Chile has updated technical standards for low-range radio devices through regulatory amendments, clarifying coverage and performance requirements for wireless equipment.
Chile Updates Technical Standards for Short-Range Wireless Gear
Importers of Bluetooth gadgets and Wi-Fi extenders must meet new technical requirements.
What changed
Technical standards clarified for emission limits and device performance.
Product scope defined for low-range radio devices including Bluetooth gadgets and Wi-Fi extenders.
Who it affects
Importers of Bluetooth devices must ensure compliance with new technical standards.
Wi-Fi extender importers must meet clarified emission and performance requirements.
Customs brokers must verify HS codes 852560 and 852910 meet new standards.
Key dates
Compliance Update: Chile’s Updated Technical Standards for Low-Range Radio Devices
Chile has amended its technical standards for low-range radio devices through Exempt Resolution No. 2,219 (2025) and Exempt Resolution No. 966 (2026), issued by the Subsecretaría de Telecomunicaciones (SUBTEL). These updates clarify coverage, performance requirements, and certification procedures for wireless equipment, including medical devices and data acquisition systems. The changes primarily modify Exempt Resolution No. 1,985 (2017), which established the original technical standard for low-range devices.
Regulation Analysis
1. Key Amendments to Power and Performance Requirements
The resolutions simplify and standardize power limits for low-range radio devices by removing redundant density specifications and consolidating Effective Isotropic Radiated Power (E.I.R.P.) thresholds. Below is a summary of the critical changes:
| Device Category | Key Requirement | Threshold | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| General low-range devices (Art. 1, j.1, second inciso) | Removed density of power radiated limit of 17 dBm/MHz1. | Not specified | SUBTEL1 |
| Low-range devices (Art. 1, j.1, third inciso) | Replaced power transmission requirements with a single E.I.R.P. limit of 30 dBm (previously included a 5 dBm/MHz spectral density limit)1. | 30 dBm | SUBTEL1 |
| Low-range devices (Art. 1, j.1, fifth inciso) | Replaced power levels with a single E.I.R.P. limit of 24 dBm (previously included a -1 dBm/MHz spectral density limit)1. | 24 dBm | SUBTEL1 |
| Low-range devices (Art. 1, j.1, sixth inciso) | Removed the term "media máxima" (maximum average)1. | Not specified | SUBTEL1 |
| Low-power devices (Art. 1, j.5, second inciso) | Removed the 13 dBm/MHz maximum spectral power density limit1. | Not specified | SUBTEL1 |
| Medical data acquisition devices (Art. 1, g.3) | New category: Devices operating in 430–440 MHz with E.I.R.P. of 0.1 µW and frequency-hopping technology1, 2. | 0.1 µW | SUBTEL1, 2 |
| Active implantable medical devices (Art. 1, g.4) | New category: Devices operating in 9–315 kHz with a field intensity ≤ 30 dBµA/m (or equivalent in dBµV/m) at 10 meters2. | 30 dBµA/m | SUBTEL2 |
2. Certification and Labeling Requirements
The resolutions introduce flexibility in compliance verification, particularly for QR code labeling and confidential test reports:
A. QR Code Labeling (Art. 2, Numeral 2)
- The QR code must be printed or adhered to:
- The exterior packaging of the device, or
- The device itself, or
- Documentation (e.g., manual, warranty) if physical placement is infeasible1.
- The QR code must link to a Spanish-language website containing:
- Design flexibility: The QR code size is not strictly defined but must ensure readability (recommended compliance with ISO/IEC 18004)2.
B. Test Report Submission (Art. 2, Numeral 3)
- Confidential test reports may be submitted via:
- Publication on a website, or
- Email to SUBTEL’s institutional inbox, including the Ingreso Number and device references2.
- Reports may omit or redact confidential information1.
C. Transitional Provisions
- Devices certified via Oficio de Certificación before February 22, 2026, are exempt from the full QR code requirements (only the certification document must be published)1.
- The simplified certification regime introduced by Resolution No. 737 (2025) took effect on February 22, 20261.
3. Effective Dates
| Provision | Effective Date | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Numerals 6 and 7 of Art. 1 (derogation and new g.3 category) | November 24, 2025 (publication date of Resolution No. 2,219)1. | 1 |
| Remaining amendments (e.g., power limits, QR code rules) | February 22, 2026 (concurrent with Resolution No. 737, 2025)1. | 1 |
| Medical data acquisition devices (430–440 MHz) | February 22, 2026 (certification allowed from this date)1. | 1 |
| Active implantable medical devices (9–315 kHz) | May 27, 2026 (publication date of Resolution No. 966)2. | 2 |
Summary Answer
Chile’s updated technical standards for low-range radio devices, enacted via Exempt Resolutions No. 2,219 (2025) and No. 966 (2026), streamline power requirements by consolidating E.I.R.P. limits (e.g., 30 dBm for general devices, 0.1 µW for medical data acquisition devices) and removing redundant spectral density specifications1. New categories for medical devices (e.g., 9–315 kHz implantables and 430–440 MHz data acquisition systems) are introduced with strict field intensity and power thresholds2, 1. Certification processes are modernized, allowing QR code labeling on packaging, devices, or documentation, with flexibility for devices certified before February 22, 20261. Confidential test reports may now be submitted electronically to SUBTEL2. The amendments reflect Chile’s alignment with technological advancements while ensuring compliance with Law No. 18,168 (General Telecommunications Law) and Decree Law No. 1,762 (1977)2, 1.
Sources
- ↩ 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