Which devices need SDPPI certification
The principle is simple: if the device transmits or receives radio signals, it almost certainly requires certification before it can be imported, sold or operated in Indonesia. What varies is which additional obligations come attached.
In short. Six categories cover most of what we handle. What triggers the obligation is the radio inside, not the product category — which is why a laptop, a smart lock and a drone controller can all end up in scope.
The six categories we see most.
Each carries its own additional certifications.
Phones, tablets, modems and anything that connects to a mobile network operator require an SDPPI certificate before they can be marketed. This is the most tightly controlled category, because it touches licensed spectrum directly.
Cellular devices generally also require TKDN local content certification and IMEI registration before they will work on Indonesian networks. Plan all three together — a launch delayed by the one you forgot is the usual outcome.
Routers, access points, repeaters and wireless-capable switches transmit Wi-Fi and therefore fall within the certification requirement. Devices in the 2.4 and 5.8 GHz bands generally sit under Class Licence (Izin Kelas).
Because they fall under Class Licence, Wi-Fi devices do not need a separate frequency licence (ISR) as long as the device itself is certified. This is widely misunderstood, and some companies pay for permits they never needed.
Earbuds, portable speakers, wireless microphones, remotes and wearables use Bluetooth as a short-range radio channel. Low transmit power does not exempt them — certification is still required.
Short-range devices generally fall under Class Licence, so no ISR is needed. The work concentrates on RF and safety test reports and on getting the trademark and appointment documents right.
Notebooks, chromebooks and all-in-one PCs almost always ship with built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth modules. It is the wireless module that triggers the certification requirement, not the computer as a whole.
Where the wireless module is already certified, the process can be considerably shorter. We check that the module and configuration named in the documents match the units you will actually sell.
Sensors, smart locks, IP cameras, smart lighting and LoRa or Zigbee modules form the most varied category. Each can use a different radio channel, so the initial classification determines the whole route.
Beyond SDPPI, some smart home products touch SNI or K3L obligations depending on type and function. We map the full set of obligations at the start, so nothing surfaces once the product is ready to ship.
Unmanned aircraft and their controllers use radio links for control and telemetry, and on many models for FPV video as well. Both the aircraft and the controller need to be assessed.
The frequency bands in use determine the certification route and whether the device falls under Class Licence. We identify the radio configuration first so the classification is right from the outset.
The abbreviations you will meet.
Alongside SDPPI, these come up constantly. Short definitions.
Tingkat Komponen Dalam Negeri — a measure of local component and labour content in a product. Frequently required for cellular devices before they may be marketed.
International Mobile Equipment Identity — the unique identifier of each cellular device. Must be registered for a phone or tablet to connect to Indonesian networks.
A frequency licensing scheme that applies automatically to low-power devices such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth once the device is certified, removing the need for a separate ISR frequency licence.
Government-set product quality and safety standards. Some electronic products must meet them before they may circulate.
Consumer and environmental protection requirements that certain goods on the market must satisfy.
Additional certifications at a glance.
| Category | Radio feature | Other certification |
|---|---|---|
| Cellular devices | Cellular 4G/5G | TKDN, IMEI |
| Network equipment | Wi-Fi 2.4/5.8 GHz | Class Licence |
| Bluetooth devices | Bluetooth | Class Licence |
| Computers and laptops | Wi-Fi + Bluetooth | Class Licence |
| IoT and smart home | Wi-Fi / Zigbee / LoRa | SNI, K3L |
| Drones and remote control | Cellular / Wi-Fi / dedicated RF | Class Licence |
Questions about scope
Our device has no radio at all. Is it exempt?+
From SDPPI type approval, most likely yes. Other Indonesian requirements such as SNI or K3L may still apply depending on the product, so it is worth checking those separately rather than assuming nothing applies.
The Wi-Fi module inside is already certified. Do we still need to certify the product?+
Frequently the process is shorter, but the finished product is what enters the market and what the documents must describe. We check that the certified module and the configuration you ship actually match.
Do we need a separate frequency licence (ISR) for Wi-Fi?+
No, provided the device is certified. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth generally fall under Class Licence, where frequency authorisation follows automatically from certification. Paying for a separate ISR here is a common and avoidable expense.
Does a drone controller need its own certification?+
Both the aircraft and the controller use radio links, and both need to be assessed. Whether they are handled together depends on the configuration, which is settled at classification.
We sell the same device in several colours. Separate applications?+
Cosmetic variants that share radio hardware and configuration are treated differently from genuine variants. Send the variant list with the radio configuration for each and we will tell you how many applications you are actually looking at.
Related questions, answered the same way.
Not sure whether your device is in scope? Ask before you ship.
Talk to us on WhatsAppOr email halo@izinpostel.com with your datasheet attached.