NBTC Certification Guide
Understanding NBTC Certification Types — SDoC, Class A, and Class B
Before telecommunications and RF equipment can be sold or used commercially in Thailand, it must be approved by the NBTC. The type of approval required depends on the equipment category — specifically, the technology type and frequency band as defined in NBTC technical standards.
There are three NBTC certification types: SDoC, Class A, and Class B. Understanding which applies to your product is the first step before starting the approval process.
Supplier's Declaration of Conformity
Self-declaration scheme for lower-risk equipment categories
SDoC is a self-declaration scheme available for lower-risk equipment categories. Rather than applying for formal registration or certification, the supplier declares that the product conforms to the applicable NBTC technical standard, supported by a test report from an accredited laboratory. Upon acceptance, the NBTC issues a reference number for the declaration. SDoC applies only to equipment categories that the NBTC has designated for this scheme — it is not a lighter alternative to Class A or Class B.
Key points
- Supplier declares conformity with the applicable NBTC technical standard
- Test report from an accredited laboratory is required
- NBTC issues a reference number upon acceptance
- Product must carry a statement confirming conformity with NBTC technical standards
- Equipment type determines eligibility — not transmit power alone
Equipment in this category includes
- Bluetooth products2.4 GHz, Non-specific application
- Wi-Fi devicesRLAN — 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 6 GHz bands
- Low-power RFID devices≤ 150 mW eirp (LF) / ≤ 10 mW eirp (HF) / ≤ 50 mW eirp (UHF)
- Low-power IoT equipmentNon-RFID 920–925 MHz, ≤ 50 mW eirp
- Video and audio transmitter470–694 MHz, ≤ 10 mW
- Cordless telephones (DECT)1900–1906 MHz, ≤ 10 mW
- RadarMultiple bands, ≤ 10 mW eirp
The applicable certification type is determined by equipment category, frequency band, and transmit power. Browse by device type or use the Checker.
Registration
Third-party testing required; formal NBTC application required
Class A covers equipment categories where independent third-party testing is required to support NBTC certification. The applicant submits a test report from an accredited laboratory along with supporting technical documentation. The NBTC reviews the submission and, if the equipment meets the applicable technical requirements, issues a registration number. The product must display the Class A NBTC label including this number.
Key points
- Test report from an accredited laboratory required
- NBTC trade license and supplier code required for submission
- NBTC reviews submission and issues a Certificate of Registration with registration number
- Approved products must display the NBTC label purchased directly from the NBTC
- No physical sample submission required
Equipment in this category includes
- Higher-power RFID devices> 150 mW eirp (LF) / > 10 mW eirp (HF) / > 50 mW eirp (UHF)
- Ultra-wideband (UWB) devices1600–10600 MHz
- Wireless Microphone694–806 MHz (UHF band)
- Vehicle RadarMost bands — Class A only
- RLAN with LTE condition5725–5850 MHz, LTE condition
- Drones operating in the 24 GHz bandRadar-equipped UAS, 24050–24250 MHz
- Broadband PLC In-buildingClass A registration
The applicable certification type is determined by equipment category, frequency band, and transmit power. Browse by device type or use the Checker.
Certification
Formal certification process for higher-risk equipment categories
Class B applies to higher-risk equipment categories and follows a formal certification process. A test report from an accredited laboratory is submitted together with technical documentation. The NBTC reviews the submission against its technical standards and, upon approval, issues an Approval Certificate containing the approval number. Class B covers the widest range of equipment types, including most devices that transmit on licensed frequency bands. The product must display the Class B NBTC label including this number.
Key points
- Test report from an accredited laboratory required
- NBTC trade license and supplier code required for submission
- NBTC issues an Approval Certificate with approval number upon approval
- Approved products must display the NBTC label purchased directly from the NBTC
- No physical sample submission required
Equipment in this category includes
- Mobile phonesGSM, WCDMA, LTE, 5G NR
- TabletsCellular-connected devices
- Cellular, WCDMA, LTE, and 5G devicesLicensed frequency bands
- VHF/UHF land mobile30–960 MHz
- Marine radio156–162 MHz
- Amateur radio serviceMultiple HF/VHF/UHF bands
- Aeronautical mobile service117.975–137 MHz
The applicable certification type is determined by equipment category, frequency band, and transmit power. Browse by device type or use the Checker.
After Approval: Post-Market Surveillance
Receiving NBTC approval does not end the compliance obligation. The NBTC conducts ongoing market surveillance across all certification types, which may include document audits, spot checks at point of sale, and random technical re-testing of products in the market. Suppliers are required to maintain supporting documentation and must not modify approved equipment in ways that affect its technical characteristics without notifying the NBTC.
Comparison at a Glance
The applicable certification type is determined by the equipment's technology category and frequency band, as defined in NBTC technical standards. The table below summarises the key differences between the three types.
| SDoC | Class A | Class B | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | Supplier's Declaration of Conformity | Registration | Certification |
| NBTC deliverable | SDoC document with reference number | Certificate of Registration with registration number | Approval Certificate with approval number |
| NBTC label required | No | Yes | Yes |
| Approval timeline (est.) | Approx. 1 week | Approx. 5 weeks | Approx. 6 weeks |
| NBTC trade license required | No | Yes | Yes |
| NBTC supplier code required | No | Yes | Yes |
| Physical sample required | No | No | No |
Timeline estimates are from the date of complete submission. Additional time may be required if NBTC requests supplementary documents.
Exceptions
Split-path applications
Most device types fall under a single certification type. However, five application categories have a split path — meaning the applicable certification type depends on the specific frequency band or transmit power of the device.
≤ 150 mW eirp (LF) / ≤ 10 mW eirp (HF) / ≤ 50 mW eirp (UHF)
Above the SDoC power thresholds across all three frequency bands
≤ 50 mW eirp
> 50 mW eirp
24.05–24.25 GHz only, ≤ 10 mW eirp
All other Vehicle Radar frequency bands
88–108 MHz and 165–210 MHz
694–806 MHz (three UHF bands)
RLAN application at this band
LTE condition at this band only
Required Documentation
Document requirements by certification type
Document requirements vary by certification type. No physical product sample is required for any scheme. For a full breakdown including format and content requirements, see the NBTC Certification Process guide.
- Technical specification or datasheetIncluding wireless communication details and frequency/power specifications
- Product photographsAll exterior views of the product, showing all sides
- Test report from an accredited laboratoryRF, safety, and EMF/SAR as applicable; must reference NBTC-accepted standards for your product category
- ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation certificate and scopeConfirms the laboratory's accreditation status and that its scope covers the standards applied in the test report
- Proof of AuthorisationConfirms the local representative's authority to act for the overseas manufacturer or brand owner
- NBTC trade licence and supplier codeHeld by the local representative; must be in place before submission
All documents must be in Thai or English. Documents in other languages must be accompanied by a certified translation.
Ready to proceed?
Next Steps
Not sure which type applies to your product? Use the NBTC Certification Checker for a preliminary classification, or browse by device type to see requirements for your specific product category.