Meaning
Multiple commercial entities can share the regulatory approval for a single electronic product through collaborative agreements. Becoming a joint certificate holder allows both the original designer and the distributor to utilize the same registration number. This division of certificate rights is common in cross-border trade.
It reduces the costs of redundant administrative filings.
Shared Responsibility
Legal agreements define how the regulatory duties are divided between the co-applicants. Each joint certificate holder is responsible for maintaining the compliance of the products they place on the market. If one partner discovers a technical flaw, they must notify the other and the licensing authority.
This cooperative responsibility prevents market disruption.
Sourcing Flexibility
Supply chain managers use this multi-holder model to clear customs under separate corporate identities. With each entity listed as a joint certificate holder, the risk of custom delays is minimized. The products are imported smoothly.
Technical Consistency
Hardware modifications must be agreed upon by both parties before they are submitted to the regulatory board. Any unauthorized change by a joint certificate holder can invalidate the approval for both organizations. The technical file must remain identical for all models sold under that certificate number.
Therefore, change control boards must include representatives from both companies.
