Saudi Arabia is one of the largest telecommunications markets in the Middle East. The rapid growth of mobile services, internet, and digital platforms requires continuous imports of new equipment: smartphones, routers, IoT devices, and network hardware. However, supplying such products is impossible without certification by the CITC (Communications and Information Technology Commission).
Why CITC Certification is Necessary
Telecom device certification in Saudi Arabia confirms:- Equipment safety for end users.
- Compliance with EMC, radio frequency spectrum, and energy consumption standards.
- Proper labeling and user manuals in Arabic.
- Legal importation and sales approval.
Key Documents for Certification
According to CITC’s technical regulations, the manufacturer or importer must provide:- Test reports (EMC, Safety, SAR, RF) and laboratory accreditation.
- Manufacturer’s business license.
- Risk assessment report.
- Product photos, labels, and packaging.
- User manual in Arabic, including supported frequency bands and power levels.
- Supplier DoC — Declaration of Conformity from the manufacturer or importer.
- Technical documentation: schematics, blueprints, concepts.
- Product description: purpose, software and updates, encryption, and hardware features.
Additional Requirements
- Labeling: Must be in Arabic and include importer details, manufacturer name, country of origin, and usage warnings.
- Manual: Besides frequencies and power, it must describe in detail how to use the device and its accessories.
Timeline and Challenges
- Review and registration take between 1 to 3 months.
- Errors in documents or lack of Arabic manuals cause delays.
- For new technologies (5G, IoT), additional testing may be required.
Business Opportunities
- CITC certification opens access to Saudi Arabia’s fast-growing telecom market.
- Certificates increase trust among partners and operators (including Saudi Telecom Company — STC).
- Compliance with standards also facilitates exports to other GCC countries.
Conclusion
CITC certification is a mandatory step to enter Saudi Arabia’s telecom equipment market. Companies must prepare a complete documentation package, including test reports, Arabic-language manuals, and labeling. This is not only a regulatory requirement but also a guarantee of brand credibility.Contact WorldWideBridge – we will prepare all the required CITC documents and ensure your quick entry into the Saudi Arabian market.