Frequently Asked Questions

Introduction of type Approval:

Each country operates different telecommunication networks, some telecommunication equipment can be safely used in one country, but not in another. The process of determining and registering the kind of equipment that can be brought and used in the Kingdom of Bahrain is called the Type Approval process. It is the requirement for Radio and Telecommunications Terminal Equipment (RTTE) to comply with specific technical standards. Such equipment must be registered with the TRA before it can be used, sold or distributed in the Kingdom. This process helps in avoiding interference and or long or short-term damage to the networks.

The objectives of this regime is to facilitate competition in the supply of telecommunications equipment and to stimulate the availability of a wide variety of equipment at affordable prices, the type approval regime intends not to place unnecessary burdens on manufacturers and suppliers prior to permitting access to the market in the Kingdom of Bahrain.

The process shall be open, transparent, non-discriminatory and supportive to the promotion of competition in the telecommunications sector. The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority "TRA" has set out a formal regulation for type approval, and this regulation is the definitive statement of the roles and responsibilities of the TRA and any person wishing to register equipment with the TRA.

The regulations require radio equipment and telecommunications terminal equipment (RTTE) to comply with relevant technical specifications and to be registered with the TRA before it can be supplied in the Kingdom of Bahrain. The registration is based on a declaration of conformity supported by test reports and other technical documentation.

Type Approval:

TRA Achievements

All Telecommunications Apparatus which connects directly to a Public Telecommunications Network and/or which is an intentional transmitter of radio waves shall be subject to the TRA's Type Approval requirements. Such equipment with an intentional transmitter of radio waves is referred to collectively as Radio and Telecommunications Terminal Equipment (RTTE).

All Type approval applicants must be local commercially registered companies.

Applications must be submitted online by following the instructions published by the authority on the Type Approval Process.

  1. Application Form*
  2. Valid Declaration of Conformity*
  3. Technical Datasheet*
  4. Type Approval Certificate issued from another GCC countries
  5. Electromagnetic Compatibility Report
  6. Safety Test Report
  7. Radio Test Report
Type of DeviceApplication FeeRenewal FeeModification Fee
Telecommunications Equipment BD 100 BD 10 BD 80
Terminal Devices** BD 50 BD 10 BD 40
Short Range Devices BD 50 BD 10 BD 40

The time limit for any Type Approval is 3 years and it can be renewed.

  • For Telecommunication Equipment a maximum of 14 working days

There is no need for Type Approval for equipment bought outside the Kingdom of Bahrain and imported by an individual for personal use. However, the equipment shall be of a type eligible for registration in the Kingdom of Bahrain and comply with all the relevant technical requirements in the Kingdom of Bahrain. Equipment which has been imported for personal use shall not be sold, hired or otherwise disposed of to other parties for use in the Kingdom of Bahrain.

Introduction of custom clearance:

The customs entry points in the Kingdom of Bahrain monitor and manage all shipments coming into the Kingdom and sort them according to the authorities entrusted with the decision-making process. With respect to telecommunication equipment, the TRA issues the required custom release letters accordingly.

Telecommunication Dealers who want to import equipment to the Kingdom of Bahrain must apply for custom clearance approvals from TRA. These clearances include a No Objection Certificate "NOCs" issued by the TRA only after the equipment has been cross checked against the associated Type Approval. In other words, a prior Type Approval must have been obtained for the equipment being imported.

For the remainder of 2017, No as of 2018, Yes, The No Objection Certificate (NOC) Fee is charged at BD10 payable to the TRA.

Yes, but it must not exceed five items, does not effect or cause damage to public networks and must comply with technical requirements set by the TRA.

Cell phone jammers are illegal to use in the Kingdom of Bahrain.

Cell phone (GSM) signal booster are allowed to be installed only by the licensed mobile operators.

Consumer Portal