Latin America Certification Terms to Know: TACs and IMEIs

You may be aware that a “TAC letter” and a list of “IMEI numbers” are required to complete the certification or registration of cellular products in such Latin American countries as Chile, Colombia, and Mexico.

To better understand what this means it helps to know a bit more how these crucial codes called TAC and IMEI keep billions of cellular devices functioning properly on networks worldwide.

Manufacturers use an assigned 8-digit number called the Type Allocation Code (TAC) to create a unique identifier for their mobile devices, known as the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI). The IMEI is a unique 15-digit number that ensures proper device operation on the network, and is embedded in the device at the time of manufacture in a way that can’t be modified later.

A group called the GSMA, representing global mobile manufacturers, has the exclusive right to issue TACs. The same TAC cannot be used for different device models.

Any device containing GSM cellular access functionality — phones, smart phones, modems, tablets, PCs, etc. — must include an IMEI number generated from a GSMA-issued TAC code.

To obtain a TAC, a manufacturer or brand owner first registers their brand on the GSMA website. Login credentials are then sent to the manufacturer to enable online application for TAC. Online TAC applications are usually issued within 48 hours, after which the applicant will receive an official grant letter from the GSMA, listing the assigned TAC.

Once an applicant has been provided a TAC for a specific device model, the manufacturer may generate up to a million IMEI numbers from that TAC and incorporate them into the devices of that model. (A false IMEI can make devices inoperable and lead to confiscation or legal action.)

The network operator needs the IMEI to identify the device and allow it access to the network. The network operator must know the device model and its capabilities so it can interact properly with the network. The device make and model are identified from the TAC component of the IMEI.

The TAC, IMEI and corresponding device details are recorded in the global IMEI database. The recorded TAC details are made available to network operators worldwide, various law enforcement agencies including customs, and select industry participants.

If you would like to know more, please get in touch. We’re here to help you gain approval to import and commercialize your electronic equipment in Latin America. We’re the Latin America certification experts.

Terms to Know: Tariff Codes, HS Codes, HTS Codes, Harmonization Codes

Ever wonder what a tariff code is? The Harmonized Item Description and Coding System (HS) identifies products by a 6-digit number cataloged in the World Customs Organization’s Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System. To this 6-digit number countries add their own numbers to further classify products and define duty rates according to category, product type, and materials. End result: a tariff code!

Why should you care? Because countries use their Harmonized Tariff Schedules (HTS) to classify products coming into their territory and combine this information with country-of-origin certificates to calculate tariffs and customs duties. Tracking HTS data can help companies maximize the use of free trade agreements and tariff exemptions.

And there’s another, more immediate benefit to understanding tariff codes, particularly when it comes to Mexico. When LARCG starts a new project to secure approval for a product in Mexico, one of the first things we do is ask our client to provide us with their product’s “tariff code.”

Just to be clear: We don’t choose the tariff code — the client does. But what we need is the Mexican tariff code, not the U.S. code (a common misconception). Mexico also requires the appropriate code to be printed on the NOM certificates it issues — all the more reason to get it right from the get-go.

To help clients determine the correct Mexican tariff code for their product, we provide a list of options on our website: https://bit.ly/31o2jRH.

It’s a very extensive list, however, so translating the U.S. code to the Mexican one can still be challenging. Here’s a tip: the Mexican tariff code has 8 digits, with the first 6 digits usually the same as the U.S. HS code. That narrows the possibilities.

Don’t let tariff codes flummox you — we’re happy to field questions about tariff codes, or anything else related to the homologation process in Mexico or any other LATAM country. We look forward to hearing from you.

21st Annual ANATEL Product Certification Forum

The Latin American Regulatory Compliance Group will be attending this years 21st annual ANATEL Product Certification Forum located in Brasilia, Brazil. Promoted by ANATEL, this years forum will be addressing new challenges regarding telecommunication certification in Brasil, and will play host to manufacturers, laboratories, designated certification bodies and specialists. Discussions concerning major issues impacting the future of certification and approval process’ — Internet of Things, control of products not homologated, consumer protection are just a few topics of conversation.

REGISTRATION – (8:30 A.M. – 9:00 A.M.)
OPENING – (9:00 A.M. – 9:20 A.M.)
– President Speaks – 10 min.
– SOR (Mr. Vitor Elisio Goes de Oliveira Menezes) Speaks – 10 min.
1st PANEL: (9:20 A.M. – 10:30 A.M.) Internet of Things and the impact on the certification of telecommunications products
Break – 10 minutes.
2nd PANEL: (10:30 A.M. – 12:00 P.M.) – Accreditation of the assistance in the control of the spectrum: The use of licensed in
the provision of telecommunications services of collective interest.
AFTERNOON PERIOD – (2:00 P.M. – 5:00 P.M.)
3rd PANEL: (2:00 P.M. – 3:30 P.M.) Integrated foreign trade system (SISCOMEX) and the control of non-homologated products
Break – 10 minutes.
4th PANEL: (3:40 P.M. – 5:00 P.M.) The importance of the homologation of products for consumer’s defense

We will be providing updates as to the details of the forum in the coming days, so be sure to stay tuned for news from Brazil.

©2020 Latin America Regulatory Compliance Group, LLC