18 Jun 🇧🇲 Bermuda | Type Approval Exemption Granted for Bluetooth and Wi-Fi Devices
The Regulatory Authority of Bermuda (RA) has introduced a type approval exemption for radio apparatus operating solely on Bluetooth and/or Wi-Fi frequencies. Effective February 14, 2025, such devices no longer require individual type approval if they comply with recognized international standards and operate within designated technical limits.
📅 Date of publication: February 14, 2025
🏛 Regulatory Authority: Regulatory Authority of Bermuda (RA)
Official Sources
- RA Bermuda Type Approval Page
- Bluetooth & Wi-Fi Exemptions Notice (file download)
Regulation Status
📌 Status: In force since February 14, 2025.
Regulatory Impact
Type Approval & Market Access
✔ Devices exclusively using Bluetooth or Wi-Fi frequencies are considered pre-approved.
✔ No formal type approval applications are required for exempted equipment.
✔ Devices must conform to FCC (USA), ISED (Canada), or ETSI (EU/UK) standards.
Spectrum Management & Technical Standards
✔ Exempted devices must operate within defined frequency bands and power outputs.
✔ Technical specifications align with IEEE standards such as 802.11ax, 802.11be, and 802.15.1.
✔ Frequencies range from 2402 MHz to 7125 MHz, with power limits ranging from 0.25 to 1.00 Watt, depending on band.
Impact on Imports, Customs & Market Surveillance
✔ The exemption simplifies customs clearance for compliant devices.
✔ Manufacturers and importers are still responsible for ensuring regulatory conformity and accurate labeling.
✔ RA may conduct post-market surveillance for compliance checks.
More Details
Under Bermuda’s Telecommunications Act 1986, all radio apparatus must typically undergo type approval. However, as part of its modernization strategy, the RA has issued a blanket exemption for low-risk wireless devices that rely solely on Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, provided they conform to defined technical criteria.
The exemption covers devices that:
- Operate exclusively on Bluetooth and/or Wi-Fi radio frequencies.
- Fall within the RA’s listed frequency and power specifications.
- Do not incorporate other radio technologies.
The RA published a detailed table outlining the approved frequency bands, maximum output power, and applicable IEEE standards (e.g., 802.11n, 802.11ac, 802.11ax, 802.11be).
Despite the exemption, manufacturers and importers must ensure their products comply with technical and safety standards recognized by the FCC, ISED, or ETSI. All exempted devices must carry appropriate compliance markings.
This shift reflects Bermuda’s effort to align with international best practices, reduce administrative burdens, and support efficient market access for standardized, low-risk wireless technologies.
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AI-assisted & human-reviewed. Information may contain errors. Always verify with official sources.
