Meaning
Official documents issued by a regulatory authority confirm that a specific model of equipment has met all technical and legal requirements. Type approval grants act as the final authorization for a manufacturer to begin mass production and distribution of a wireless device. These documents list the frequency bands, power levels, modulation types and antenna gains that have been cleared for use.
Certification labels can only be applied once this document is issued.
Regulatory Validity
Permissions often come with a fixed expiration date or a requirement for periodic review. Type approval grants remain active as long as the underlying standards do not change and the manufacturer does not alter the hardware design. Renewal applications must be submitted if the original certification expires.
Authorization Definition
Scope is limited to the specific hardware and software configuration described in the original application. Type approval grants do not cover variations in the antenna system or the transmitter power that were not tested. Every distinct model number usually requires its own individual grant.
Verification History
Changes to a certified product are recorded in a log attached to the original filing. Type approval grants may be amended to include new factory locations or minor component substitutions. Verification logs ensure that the regulatory status of a device is traceable throughout its entire lifecycle.