Brazil INMETRO & ANATEL
Selling electrical, electronic, or wireless communication products in Brazil almost always means clearing two regulatory hurdles: INMETRO and ANATEL. Sunchine Inspection helps you understand exactly what’s required and guide you through the full process of bringing your product into the Brazilian market.
Certification Background & Importance
INMETRO (Instituto Nacional de Metrologia, Qualidade e Tecnologia — National Institute of Metrology, Quality and Technology) is Brazil’s official body responsible for metrology, standardization, and product quality oversight. It handles mandatory safety certification for categories such as electrical and electronic products, toys, and automotive parts.
ANATEL (Agência Nacional de Telecomunicações — National Telecommunications Agency) is Brazil’s independent telecommunications regulator, responsible for approving the network access of any product with wireless communication capability.
For products that combine electrical functionality with wireless communication — such as smart appliances, wearables, and IoT devices — both certifications are typically required: the product must prove both that it is electrically safe and that its radio frequency signal complies with Brazil’s telecommunications network specifications.
Without INMETRO certification, a product may be held at Brazilian customs. Without ANATEL certification, no product with wireless communication capability may be legally used or sold within Brazil.
For companies looking to enter the Brazilian market, these two certifications are not just a compliance obligation — they are a precondition for market access. Planning your certification path early is almost always faster and less costly than trying to resolve the issue after goods are already held at customs.
Regulated Product Scope
INMETRO and ANATEL do not overlap in scope. Each regulates a different aspect of a product: INMETRO focuses on electrical safety and performance, while ANATEL focuses on wireless communication compliance.
Mandatory INMETRO Certification Scope
Focus: electrical safety, performance, and energy efficiency
- Electrical & electronic products: household appliances, office equipment, power adapters, etc.
- Lighting products: LED lamps, ballasts, etc. (some are also subject to energy efficiency labeling)
- Toys and children’s products
- Automotive parts: tires, safety glass, child safety seats, etc.
- Personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Select medical devices
Mandatory ANATEL Certification Scope
Focus: wireless communication and network access compliance
- Mobile terminals: phones, tablets, chargers, modems
- Wireless communication modules: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, RFID, and other RF components
- IoT devices: smart home terminals, wearables
- Satellite communication and broadcast equipment
- Telecommunications network infrastructure equipment
General Certification Process
The specifics of each certification differ, but the overall process can be summarized in the following stages.
- Determine the Applicable Scope
Based on the product’s electrical characteristics and whether it has wireless communication capability, determine whether INMETRO, ANATEL, or both certifications are required.
- Appoint a Local Representative in Brazil
Both certifications require the application to be filed by a local representative holding Brazilian legal entity status (CNPJ). Overseas companies must appoint a local agent to handle this.
- Prepare Technical Documentation
Compile the product manual, circuit diagrams, bill of materials, Portuguese-language labeling, and other documents required for the application.
- Laboratory Testing
INMETRO testing typically covers electrical safety, electromagnetic compatibility, and energy efficiency (where applicable). ANATEL testing must be completed at a laboratory accredited within Brazil to verify RF and telecommunications technical parameters.
- Certification Body Review
The test reports and application materials are reviewed by an INMETRO-accredited certification body (OCP) or an ANATEL-designated certification body (OCP).
- Certificate Issuance and Marking
Once approved, the official certificate is issued. The product must carry the INMETRO compliance mark or the ANATEL network access mark (including a unique certification number) before it can be sold.
- Ongoing Maintenance
INMETRO certificates are generally subject to periodic surveillance audits. ANATEL certificates are subject to different validity periods and renewal requirements depending on the product category.
Ready to enter the Brazilian market?
From confirming the applicable standards to certificate issuance, Sunchine Inspection is with you every step of the way through Brazil’s INMETRO & ANATEL certification process.
Welcome to Contact us : [francois.shi@sunchineconsulting.com / 0086 25 6809 3658]