SDoC

NBTC Certification for Optical Systems

Optical systems — including free-space optics (FSO) and optical fiber equipment — require NBTC certification before they can be imported or sold in Thailand, under NTC TS 2001-2550. These devices transmit information using light waves rather than radio waves, placing them in a distinct regulatory category from RF equipment, and all qualify for the SDoC certification scheme.

What Counts as an Optical System?

For NBTC certification purposes, optical systems cover telecommunications equipment that uses light as the transmission medium. This includes:

  • Free-Space Optics (FSO): point-to-point systems transmitting data through open air using laser or infrared beams; used for building-to-building links and backhaul
  • Optical Fiber System Equipment: active fiber network devices including fiber media converters, ONU/ONT, and optical line terminals (OLT)
  • Optical Devices: transceivers (SFP, SFP+, QSFP), optical amplifiers (EDFA), and WDM/DWDM multiplexing equipment

Where Optical Systems Fit in the NBTC Equipment Framework

NBTC certifies telecommunications equipment across three categories, each distinguished by the physical medium and signal type used to transmit information:

NBTC equipment classification by signal medium
CategorySignal MediumApplicable Standard(s)
RF DeviceRadio WaveNBTC TS or NBTC Frequency Announcement
Optical SystemLight WaveNTC TS 2001-2550
TTE / ITEElectrical SignalNBTC TS 3001-2561 / NBTC TS 4001-2561

Certification Requirements

Certification requirements for optical system equipment
Device TypeStandardCertification
Free-space optics (FSO) systemsNTC TS 2001-2550SDoC
Optical fiber systemsNTC TS 2001-2550SDoC
NTC (National Telecommunications Commission) was the predecessor to NBTC. When NBTC was established in 2554 BE (2011 CE), it assumed authority over all existing NTC standards — including NTC TS 2001-2550, which was issued in 2550 BE (2007 CE). The standard retains its original “NTC” prefix and remains in force under NBTC.

Required Documents

Optical system equipment certifies via the SDoC (Supplier's Declaration of Conformity) scheme. The applicant is responsible for ensuring all supporting documentation is complete and accurate before submission.

  • Technical specification or datasheet including optical interface characteristics
  • Product photos
  • Test report from an accredited laboratory (where applicable)
  • Authorised declaration

No physical product sample submission is required.

Indicative Timeline

SDoCApproximately 1 week from submission

Additional time may be required if NBTC requests supplementary documents during review.

Also uses SDoC — electrical signal medium

Telecom Terminal Equipment (TTE) — NBTC Certification

RF device example

Smartphones & Tablets — NBTC Certification

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See our NBTC Certification Service →