–440 MHz | 0.1 µW | 3 |
| Active implantable medical devices | 9–315 kHz | Extremely low power | 4 |
| Cordless phones | 2.400–2.483.5 MHz 5.725–5.850 MHz | Follow j.1 standards | 1 |
| 1.920–1.930 MHz | 22 dBm (dynamic channel selection) | 1 |
Notes:
- p.i.r.e. = Equivalent Isotropically Radiated Power.
- Removed thresholds: Density power limits (e.g., 17 dBm/MHz, 5 dBm/MHz) were eliminated for certain devices3.
- Frequency notation: Bands are now standardized to use a hyphen (e.g., 9–315 kHz) per ITU recommendations1.
4. Definitions and Roles
| Term | Definition | Citation |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Natural/juridical person producing the device or contracting its design/manufacture. | 1 |
| Importer | Natural/juridical person introducing the device into Chile for commercialization. | 1, 2 |
| Representative | Natural/juridical person with powers to represent the manufacturer in Chile. | 1, 2 |
| Domicile | Chilean address of the manufacturer, representative, or importer (street, number, commune). | 1 |
5. Enforcement and Deadlines
- Effective Date: The amendments entered into force upon publication in the Diario Oficial (latest: 10 July 2026)1, 4.
- Subtel Authority: The Undersecretariat of Telecommunications oversees compliance, including:
- Reviewing Test Reports.
- Requesting confidential documentation via email (`certificaciones@subtel.gob.cl`)4.
- Penalties: Non-compliance may result in market withdrawal or fines under Law N° 18.168 (General Telecommunications Law)2.
6. Regulation Analysis Table
| Regulation | Key Requirement | Deadline/Threshold | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resolution Exenta N° 1.985 (2017) | Establishes technical standards for short-range devices, including emission limits4. | Amended by Res. 737 (2025) and 966 (2026) | Subtel1, 4 |
| Resolution Exenta N° 737 (2025) | Introduces QR code labeling and self-verification for low-risk devices2. | Effective 24 Nov 20253 | Subtel |
| Resolution Exenta N° 966 (2026) | Updates frequency bands, power limits, and Test Report submission rules3. | Effective 10 Jul 20261 | Subtel |
| Law N° 18.168 | General Telecommunications Law; provides legal basis for enforcement2, 4. | Ongoing | Subtel/Contraloría |
Summary Answer
Chile’s amended technical standards for short-range radio wave devices introduce a dual compliance system: certification (for high-risk devices) and self-verification (for low-risk devices), both requiring Test Reports from accredited laboratories1, 2. All self-verified devices must display a QR code linking to a Spanish-language website with commercial and compliance details2. Key technical updates include standardized frequency bands (e.g., 9–315 kHz) and revised power limits (e.g., 30 dBm for general devices)3. The regulations, effective as of July 2026, are enforced by the Undersecretariat of Telecommunications (Subtel) under Law N° 18.1681, 4. Manufacturers and importers must ensure compliance prior to commercialization to avoid penalties2.
Sources
- ↩ members.wto.org — final measure / 26 03801 00 s https://members.wto.org/crnattachments/2026/TBT/CHL/final_measure/26_03801_00_s.pdf
- ↩ members.wto.org — final measure / 26 03045 00 s https://members.wto.org/crnattachments/2026/TBT/CHL/final_measure/26_03045_00_s.pdf
- ↩ members.wto.org — final measure / 26 03046 00 s https://members.wto.org/crnattachments/2026/TBT/CHL/final_measure/26_03046_00_s.pdf
- ↩ members.wto.org — final measure / 26 03047 00 s https://members.wto.org/crnattachments/2026/TBT/CHL/final_measure/26_03047_00_s.pdf