Brazil’s National Telecommunications Agency (ANATEL) has sent a message to the ICT industry: non-compliance will not be tolerated. In a multi-agency crackdown dubbed “Operação Sem Fio” (Operation Wireless), authorities seized approximately eight tons of unapproved telecommunications devices, valued at an estimated R$ 4 million.
The Target: Uncertified and Unsafe Devices
The coordinated raid, which was the result of a three-month strategic plan, targeted a wide array of popular consumer electronics. The haul of seized goods included:
- Cell phone chargers
- Wi-Fi speakers
- Smartwatches
- TV Boxes
- Wireless microphones
- Power banks
According to ANATEL, these non-homologated products represent a triple threat. They pose significant risks of electrical safety to consumers, cause harmful interference to telecommunication services, and create data protection vulnerabilities. Furthermore, their circulation is linked to crimes of tax evasion and unfair competition, undermining legitimate businesses that invest in proper certification.
A Widening Net: From Ports to Online Marketplaces
“Operation Wireless” is a clear demonstration of Brazil’s national Action Plan to Combat Piracy (PACP). The raid mobilized 32 inspectors from nine different states, highlighting the government’s coordinated and far-reaching approach to enforcement.
Crucially, ANATEL is expanding its anti-piracy efforts beyond physical raids. The agency emphasized its growing partnerships with major e-commerce platforms to police the sale of non-compliant devices online. ANATEL Councillor Edson Holanda confirmed that joint inspections have been carried out this year at the distribution centers of online giants Magalu, Mercado Livre, Amazon, and Shopee.
The Takeaway: Certification is Non-Negotiable
This large-scale operation serves as a stark reminder that ANATEL certification is a mandatory gateway to the Brazilian market. Ensuring your products have completed the required testing and certification process is the only way to guarantee seamless market access and avoid the risk of costly seizures, legal penalties, and damage to your brand’s reputation.
