CRAN, NamRA to regulate imports of telecoms equipment

The Communication Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) and the Namibia Revenue Agency (NamRA) have signed an agreement that will pave the way for the two institutions to issue guidelines on the importation of telecommunications equipment. 

Once ratified, companies or individuals will be obliged to obtain a Type Approval certificate prior to importing or exporting of any telecommunication device. 

The new regulations are aimed at curbing the importation of unsuitable equipment, which is not compatible with, and likely to interfere with local systems. 

CRAN recently warned that there was an increase of importation of telecommunication such as booster equipment which were an obstruction to the communication system. 

“The purpose of Type Approval is to ensure that telecommunications equipment used in Namibia comply with international standards, and that sub-standard equipment which may present health and safety hazards to consumers, and that are incompatible with local networks are not operated in the country,” said CRAN Chief Executive Officer Emillia Nghikembua. 

She added that the Type Approval Regulations ensure that the general operating frequency of telecommunications equipment and in particular the radio apparatus are in conformance with the national frequency band plan of Namibia to avoid interference with essential services. 

Meanwhile, NamRa commissioner, Sam Shivute, described the signing of the MoU as a great opportunity to promote coordination in the importation of telecommunication equipment and collaboration in capacity building between the two institutions. 

“Traders are faced with a number of challenges as they sometimes do not understand the requirements relating to the importation of certain equipment. Therefore, with this MoU traders will benefit as information will be available to them,” said Shivute. 

A working Committee will be established to ensure the implementation of the agreement, while same authority will be cascaded to all border personnel to enforce the law. 

“The Communications Act (No. 8 of 2009) authorises the Authority to prescribe reasonable standards applicable to imported telecommunications equipment to ensure against harm to electronic telecommunications and networks and protect public health and safety. CRAN and NamRA will coordinate, harmonise, and secure the consistent application of the respective laws governing the import, export and/or the manufacturing of telecommunications equipment in our country,” said Nghikembua. 

The new agreement is an expansion to the existing one which the two organisations entered into in 2016, to harmonise the implementation of laws governing the importation of telecommunications equipment into Namibia, as well as promoting security and facilitating international trade. 

The new agreement is held high considering as the world is embracing new technologies of e-commerce which has drastically reduced the use of mails, hence the need to closely monitor the Industry.

 

 

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