I. What is CTA certification?
CTA (China Type Approval, Radio Emitting Equipment Type Approval) is a mandatory certification system implemented by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology of China. All vehicle-mounted products with wireless transmission capabilities, such as in-vehicle infotainment systems, navigation systems, T-BOX, in-vehicle Wi-Fi, and in-vehicle Bluetooth, must undergo this certification process.
The core of CTA certification lies in controlling key parameters such as radio frequency, power, and frequency of in-vehicle devices to prevent signal interference between devices, which may compromise driving safety. In-vehicle wireless products without CTA certification are prohibited from installation, sale, or distribution through any official channels, serving as a mandatory threshold for compliant market entry.
II. Why is CTA certification necessary?
l Compliant market entry to mitigate risks
l Products without CTA certification face risks of seizure, fines, and sales suspension. Automakers' centralized procurement, auto parts distribution channels, and e-commerce platforms all require such certification as a mandatory prerequisite for collaboration. Unlicensed entities are prohibited from supplying or selling products.
l Enhance credibility and integrate into the supply chain
l Certification serves as the authoritative credential for RF safety compliance, gaining recognition from automakers and vehicle owners. This facilitates market entry into OEM supply chains and establishes a differentiated competitive edge.
l Build omnichannel integration to expand market reach
l It covers all distribution channels including OEM installation for automakers, aftermarket parts supply, and online platforms, making it particularly suitable for export-turned-domestic products to achieve rapid market penetration in China.
l Standardize techniques and optimize product quality
l During the certification process, strict monitoring of parameters such as frequency, power, and spurious emissions drives enterprises to optimize product design, reduce after-sales issues, and lower long-term operational costs.
l Comply with regulations to ensure long-term development
l With increasingly stringent radio regulatory requirements, completing CTA certification ahead of schedule enables businesses to proactively adapt to policy changes and ensure consistent product market entry.
III. How to apply for CTA certification?
1. Preliminary preparation
Confirm the product falls within the scope of radio transmitting equipment
Specify model, parameters, and applicable certification standards
Prepare enterprise qualifications (business license, etc.) and technical documents (circuit diagrams, PCB diagrams, schematic diagrams, user manuals, etc.)
Select a testing institution recognized by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology and sign a contract
2. Self-testing and specimen submission
Perform self-testing on emission frequency, power, and spurious emissions according to standards to identify potential issues in advance.
Submit 2 to 5 samples and complete documentation to the testing institution
3. Official testing
Testing institutions conduct tests in accordance with national standards, with core items including:
l Frequency Range Detection
l transmit power measurement
l scattered emission detection
l Network Compatibility Testing
l Electromagnetic Radiation Detection
If the results are non-compliant, the radiofrequency protocol must be modified and retested until a qualified report is issued.
4. Review and Certification
Submit the test report, enterprise qualifications, and product documentation to the National Radio Monitoring Center
Upon approval, the Radio Transmitter Equipment Type Approval Certificate will be issued, along with a unique CMIIT ID.
5. Subsequent Maintenance
The certificate is valid for 5 years. Any product modifications involving radio frequency modules or critical parameters must be registered, with renewal procedures completed 3 months prior to expiration, and compliance with regulatory inspections must be ensured.
IV. How long does the certification cycle take?
Regular cycle (no corrective action): approximately 15–27 working days, with an average of 20 working days
Preparation phase + self-testing: 3–5 days
Official testing duration: 7–15 days (shorter for Bluetooth/navigation devices, longer for 5G/T-BOX devices)
Review and issuance: 5–7 days
Special period (requires rectification): 30–45 working days
The rectification phase typically extends by 3–10 days, resulting in an overall cycle delay.
Recommendation: Completing product pre-testing and finalizing the radio frequency (RF) protocol in advance can effectively prevent rework and significantly reduce certification time.
V. Recommendations for Professional Technical Support
Zhongle Certification specializes in the automotive CTA field, with core strengths including:
High professional expertise: Key certification points for in-vehicle products such as Jingtong locomotives and T-BOX, providing precise guidance for RF rectification to improve pass rates.
Efficient and time-saving: Provides services such as pre-testing, document processing, and common issue avoidance to shorten the certification cycle
End-to-end service: From initial assessment and technical rectification to certificate maintenance, one-stop follow-up with real-time progress updates
Compliance Assurance: Synchronized with the latest intelligent connected vehicle policies to ensure long-term regulatory compliance and stable supply to truck manufacturers and distribution channels.
Partner with professional institutions to swiftly obtain CTA market access credentials and capitalize on opportunities in smart cockpit systems and connected vehicle solutions.
Tel: 13417442373(Wechat)
E-mail: finny.zhou@zhongletest.com
Teams:nancy.le@zhongletest.com
Web:www.zhongletest.com
