Zambia ZICTA Type Approval Guidelines: Draft Out for Comment
Zambia ZICTA Type Approval Guidelines: Draft Adds Risk Classes, Conditional Release and New Labels
Zambia ZICTA type approval guidelines are set for a full revision. On 21 October 2026, the Zambia Information and Communications Technology Authority (ZICTA) published draft revised Information and Communications Technologies (Type Approval) Guidelines and opened a public consultation that runs until 20 November 2026. Once adopted, the new guidelines will repeal and replace the Type Approval Guidelines 2022.
Background: Type approval in Zambia
Under section 66 of the ICT Act No. 15 of 2009 and the ICT (Type Approval) Regulations, Statutory Instrument No. 6 of 2011, nobody may use, supply, sell, offer for sale, lease or hire electronic communications equipment in Zambia without ZICTA's approval. The guidelines explain how approval works in practice, from filing to labelling and border checks.
The draft covers all electronic communications equipment and apparatus, including radio equipment, used or intended to be used for electronic communications in Zambia. ZICTA wants comments from operators, importers, manufacturers, their local agents and the public.
Key Changes in the Zambia ZICTA Type Approval Guidelines
High-risk and low-risk equipment
Section 5 sorts apparatus into two classes. High risk covers equipment whose transmission, operation or network role could cause harmful interference or disrupt services. Appendix 6 lists cellular phones, DECT phones, signal boosters, HF/VHF/UHF radios, point-to-point links, VSAT terminals, base stations, carrier-grade routers, servers and firewalls, and carrier-grade access points. Low risk covers equipment in unlicensed bands that's unlikely to interfere, such as Bluetooth devices, wireless headsets, smartwatches, IoT sensors and SOHO routers and access points, plus non-RF network gear, receive-only products and IT equipment such as laptops.
The draft doesn't yet say how the application process differs between the two classes. That's a point worth raising in the consultation.
Three approval routes
The draft keeps three routes. Type Approval applies where a model isn't approved in Zambia and has no certificate from a recognised authority. It needs accredited test reports against the standards in Appendix 2, a declaration of conformity from an ISO-certified independent third-party laboratory, manuals, circuit diagrams, PCB layout, parts list, photos and, where asked, samples, which ZICTA keeps as reference units. Type Acceptance applies where a recognised National Regulatory Authority or Accredited Authority has already approved the product; ZICTA will publish the list of recognised authorities. Modification covers changed, renamed or rebranded products, and certificate holders must report a name change within 14 days.
Certificates stay valid unless revoked, and technically identical models can share one application with a manufacturer's declaration of similarity.
Conditional release and inland inspections
Section 7 allows conditional customs release, with post-clearance compliance checks, where packaging prevents inspection, the importer is an authorised economic operator, goods are heading to a bonded warehouse, or ZICTA considers it appropriate. ZICTA may also inspect warehouses and distribution centres.
Quarantine, second-hand and non-conformant equipment
Quarantined equipment must be held at a ZICTA-approved facility at the importer's cost for no more than 60 days. If the problem isn't fixed in that time, ZICTA may seize it. Second-hand equipment needs a certificate of functionality, or faces 60 days' quarantine and then confiscation. Imports found non-conformant must be re-exported within 30 days, with proof.
Labelling and product information
Approved apparatus must carry the brand, model, ZICTA's certification mark with the certificate number (format ZMB/ZICTA/TA/YYYY/…), the foreign certificate number for Type Acceptance products, and the crossed-out wheeled bin or equivalent e-waste wording. No character may be smaller than 2 mm, and "ZICTA" must be at least 3 mm high. The label can go on the product, the packaging, the manual or a QR code. Manuals must also state the product's expected lifespan, its life-cycle assessment and its overall hazard level.
Prohibited and exempt equipment
Appendix 5 bans scanning receivers, jammers, voice changers, automatic call diverters, analogue TV transmitters, analogue-only TV sets and, unless authorised for operators, mobile signal boosters. Appendix 7 exempts personal-use imports of up to five units of one model, receive-only equipment, infrared devices, temporary test or exhibition units with a permit, some personal medical devices and humanitarian equipment.
What This Means for Manufacturers
Expect a risk class on every product. Cellular and licensed-band radios, network infrastructure and boosters fall in the high-risk group.
Certificates from recognised authorities still open the faster Type Acceptance route, so keep them current and easy to supply.
Labels and manuals will need updating: the ZICTA mark sizes, e-waste symbol and three new product information items.
Importers should plan for quarantine costs and the 60-day limit if paperwork is incomplete.
Nothing changes yet. The 2022 Guidelines apply until ZICTA publishes the final text.
Certification Impact Summary
Area | Before | After | Impact level |
Equipment classification | No high/low risk split (ZICTA describes it as new) | High-risk and low-risk classes, with examples in Appendix 6 | High |
Customs clearance | No conditional release provision (new per ZICTA) | Conditional release with post-clearance checks in set cases | Medium |
Quarantine | Governed by the 2022 Guidelines | Designated facility at importer's cost, maximum 60 days, then seizure | Medium |
Labelling | Narrower requirements (ZICTA describes them as expanded) | Mark sizes, e-waste symbol, QR option, lifespan, life-cycle and hazard information | High |
Prohibited and exempt lists | Governed by the 2022 Guidelines | Listed in Appendices 5 and 7, including a five-unit personal-use exemption | Medium |
Approval routes | Type Approval, Type Acceptance, modification | Same three routes, certificates valid unless revoked | Low |
Legal status | Type Approval Guidelines 2022 in force | Draft; 2022 Guidelines repealed once final text is published | Low |
Timeline and Required Actions
Key Dates
Date | Milestone |
21 October 2026 | ZICTA publishes the draft and public notice; consultation opens |
20 November 2026 | Deadline for written comments |
To be confirmed | Final Guidelines published; 2022 Guidelines repealed |
Required Actions for Manufacturers
List your products sold in Zambia and map each to the high-risk or low-risk examples in Appendix 6.
Check which products already hold certificates from recognised authorities for the Type Acceptance route.
Review your labels and manuals against Section 11, including the lifespan, life-cycle and hazard statements.
Brief importers on conditional release, quarantine costs and the 60-day limit.
Send comments through ZICTA's form by 20 November 2026, especially on how the two risk classes will be treated.
Conclusion
The Zambia ZICTA type approval guidelines draft is a broad rewrite rather than a tweak: risk classes, conditional release, firmer quarantine rules and much more detailed labelling. It's still a draft, so there's time to comment and prepare. Contact our team for support with Zambia type approval and with how the changes affect your product range.
