Type Approval is the regulatory process through which ICT equipment is evaluated and certified by NICTA to ensure it meets Papua New Guinea’s technical, safety, and regulatory standards before being sold, imported, or used in the country.
Type Approval protects consumers from unsafe products, ensures compatibility with PNG’s telecommunications networks, prevent radio frequency interferences, mitigates cybersecurity risks, and aligns with international best practices.
The National Information and Communications Technology Authority (NICTA) administers the Type Approval process under the National ICT Act 2009.
Yes. All ICT equipment—except for limited exemptions like personal transit items—must be type approved by NICTA prior to sale or use in PNG.
TA Online (ta.nicta.gov.pg) is NICTA’s secure digital platform that streamlines registration, application, certification, and import permit processes for ICT equipment. It also integrates with PNG Customs to facilitate import clearance.
NICTA uses a risk-based classification system:
Devices with no RF emissions, e.g. computer monitors, wired keyboards. Low risk, minimal impact, and e-waste concerns.
Receive-only devices, e.g. FM radios, GPS, DTV boxes. Low risk, no transmissions.
Wired modems, basic home gateways. Connects to networks but has minimal RF and compatibility impact.
Devices with Bluetooth/WiFi and mobile radios, e.g. smartphones, tablets, laptops with WiFi/cellular, smart watches. Moderate risk due to potential spectrum interference and cybersecurity exposure.
Two way Radios, High-power transmitters like cellular base stations, microwave solutions (point-to-point links), satellite uplinks/downlinks terminals. High risk of interference, requires coordination with spectrum management.
Core network switches, enterprise gateway, submarine cable landing systems, national emergency comms. National security priority, cybersecurity concerns and rigorous oversight.
All certified and approved equipment/products are listed here in Certified Products Listing. The best way to search for a product certification status is to filter by product brand and look for the specific product model. You can alternatively search by product model or name. If a product is not found on the list, it means the product certification is expired or it is yet to approved.
Only registered clients who have completed Form A (New Client Registration) and are approved on the Type Approval Online System.
Registration ensures regulatory compliance, assigns client categories, determines applicable fees and import limits, and verifies business legitimacy.
After registration, submit:
• Form B: Type Approval Application
• Form C: Import Permit Application
Personal and business details, IDs, entity verification, and supporting documents to establish eligibility.
Product Declaration of Conformity (DoC), Technical specifications, test reports, manufacturer details, cybersecurity compliance (encryption, secure boot, etc.), and frequency use details.
Certified product details (linked from Form B), import quantities (identified and verified by serial numbers list), intended use, and shipping details (including BOQ and purchase receipts) if necessary). A product must be certified first before they can be allowed for import permit.
Yes, if the models are minor variants (e.g. different colors, storage). Otherwise, separate applications are needed.
Fees covering administrative and technical review costs; they apply even if the application is unsuccessful. For internation (overseas) clients, the fee is USD 100.00. For local clients (all other category) the fee is PGK 150.00.
These fees are separate and yet to be determined and may apply in the future.
NICTA will announce fees updates via the Type Approval Portal via the News and Updates, NICTA’s website, and/or direct communications to registered clients.
The payments are made and processed via Doku IPG, a third party secure internet payment gateway hosted by Bank of South Pacific (BSP) Limited. The payment gateway can only handle VISA transactions at this time.
No. For Form B and Form C, applications require a non-refundable processing fee which occur towards the end of submission.
Yes, via the Type Approval Platform Client/User dashboard.
Yes, by submitting a renewal application once expired.
To ensure only certified equipment enters PNG, supporting Customs’ clearance process and enhancing NICTA compliance requirements.
PNG Customs enforces import clearance and confiscations on behalf of NICTA.
PNG Customs may seize or deny entry to non-compliant equipment and will confiscate on behalf of NICTA for further processing and release by NICTA.
• For further processing and release afterwards upon client fulfilling and satisfying all requirements.
• Seize and destroy substandard or unsafe products.
• Repurpose or donate equipment for training or research (if appropriate).
• Take enforcement action against repeat offenders.
Only if the importer can demonstrate compliance and obtain NICTA’s approval.
Yes, for equipment certified under recognized international frameworks (e.g. FCC, CE).
Through physical market surveillance, general inspection exercise, import tracking, attending to complaints, and other monitoring and data collection activities.
NICTA can suspend approvals, order recalls, destroy equipment, or impose fines.
Through the Type Approval Platform or by contacting NICTA’s Consumer Affairs Division.
By ensuring that only compliant, safe equipment is used or connected, preventing threats to ICT infrastructure, pubic networks and amenities.
Yes, supporting safe, reliable digital growth as outlined in the Digital Transformation Strategy 2023–2030.
Yes. High-risk devices may require Privacy Impact Assessments (PIAs), encryption, and secure data storage.
Yes, in cases of natural disasters or national emergencies with Special Authorization by NICTA CEO.
Contact:
National Information and Communications Technology Authority (NICTA)
Type Approval Support
P.O. Box 8444, Boroko, NCD, Papua New Guinea
Phone: +675 3033 200
Email: typeapprovals@nicta.gov.pg
https://www.nicta.gov.pg
You can find official updates by visiting the News and Updates page for all regulatory changes, fee announcements, compliance notices, etc.
