PTA makes international safety standards mandatory for telecom equipment

The government has formally enforced Telecommunication Equipment Standards Regulations, 2024, making compliance with internationally recognized technical, safety and electromagnetic standards mandatory for all telecommunication equipment manufactured, imported, sold or used in Pakistan, in a move aimed at strengthening network security, consumer safety and service quality.

The regulations, notified by the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication through SRO 1110(I)/2026, have been framed by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) under the Pakistan Telecommunication (Re-organization) Act, 1996, with the approval of the Federal Government.

The rules came into force immediately upon publication in the official Gazette.

According to the notification, the regulations apply to licensees, manufacturers and importers of telecommunication equipment and establish a uniform framework for prescribing technical standards and testing procedures before equipment can be deployed in Pakistan. The objective is to ensure that telecom devices entering the market comply with internationally accepted performance, safety and interoperability requirements.

The regulations define key technical concepts including electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), radio frequency (RF), fixed wireless access, satellite communication devices and telecommunication equipment standards.

They also empower authorized PTA officers to oversee compliance and enforcement under the new regulatory regime.

Under the new framework, PTA has adopted internationally recognized standards from leading global standard-setting organizations. These include the International Telecommunication Union Telecommunication Standardization Sector (ITU-T), the European Union’s Radio Equipment Directive (RED), European Standards (EN), the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI), the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), CISPR, CENELEC, and OHSAS.

The regulations categorize mandatory technical requirements into several areas, including electromagnetic compatibility, health and safety, optical and laser safety, radio frequency communication, mobile communication, satellite communication and terrestrial telecommunication equipment standards. These requirements are intended to ensure that devices neither cause harmful interference nor pose safety risks while maintaining compatibility with Pakistan’s telecommunications infrastructure.

The PTA has also reserved the authority to periodically review and update the standards in consultation with relevant stakeholders to keep pace with technological advancements and evolving international best practices.