URCA is an independent regulator in the Bahamas ECS and ES sector.
In mid-November, URCA announced its final decision on guidelines for type approval certificates for license-exempt radio spectrum devices, and this document relates to the type approval process for low-power devices.
Importing or using low power devices in the Bahamas requires a type approval certificate from URCA. According to this document, URCA may grant type approval certificates for new categories of low-power telecommunications devices if:
1. Does not cause serious interference to the network
2. Comply with health and safety standards and do not harm you or other individuals
3. The electromagnetic radiation does not interfere with the operation of equipment operating nearby
The previous type approval process was based solely on test reports of the Federal Communications Commission’s CFR Part 15 standard requirements. New changes allow manufactureres to conform their devices to Bahamas’ essential safety requirements through various international standards, as well as US standards, provided they meet the National Spectrum Plan’s standards and technical requirements and other regulatory measures issued by URCA. You can prove suitability.
Due to the new changes, URCA has enabled other TCBs or regulatory bodies to identify low-power devices that have applied for type approval of URCA.
Summary:
1. Only the Federal Communications Commission’s CFR Part 15 standard requirements can be used to demonstrate the device’s compliance with essential requirements in the Bahamas.
2. References to the FCC have been removed from the device to avoid potential confusion.
3. The following criteria must be met to bring low power devices to the Bahamas market.
– Must work according to the Bahamas national spectrum plan.
– Must be tested by an URCA approved TCB.
– Must have a unique identification label indicating that the device has been approved by a URCA approved telecommunications regulatory body.
– Only low power copy should be possible.