GUIDELINES

Telecommunication Apparatus
Type Approval

Version 1

Document Date: 05 April 2007

This document contains proprietary information and, except with written permission of the Telecommunications
Regulatory Authority (TRA), such information shall not be published or disclosed to others, or used for any purpose and
the document shall not be copied in whole or in part.

COPYRIGHT © 2007 · TELECOMMUNICATIONS REGULATORY AUTHORITY · TRA · ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA)

P O Box 26662
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE)
Tel: +971 2 6212222 Fax +971 2 6212227
www.tra.ae
GUIDELINES, Telecommunication Apparatus Type Approval

Table Of Contents

1 BACKGROUND .......................................................................................................................4
1.1 Introduction .......................................................................................................................... 4

1.2 Equipment subject to registration...................................................................................... 4

1.3 Registration & Type Approval............................................................................................. 5

1.4 Dealer registration................................................................................................................ 5

1.5 Licence to use the radio spectrum..................................................................................... 5

1.6 Technical Requirements...................................................................................................... 5

1.7 Importing RTTE into the UAE.............................................................................................. 6

2 REGISTRATION ......................................................................................................................6
2.1 Who can apply for registration? ......................................................................................... 6

2.2 How to apply for registration .............................................................................................. 6

2.3 Renewal and cancellation of Registration ......................................................................... 7

2.4 Products Already Registered.............................................................................................. 7

2.5 Transfers ............................................................................................................................... 8

3 DOCUMENTATION .................................................................................................................8
3.1 Declaration of Conformity (DoC) ........................................................................................ 8

3.2 Supporting Documentation................................................................................................. 8

3.3 Marking.................................................................................................................................. 9

4 AFTER-MARKET ACTIVITIES ............................................................................................. 10

4.1 Surveillance ........................................................................................................................ 10

4.2 Changes .............................................................................................................................. 11

5 MISCELLANEOUS & TRANSITIONAL ARRANGEMENTS ................................................. 11

5.1 Equipment for personal use.............................................................................................. 11

5.2 Equipment that is type approved in another country..................................................... 12

5.3 Equipment manufactured outside the UAE and modified locally ................................. 12

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GUIDELINES, Telecommunication Apparatus Type Approval

5.4 Transitional Arrangements ............................................................................................... 12

5.5 Fees ..................................................................................................................................... 13

5.6 Contact Details .....................................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.

APPENDIX 1 – Specimen Pro-forma Declaration of Conformity .................................................. 14

APPENDIX 2 – Label..................................................................................................................... 15

APPENDIX 2 – Label..................................................................................................................... 16

APPENDIX 3 – Notice ................................................................................................................... 17

APPENDIX 4 – Supporting Documentation................................................................................... 18

Document History ................................................................................ Error! Bookmark not defined.

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GUIDELINES, Telecommunication Apparatus Type Approval

1 BACKGROUND

1.1 Introduction
The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) is the compe-
tent body established in the UAE under the Telecom Law 1 and its
Executive Order and is granted powers and responsibilities con-
cerning the regulation of the Telecommunications sector including
Telecommunications Apparatus.

The Telecom Law makes it an offence for anyone to use, sell, offer
for sale or connect any Telecommunication Apparatus Which is not
type approved. Type approval is achieved by registration of the
equipment concerned with the TRA.

The TRA has set out formal regulations for type approval in the
“Telecommunication Apparatus – Type Approval Regulations”. The
regulations are the definitive statement of the roles and responsibili-
ties of the TRA and any person wishing to register equipment with
the TRA. They require radio equipment and telecommunications
terminal equipment (RTTE) to comply with relevant technical speci-
fications and to be registered with the TRA before it can be supplied
in the UAE.

Registration is based on a declaration of conformity supported by

test reports and other technical documentation. Registered equip-
ment shall be marked or have a mark on its packaging and user in-
formation to show that it may be used in the UAE.

These guidelines explain the practical implementation of the formal

regulations and exists alongside them. Although the regulations
take precedence, the guidelines gives sufficient information for an
application to be satisfactorily completed and submitted to the TRA
in most cases.

1.2 Equipment subject to registration

In general, all telecommunications terminal equipment connected to
a public network and all radio equipment shall be registered with
the TRA before it can be supplied in the UAE.

The TRA publishes technical specifications for the equipment con-

cerned. If there is not an applicable technical specification then the
TRA will decide, on a case-by-case basis, whether the equipment
concerned may be registered. The RA reserves the right to exclude
or prohibit any equipment.
1
Federal Law by Decree No.3 of 2003 – Telecom Law.
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GUIDELINES, Telecommunication Apparatus Type Approval

1.3 Registration & Type Approval

Equipment which meets the technical specifications published by
the TRA and which is registered in accordance with the regulations
is type approved for the purposes of the Telecom Law and the Ex-
ecutive Order, and the regulatory framework in effect at the time.

1.4 Dealer registration

Dealers, importers and manufacturers of RTTE in the UAE shall be
registered with the TRA. The scheme for dealer registration is sepa-
rate from and additional to the scheme for RTTE type approval.

Registered dealers have responsibility for ensuring that RTTE is

suitable for the purpose for which it is supplied and that it operates
in accordance with the claims made for it.

1.5 License to use the radio spectrum

All radio equipment requires a license and / or authorisation from
the TRA for use of the radio spectrum in the UAE. Such a license or
authorisation is separate from and additional to the regime for
RTTE type approval.

Licensing requirements may change from time to time and appli-

cants are recommended to consult with the TRA Spectrum Affairs
department for the latest requirements. The TRA will maintain a list
of radio equipment types that do not require an individual license or
spectrum authorisation. In all other cases, operation of radio
equipment without a license or spectrum authorisation is an offence
under the Telecom Law. Further information is available from the
Spectrum Affairs department at the TRA.

1.6 Technical Requirements

The TRA publishes technical specifications with which RTTE shall
comply with. In the absence of a suitable relevant specification, the
TRA may specify technical requirements on a case-by-case basis.
In any event, it is required that all equipment:

(a) does not cause harm to the general public or staff work-
ing on public telecommunications networks;

(b) does not generate electromagnetic disturbance exceed-

ing the level above which RTTE or other equipment can-
not operate as intended;

(c) has a level of immunity to the electromagnetic distur-

bance to be expected in its intended use which allows it

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GUIDELINES, Telecommunication Apparatus Type Approval

to operate without unacceptable degradation of its in-

tended use;

(d) makes efficient use of the radio spectrum; and

(e) does not cause damage to, or interfere with the correct
working of a public telecommunications network.

The TRA technical specifications aim to address public safety and

protection of the telecommunications infrastructure. The technical
specifications do not address matters of equipment quality or fit-
ness for purpose.

1.7 Importing RTTE into the UAE

A copy of the relevant registration certificate shall accompany all

shipments of RTTE for import to the UAE. It shall be clear that the
other shipping documents correspond with the type and description
given in the certificate. It may be necessary for the consignee in the
UAE to produce the original copy of the registration document to
take delivery of the consignment.

2 REGISTRATION

2.1 Who can apply for registration?

An application for registration shall be made by a manufacturer, im-
porter or dealer who is registered with the TRA (see 1.4) and shall
include the dealer registration number allocated by the TRA.

The manufacturer, importer or dealer of equipment for supply in the

UAE shall register the equipment with the TRA unless the equip-
ment concerned is procured from a manufacturer, importer or
dealer who has already registered the identical equipment type.

2.2 How to apply for registration

An application to register equipment shall be made on the official
application form available from the TRA. One application may cover
a range of related products provided that the application details the
differences and the compliance of all the related products is justified
on the basis of the supporting documentation (see section 3.2 &
Appendix 4 on supporting documentation).

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GUIDELINES, Telecommunication Apparatus Type Approval

Separate applications shall be made for models supplied under dif-

ferent brand names. The brand names will be separately listed in
the register maintained by the TRA.

The application shall be accompanied by a declaration of confor-

mity (see section 3.1).

It is not necessary to submit any other supporting documentation or

a sample of the equipment unless requested to do so by the TRA.

An application that is complete and in order will normally be proc-

essed within 30 working days of its receipt at the TRA. Applications
that are not complete and / or not in order may be rejected.

Successful registration of equipment shall result in a registration

number being allocated and a corresponding entry in the register of
type approvals maintained by the TRA for the purposes of the Ex-
ecutive Order.

2.3 Renewal and cancellation of Registration

Registration shall normally be granted for a term of three years. A
renewal fee is payable to keep a registration in effect. Application
for renewal shall be made at least one month before the expiry date
otherwise the registration and hence type approval shall be can-
celled.

The TRA reserves the right to cancel a registration at any time

where it has reason to believe that the relevant regulations and
technical requirements have not been observed.

2.4 Products Already Registered

The registration application and associated documentation is the in-
tellectual property of the applicant. Subject to the consent of the
applicant, the registered product concerned may be supplied by any
registered dealer. RTTE supplied shall in all cases be identical in all
material respects to the corresponding registered type. A registered
product cannot be supplied without the involvement and consent of
the original applicant.

If another person wishes to supply the identical product without the

involvement and consent of the original applicant then that other
person shall seek a separate registration for the equipment.

If the original applicant is willing to consent to the supply of a regis-

tered product under a different brand name the procedure is
straightforward. A separate application for registration shall be
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GUIDELINES, Telecommunication Apparatus Type Approval

made for the brand name but the applicant is able to reference the
existing registration in the application. If the applicant for the brand
name registration is different from the original application, then the
brand name application shall include a letter of authority from the
original applicant authorising use of the data held by the TRA and
agreeing to make the supporting documentation available in sup-
port of the brand name product should circumstances so require.

2.5 Transfers
Equipment registrations are not transferable without the explicit
consent of the TRA. The TRA will wish to be satisfied that appropri-
ate arrangements have been made for the new owner of the regis-
tration to receive the necessary support of the party issuing the
DoC including access to the supporting documentation.

3 DOCUMENTATION

3.1 Declaration of Conformity (DoC)

The DoC is a document drawn up by the manufacturer, supplier or
importer on company letterhead or stationery and signed by them
confirming that the product complies with the regulations and tech-
nical specifications that apply in the UAE. It shall be prepared and
maintained in accordance with ISO/IEC 17050-1:2004 2 . In addition
to the minimum content specified in clause 6.1 of that standard, the
additional information of clause 6.2 a), b) and e) of that standard
shall also be included.

The registered dealer in the UAE shall be in possession of the DoC

for the equipment concerned and shall have access to supporting
documentation that demonstrates its validity. The registered dealer
shall satisfy itself that the DoC is authentic and applies to the
equipment to be supplied in the UAE. The DoC shall be kept avail-
able for inspection by the TRA for at least 5 years after the last
supply in the UAE of the equipment concerned.

An example of a suitable format for a Declaration of Conformity is

given in Appendix 1.

3.2 Supporting Documentation

The supporting documentation is the complete dossier of evidence
which describes in detail the products concerned and the basis on

2
ISO/IEC 17050-1:2004 Conformity assessment – Supplier’s declaration of
conformity – Part 1: General requirements
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GUIDELINES, Telecommunication Apparatus Type Approval

which they are declared to meet the appropriate technical require-

ments for the UAE. Supporting documentation shall be prepared in
Arabic or English.

The supporting documentation shall comply with ISO/IEC 17050-

2:2004 3 excluding clause 5.2 a) (see Appendix 4) for additional in-
formation and notes). It is not necessary for the registered dealer to
have a copy of this supporting documentation. However, the nature
of the arrangements between the registered dealer and the party
providing the declaration of conformity shall be such that the regis-
tered dealer can make a copy of the supporting documentation
available to the TRA without undue delay.

Exceptionally, where equipment has been approved in another

country or region to technical requirements that are the same as
those required in the UAE, less comprehensive supporting docu-
mentation is acceptable. In such cases, the registered dealer in the
UAE holding the DoC shall retain photographs or illustrations of the
exterior of the equipment in sufficient detail to show markings and
points of connection to networks or antennas, a copy of the full user
documentation, evidence of the approval etc including the applica-
ble technical standards applied and an analysis showing equiva-
lence to the relevant TRA specifications. For example, in the case
of equipment that is CE marked, the equipment is required (under
EU legislation) to be accompanied by a DoC (or to identify a web-
site where the DoC can be found). The European DoC will usually
identify the technical standards that have been applied and these
can be compared with the relevant TRA technical specifications.

The supporting documentation may be kept electronically provided

clear legible paper copies of the whole dossier or extracts from it
can be produced on request. The documentation shall be kept
available for inspection by the TRA for at least 5 years after the last
supply in the UAE of the equipment concerned. The supporting
documentation shall not be sent to the TRA unless it is specifically
requested.

3.3 Marking
All equipment or its packaging and user information shall be clearly
marked as shown in Appendix 2 unless an exemption has been
granted by the TRA. The mark on equipment shall be a permanent
mark close to the model identification. The mark on user informa-
tion may be on any of the documentation supplied with each item of

3
ISO/IEC 17050-2:2004 Conformity assessment – Supplier’s declaration of
conformity – Part 2: Supporting documentation
9
GUIDELINES, Telecommunication Apparatus Type Approval

equipment and intended to be or likely to be retained for future ref-

erence. The mark on packaging and user information is mandatory
if the equipment itself is not marked. It may also be helpful to use
the mark on packaging and in user information even when the
equipment is marked.

Exemption from marking is available, in justified cases, on request

to the TRA. The request shall explain why marking is not practica-
ble. Where exemption is granted the registered dealer may be re-
quired to make alternative provision, for example, to provide a copy
of the declaration of conformity with each item of equipment sold or
to display a copy of the notice set out in Appendix 3 close to the
equipment at the point of sale and in advertisements to supply the
product.

These arrangements are intended to inform consumers which

equipment is registered so that they know which equipment they
may legally connect and use.

4 AFTER-MARKET ACTIVITIES

4.1 Surveillance
All parties involved in the import, manufacture and supply of equip-
ment are expected to satisfy themselves that the equipment in
which they deal complies with the relevant technical specifications
and that the documentation that accompanies it is authentic.

It is a violation of the Telecom Law and Executive Order to use,

sell, offer for sale or connect RTTE which is not type approved, that
is to say, equipment that does not comply with the regulations
and/or which does not meet the relevant technical specifications.

From time to time the TRA may check equipment and / or ask the
registered dealer to make all or part of the supporting documenta-
tion available. The TRA has powers to require information to be
supplied and, in collaboration with the police authority, to seize
equipment suspected of being in contravention of the Telecom Law
and Executive Order.

The TRA may perform checks at any time as a result of a com-

plaint, a report of interference, visual inspection of products in a re-
tail outlet, inappropriate advertising or simply a random selection.

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GUIDELINES, Telecommunication Apparatus Type Approval

Where a check is inconclusive or unsatisfactory, additional informa-

tion shall be requested and a sample for test at a laboratory nomi-
nated by the TRA may be required. In the event that the equipment
is non-compliant, the registered dealer concerned shall be respon-
sible for all charges incurred.

4.2 Changes
If a product change introduces an additional network interface or
requires the use of additional radio frequency bands, then a thor-
ough review against the regulations and relevant technical specifi-
cations shall be made including, where necessary, a new applica-
tion for registration.

Changes in hardware or software that may affect an existing net-

work interface or have an effect on safety, EMC or radio frequency
emissions shall be tested and assessed to the extent necessary to
establish that ongoing compliance will be maintained. A record of
the changes, relevant test results, the assessment of their impact
etc shall be maintained in the supporting documentation.

Changes that are essentially cosmetic or that are non-network af-

fecting or that have no potential or actual effect on safety, EMC or
radio frequency emissions may be introduced provided a record of
the changes and the assessment of their impact is maintained in
the supporting documentation.

If any change affects the information recorded in the DoC, then a

new DoC shall be prepared. Where documentation was provided to
the TRA in connection with the original equipment, then it shall be
updated and resubmitted to the TRA.

Ongoing compliance shall be assessed whenever the relevant

technical specifications are amended. Such amendments will nor-
mally specify an effective date which allows a transition period to
implement any necessary changes to the product.

5 MISCELLANEOUS & TRANSITIONAL ARRANGEMENTS

5.1 Equipment for personal use

Equipment bought outside the UAE and imported by an individual

for personal use is not subject to registration with the TRA. How-
ever the equipment shall be of a type eligible for registration in the
UAE and comply with all the relevant technical requirements in the

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GUIDELINES, Telecommunication Apparatus Type Approval

UAE. This will ensure that there is no radio interference or disrup-

tion to the public network. If the owner is not competent to make
this assessment itself, then the owner shall seek expert technical
advice.

Equipment which has been imported for personal use shall not be
sold, hired or otherwise disposed of to other parties for use in the
UAE.

No individual may use, at any time, equipment that does not comply
with the technical specifications published by the TRA.

5.2 Equipment that is type approved in another country

The TRA bases its technical specifications on international and re-
gional standards. Accordingly, equipment approved in other regions
or countries may comply with the technical specifications for the
UAE. However, it cannot be guaranteed that all equipment types
from a particular region such as the European Union will necessar-
ily comply with the technical specifications for the UAE. In all cases,
it is necessary to cross-check the technical basis of approval with
the TRA specifications and compiles the simplified supporting docu-
mentation which is allowed as an exception in such cases (see sec-
tion 3.2).

5.3 Equipment manufactured outside the UAE and modified locally

Equipment manufactured outside the UAE and modified locally is
included in the scheme. Typically, the party performing the modifi-
cation shall be responsible for compliance and registration.

In all cases, the supporting documentation shall explain the modifi-

cations and reference test results on the modified product or ex-
plain why the test results on the unmodified product remain valid.

5.4 Transitional Arrangements

All previous type approval schemes cease summarily when this
scheme comes into effect.

RTTE being imported into the UAE and/or supplied under previous
type approval schemes at the time this scheme comes into effect
may continue to be imported and supplied for the duration specified
in the original approval. However, holders of such approvals are
encouraged to migrate to the new scheme and there shall be no
charge under the new scheme until the expiry date of the original
approval.

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GUIDELINES, Telecommunication Apparatus Type Approval

Equipment being imported into the UAE and/or supplied under pre-
vious type approval schemes at the time this scheme comes into ef-
fect shall be covered by this new scheme if import and/or supply is
to continue beyond the expiry of the existing approval.

5.5 Fees
The TRA shall publish a list of fees payable (see the TRA Policy
Document “Telecommunications Apparatus Type Approval Fee Pol-
icy”). Income from fees is offset against the TRA’s costs of registra-
tion and market surveillance activities.

For equipment subject to registration, fees are payable by the ap-

plicant at the time of submission of the respective application. The
fee is non-refundable.

Payment of fees shall be made to:

Bank Name: National Bank of Abu Dhabi

Bank Code: NBADAEAABAT
Account Number: 4050001589
Account Name: The General Authority for Regulating The
Telecommunication Sector

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GUIDELINES, Telecommunication Apparatus Type Approval

APPENDIX 1 – Specimen Pro-forma Declaration of Conformity

Reference:
(Note 1)

I / We
(name of manufacturer/supplier)
Of

(address including postcode)

declare under my/our sole responsibility that the product(s)

(product description including brand name, type or model and any supplementary information such as lot, batch or serial num-
ber identification)

to which this declaration relates, is/are in conformity with the TRA Telecom-
munication Apparatus – Type Approval Regulations and the following techni-
cal specifications.

and that I have examined the technical basis for this declaration which is
based on test reports and /or certificates issued by

Supporting documentation relevant to this declaration has been compiled un-

der the reference number given above and will be made available to the TRA
on request.

Signa- Date:
ture
(for and on behalf of manufacturer/supplier)

Name & Ti-

tle
(printed name & job function of person signing)

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GUIDELINES, Telecommunication Apparatus Type Approval

NOTES:
1) The reference is a unique identifier for the declaration of conformity (DoC) allocated by the
manufacturer / supplier for the purpose of cross reference in the registration application.
2) The DoC shall be on company headed stationery or full company details shall be added.
3) For information on how to complete this declaration and prepare the supporting documenta-
tion, please refer to ISO/IEC 17050 Conformity assessment – Supplier’s declaration of con-
formity Part 1: General requirements, Part 2: Supporting documentation and the correspond-
ing sections of the TRA Guidelines to Type Approval.

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GUIDELINES, Telecommunication Apparatus Type Approval

APPENDIX 2 – Label

TRA
REGISTERED No:
nnnnnn
DEALER No:
xxxxxxxxx

Bar code

The characters shall appear in black print against a white background.

No character shall be less than 2mm in height.
The letters “TRA” shall be at least 3mm in height.
Where “nnnnnn” appears shall be substituted the registration number allocated
by the TRA to the equipment concerned.
Where “xxxxxxxxx” appears shall be substituted the dealer registration number
allocated by the TRA to the dealer who made the application concerned.
When the label is applied to the packaging of equipment, the minimum dimen-
sions specified above shall be doubled.

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GUIDELINES, Telecommunication Apparatus Type Approval

APPENDIX 3 – Notice

NOTICE

This equipment has been

registered with the Tele-
communications Regula-
tory Authority for use in
the UAE.

TRA
REGISTERED No:
nnnnnn
DEALER No:
xxxxxxxxx

Bar code

Note: Where “nnnnnn” appears shall be substituted the registration number allo-
cated by the TRA to the equipment concerned. Where the notice covers more
than one type of equipment in an advertisement or display, the registration num-
bers for all equipment concerned shall be cited.

Where “xxxxxxxxx” appears shall be substituted the dealer registration number

allocated by the TRA to the dealer who made the application for equipment regis-
tration(s) concerned. Each dealer shall have a separate notice.

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GUIDELINES, Telecommunication Apparatus Type Approval

APPENDIX 4 – Supporting Documentation

The following notes illustrate some particular points which shall be considered in
the context of ISO/IEC 17050-2:2004.

In relation to 5.1 a):

• a brief technical description of the equipment including an explanation of

the intended use of the equipment as presented to the user and any instal-
lation specific information relevant to compliance;

• identification of the telecommunications networks concerned and any in-

tentional radio spectrum usage;

• identification of software and firmware that may affect compliance of a

network interface or have an effect on radio frequency emissions;

• if the equipment is an interface card or module for installation in a host

equipment, the description shall make give sufficient information for com-
patible hosts to be determined; and

• where more than one model is covered, details of the relationships be-
tween the models and the rationale for including them.

A copy of the user information may be a convenient way of dealing with some of
the above points.

In relation to 5.1 b):

• circuit diagrams and PCB layouts for those parts of the equipment which
have a direct impact on compliance with the technical requirements. For
example: network interface circuits and radio interfaces (antennas or con-
nection points for antennas); audio components in live speech equipment;
line signaling; ports for connecting other equipment; power supplies and
all network affecting elements. Full diagrams and complete functional in-
formation are not required but there shall be sufficient detail to understand
the compliance issues and to show the build level of the product in relation
to the build level of any sub-assemblies;

• parts lists in so far as they are relevant to the above. Components which
are critical to compliance shall be identified and fully specified with suitable
tolerances. Care shall be taken to ensure that alternative sources of sup-
ply are also evaluated; and

• photographs of both the interior assembly and exterior of the product suffi-
cient to permit a person to determine that a product is the same as that
submitted for registration.
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GUIDELINES, Telecommunication Apparatus Type Approval

In relation to 5.1 c):

• identification of all the TRA and other technical specifications that apply
and the related test results;

• test reports or test data 4 and details of test methods where these are not
specified in the specifications; and

• justification for any cases where tests are not performed. This might be the
case, for example, where several models are covered or where reliance is
placed on a similar product for which data is held in another file (which
shall be cross-referenced)

The supporting documentation shall be kept available for inspection by the TRA
for at least 5 years after the last product of the relevant type has been supplied to
the UAE.

4
Test results shall be obtained from a laboratory that has been accredited by a
body that is a member of the ILAC Mutual Recognition Arrangement. Consult the
TRA before relying on results from any other laboratory.
19