New operating guidance clarifies certification procedures, product classification and testing requirements ahead of the 1 December 2026 transition.
At a glance
· ENACOM has published an Operating Guide for Certification Agencies under Argentina’s new RAMATEL framework.
· The guidance addresses technical documentation, testing procedures, product assessment and market surveillance.
· The new third-party certification framework is scheduled to take effect on 1 December 2026.
What does ENACOM’s new certification guide clarify?
Argentina’s National Communications Entity (ENACOM) published its Operating Guide for Telecommunications Material Certification Agencies on 22 October 2026.
The guide supports implementation of the new RAMATEL framework introduced by Resolution 57/2026.
It establishes operational guidance for certification agencies, covering:
· Minimum technical documentation and applicable testing conditions.
· Assessment of test reports and handling of non-conformities.
· Certification procedures and market surveillance activities.
Under the new framework, ENACOM-recognised Certification Agencies will evaluate product compliance and issue Certificates of Conformity (CoCs), which support subsequent RAMATEL homologation.
How will Class A and Class B products be assessed?
The new RAMATEL framework distinguishes between two product categories:
· Class A – General consumer equipment: Products intended for the general public, such as smartphones and Wi-Fi routers. Certification follows a scheme involving testing and subsequent market surveillance every two years.
· Class B – Professional equipment: Products intended for professional use. Certification follows a different conformity assessment scheme without the same routine biennial surveillance requirement.
Testing documentation must comply with the applicable ENACOM technical standards and laboratory acceptance requirements.
For Class B equipment, Resolution 57/2026 also establishes a priority order for laboratory report sources. Manufacturers should therefore confirm whether existing reports are acceptable before relying on them for certification.
Can multiple models share one RAMATEL approval?
The framework allows qualifying products to be assessed as a product family, potentially reducing duplicated certification work.
Family eligibility depends on shared characteristics, including:
· Manufacturer and brand.
· Technology, functionality and applicable technical standards.
· Relevant radio interface characteristics, such as operating frequency, output power and bandwidth.
Where permitted, a representative model may be selected for testing. However, family eligibility must be assessed against the regulatory criteria rather than assumed solely because products have similar model names.
Changes affecting certified technical characteristics or model identification may also require further assessment.
When will the new RAMATEL rules apply?
The new certification framework will become applicable on 1 December 2026, following the postponement established by Resolution 843/2026.
Until then, RAMATEL registrations continue under the existing procedures, including Resolution 729/80.
Registrations completed under the previous framework during the transition have a three-year validity period and must subsequently be adapted to the new requirements.
TESTiLABS view: What should manufacturers prepare?
For manufacturers planning Argentina approvals from December 2026, the main change is the introduction of a more structured third-party conformity assessment process.
Before starting a new certification project, manufacturers should:
· Confirm product classification: Determine whether Class A or Class B requirements apply.
· Review test reports: Verify applicable standards and laboratory acceptance conditions.
· Evaluate product families: Check whether multiple models may qualify for one certification scope.
· Plan ongoing compliance: Consider market surveillance and future product modifications where applicable.
The new Operating Guide provides greater clarity on certification procedures, but the suitability of existing reports and model-family arrangements should still be confirmed for each project.
Early coordination with the local applicant and certification agency may help prevent additional testing or submission delays during the transition.
Related Testilabs services: Country-Specific Approvals · Certification Management
