Radio Frequency Testing

Wireless-enabled products exported to Argentina (such as power devices with Wi-Fi/Bluetooth, smart home products, etc.) must undergo Argentina's mandatory certification system. This primarily includes safety certification, electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) certification, wireless radio frequency certification, and energy efficiency labeling (where applicable). Below are the specific steps and key requirements:

【Mandatory Certification Process】

Safety Certification (S-Mark)

Applicable Standards:

Electrical Safety: IRAM 62368-1 (AV/ICT equipment) or IRAM 60335 (household appliances).

Argentine Plug: Must comply with IRAM 2063 (two-round-pin Type I) or IRAM 2073 (three-pin Type I).

Process:

Local Testing: Must be conducted at an accredited Argentine laboratory (e.g., IRAM, TÜV Rheinland Argentina).

Application Submission: Submit technical documentation, test reports, and ISO 9001 certificate to IRAM (Argentine Institute of Standardization) via a local agent.

Factory Audit: Initial applicants typically undergo an IRAM factory inspection (focusing on quality control systems).

Certificate Issuance: Upon approval, obtain the S-Mark certificate (valid for 1 year, requiring annual renewal).

Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Certification

Mandatory Standard: CISPR 32 (applicable to information technology equipment).

Requirements: Tested concurrently with safety certification; no separate certificate required, but reports must include EMC data.

Wireless Radio Frequency Certification (Key Steps)

Regulatory Authority: ENACOM (National Communications Agency).

Applicable Products: Devices with wireless modules such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, etc.

Process:

Local Testing: Test RF parameters (frequency range, transmission power, etc.) at an ENACOM-accredited laboratory (e.g., Cetec Lab, Underwriters Lab Argentina).

Technical Documentation: Provide circuit diagrams, PCB layouts, antenna specifications, and user manuals (in Spanish).

Homologation Application: Submit via local agent to ENACOM to obtain Type Approval Certificate (valid for 2 years).

Note: Even with certified modules (e.g., FCC/CE modules), retesting in Argentina is required.

Energy Efficiency Labeling (Select Products)

Applicable Products: External power supplies (EPS), chargers, etc.

Requirements:

Compliance with Resolution No. 319/2019 of the Energy Secretariat (MEPS energy efficiency standards).

Affix energy efficiency label (must indicate efficiency rating).

[Labeling and Localization Requirements]

Mandatory Markings:

S-Mark logo (must be clearly visible) + certification number (e.g., IRAM-XXXXX).

ENACOM logo (required only for wireless products).

Voltage/Frequency: 220V/50Hz (Argentine standard).

Plug: Mandatory use of Argentine Type I plug (IRAM 2063/2073).

Language and Information:

Labels, manuals, and warnings must be in Spanish.

Include local importer name, address, and country of origin (“Hecho en China”).

Packaging Requirements:

Outer carton must display S-Mark certificate number, ENACOM approval number (if applicable), net/gross weight (kg).

【Key Considerations】

Mandatory Local Agency:

An Argentine company (importer) must serve as the applicant and hold all certificates.

Certificate Maintenance:

Recent shipment sampling reports must be provided during S-Mark certificate annual reviews.

Product design changes (even if only replacing capacitors) require recertification.

Customs Clearance:

Upon import, submit to Argentine Customs (AFIP):

Original S-Mark certificate + ENACOM approval document.

Commercial invoice (in Spanish).

Uncertified goods will be seized or destroyed.

[Tips and Recommended Steps]

Pre-confirmation: Verify if the product is on IRAM's mandatory list.

Contact an agent: Must engage a local Argentine agent.

Arrange testing: Ship samples to an accredited Argentine laboratory (preferably GTG Guangce Group) for safety, EMC, wireless, and energy efficiency testing.

Submit Application: Submit documentation to IRAM and ENACOM via agent, concurrently arranging factory inspection (if applicable).

Compliant Production: After approval, print compliant labels and affix S-Mark and ENACOM logos during production.

Customs Clearance Preparation: Ensure certificate copies accompany goods during customs clearance (originals retained by importer).