Effective Date: 5th of June, 2025

1. Introduction

Welcome to the National Information and Communications Technology Authority (NICTA) Type Approval Platform (“TA Online” or “Platform”). This Platform serves as Papua New Guinea’s official system for ICT equipment certification and import permit applications. By accessing or using the Platform, you agree to comply with and be bound by these Terms and Conditions (“Terms”). If you do not agree with any part of these Terms, please do not use the Platform.

These Terms are designed to protect the interests of all users, promote fair usage, and ensure compliance with Papua New Guinea’s ICT regulatory framework as set out in the National Information and Communications Technology Act 2009 (NICT Act 2009) and relevant international best practices (e.g. ITU-R standards).

2. Definitions

• NICTA: The National Information and Communications Technology Authority, established under the NICT Act 2009, responsible for regulating ICT services in Papua New Guinea.
• Platform: The official online system for the submission, processing, and management of ICT equipment type approval and import permit applications.
• User/Client: Any individual or entity registering, submitting, or managing applications through the Platform.
• Forms: Includes Form A (New Client Registration), Form B (Type Approval Application), and Form C (Import Permit Application and Equipment Registration).

3. Purpose of the Platform

The Platform provides a secure, digital channel to:

• Facilitate the certification and market entry of ICT equipment in PNG
• Ensure compliance with national and international ICT standards
• Streamline the importation and clearance of ICT equipment
• Enhance transparency, accountability, and efficiency in ICT regulation

4. Platform Features and Forms

4.1 Form A – New Client Registration

• Collects essential personal, professional, and entity details to create a client account.
• Determines client category, which defines applicable fees, product import limits, and processing pathways.
• Registration is free of charge.

4.2 Form B – Type Approval Application

• Collects comprehensive details about new ICT products or equipment, including:
  • Manufacturer details
  • Technical specifications
  • Supported technologies
  • Certifications and test reports
  • Upon approval by NICTA, a Type Approval Certificate (PDF) is issued to confirm the product’s eligibility for the PNG market.

4.3 Form C – Import Permit Application and Equipment Registration

• Designed for local clients and importers to declare certified equipment for import.
• Automatically retrieves product details from Form B, ensuring consistency and integrity.
• Requires information on:
  • Purpose of import
  • Quantity per model
  • Importer details and relevant shipping information
• On approval, a PNG Import Permit (PDF) is issued to facilitate Customs clearance at PNG ports of entry.
• PNG Customs officers act on behalf of NICTA to inspect, verify, or confiscate equipment as per Form C outcomes.

5. User Responsibilities

By using the Platform, you agree to:

• Provide accurate, complete, and up-to-date information across all forms.
• Maintain the confidentiality of your login credentials and immediately notify NICTA of any unauthorized access or suspected breaches.
• Comply with all applicable laws and regulations, including the NICT Act 2009 and international standards (e.g. ITU-R).
• Only submit applications for equipment intended for legitimate and lawful
• purposes in PNG.
• Pay all applicable fees as required for Forms B and C before submission; no application will be processed without the full non-refundable fee.

6. Fees and Payments

• Form A: Free registration.
• Form B and Form C: Subject to non-refundable processing fees determined by client category, product type, and locality.
  • Fee schedules are published on the Platform and may be updated periodically.
• Payments must be made through the secure, authorized payment gateways integrated into the Platform.
• Fees are non-refundable except as required by PNG law.

7. Client Categorization

• Clients are classified during Form A registration based on factors such as business type, operational scale, and import activities.
• Client categories determine:
  • Fee structures
  • Maximum import volumes
  • Processing priority
• NICTA reserves the right to adjust client categorization to ensure compliance and market integrity.

8. Application Processing and Certificates

• NICTA staff conduct thorough backend reviews of all submissions.
• Approval of:
  • Form A: Grants access credentials, establishes client category, and enables access to Forms B and C.
  • Form B: Generates a Type Approval Certificate (PDF), certifying the equipment for use in PNG’s ICT market.
  • Form C: Produces an Import Permit (PDF), authorizing Customs clearance at PNG ports.
• PNG Customs officers enforce Form C outcomes by facilitating clearance or confiscation on behalf of NICTA.

9. Data Privacy and Security

Your data is processed in accordance with:

• NICTA’s Privacy Policy (available on the Platform)
• The NICT Act 2009
• International best practices including ITU-R recommendations and GDPR principles

NICTA uses robust technical and organizational security measures to safeguard your information, including encryption, secure authentication, and regular security audits. Users acknowledge that no system is completely free from risk.

10. Intellectual Property

• All Platform content, including text, software, logos, and documents, is the property of NICTA or its licensors.
• Users may download or print information for regulatory compliance and application purposes only.
• Unauthorized use, reproduction, or distribution of Platform content is strictly prohibited.

11. Limitation of Liability

• The Platform is provided “as is” without warranties of any kind.
• NICTA does not guarantee uninterrupted, error-free, or secure operation of the Platform.
• To the fullest extent permitted by law, NICTA disclaims liability for any direct, indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising from Platform use, including delays or failures in application processing.

12. Suspension and Termination

NICTA reserves the right to suspend or terminate your Platform access:

• For breaches of these Terms or applicable laws
• For submission of false, fraudulent, or misleading information
• To protect the integrity and security of the Platform
• If required by regulatory or legal obligations

13. Amendments

NICTA may update these Terms at any time. Changes will be effective upon publication on the Platform. Continued use of the Platform constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms.

14. Governing Law and Jurisdiction

These Terms are governed by the laws of Papua New Guinea, including the NICT Act 2009. Disputes arising under these Terms shall be resolved exclusively by the courts of Papua New Guinea.

15. Contact Information

For inquiries, assistance, or to exercise your rights under these Terms, please 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

By accessing or using the Platform, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to these Terms and Conditions.