Does a Wi-Fi-Enabled Product Exported to Thailand Require NBTC or TISI Approval?

NBTC

(National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission)

The NBTC is responsible for regulating radio communication equipment and telecommunications devices in Thailand.

If a product uses wireless technologies such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, its compliance requirements will depend on factors including:

• Operating frequency

• Transmission power

• Wireless communication technology

• Product category

• Technical specifications

These factors determine the applicable NBTC technical standards and conformity assessment requirements.

Common products subject to NBTC requirements include:

• Wi-Fi routers

• Wireless security cameras

• Smart home appliances

• Smart plugs

• Tablets

• Laptop computers

• Other devices equipped with Wi-Fi or Bluetooth functionality

However, having Wi-Fi does not necessarily mean every product follows the same NBTC approval process.

Depending on the product type and applicable technical standards, different conformity assessment procedures may apply, such as Class A, Class B, or Supplier's Declaration of Conformity (SDoC).

Therefore, exporters should first confirm the applicable NBTC requirements based on the product model and wireless specifications before shipping.

The Thai Industrial Standards Institute (TISI) is responsible for regulating industrial product standards in Thailand.

When determining whether a product requires TISI certification, the key question is not:

"Does the product have Wi-Fi?"

Instead, the correct question is:

"Does this product fall within Thailand's mandatory industrial standards?"

For example, for a smart electrical appliance:

• Wi-Fi module and wireless communication → NBTC

• The electrical appliance itself → Check whether it falls under mandatory TISI standards

If the product itself is not covered by Thailand's mandatory TISI standards, simply adding Wi-Fi functionality does not automatically make it subject to mandatory TISI certification.

Therefore, NBTC and TISI are governed under different regulatory frameworks and are assessed independently.

If a product:

① Includes wireless communication functions regulated by the NBTC;

AND

② Falls within the scope of Thailand's mandatory TISI standards;

then both NBTC and TISI requirements must be satisfied separately.

For example:

A Wi-Fi-enabled electrical appliance

Wi-Fi functionality
→ NBTC compliance

The appliance itself falls under mandatory TISI standards
→ TISI certification

=

Both NBTC and TISI are required.

NBTC approval cannot replace TISI certification, and obtaining TISI certification does not exempt a product from NBTC requirements.

Each authority regulates different aspects of the product.

For products equipped with wireless technologies such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, it is recommended to assess compliance in the following order:

Step 1: Verify Wireless Functions

Confirm whether the product includes:

• Wi-Fi

• Bluetooth

• Zigbee

• NFC

• Cellular communication

• Other wireless communication technologies

Then review the operating frequency and technical specifications to determine the applicable NBTC requirements.

Step 2: Verify the Product Category

Based on the product's name, function, intended use, and technical specifications, determine whether it falls within Thailand's mandatory TISI standards.

Generally, there are three possible outcomes:

TMA GROUP Reminder

For Wi-Fi-enabled products exported to Thailand, NBTC and TISI are not mutually exclusive.

NBTC primarily regulates wireless communication functions and radio frequency compliance, while TISI determines whether the product itself is subject to Thailand's mandatory industrial standards.

For smart home appliances, consumer electronics, wireless devices, and other products equipped with Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, it is recommended to evaluate NBTC and TISI requirements separately based on the product model, intended use, wireless frequency, and technical specifications before exporting to Thailand. Doing so can help avoid customs clearance delays and compliance issues after the products arrive in Thailand.

TMA GROUP provides professional support for:

• Product classification assessment

• NBTC compliance evaluation

• TISI certification assistance

• Import compliance consulting

• Product registration and market entry services in Thailand