In November 2025, Venezuela’s National Telecommunications Commission issued a formal reminder that all telecommunications equipment must undergo homologation and certification before being imported or marketed in the country. The authority emphasized that this requirement is not optional and that noncompliance may result in administrative, customs, and even criminal penalties.
The warning reinforces the legal framework established under the Organic Telecommunications Law and related legislation governing imports and commercial distribution.
Certification as a Legal Obligation
According to Conatel, homologation is a mandatory regulatory process designed to ensure that telecommunications equipment complies with national technical standards and operates safely within Venezuela’s wired and wireless networks.
The certification requirement applies to a broad range of radio and telecommunications devices intended for commercial use. Equipment that has not received prior approval from the authority cannot be legally placed on the Venezuelan market.
Conatel clarified that this obligation is rooted in the Organic Telecommunications Law and is reinforced by other applicable regulations governing trade and customs procedures.
Potential Administrative and Criminal Sanctions
During a recent public broadcast, Conatel representatives highlighted that failure to complete the homologation process may expose companies to penalties under multiple legal frameworks.
Importers, customs agents, and distributors who introduce non-certified equipment into the country may face:
- Administrative sanctions under the Organic Telecommunications Law
- Penalties under the Organic Customs Law
- Possible criminal liability under anti-smuggling legislation
Authorities cautioned that placing products on the market without meeting legal requirements could be interpreted as a violation of the Law on the Crime of Smuggling, depending on the circumstances.
Compliance Responsibilities for Market Participants
The reminder is directed specifically at importers, customs intermediaries, and commercial distributors involved in the telecommunications supply chain. These stakeholders are expected to verify that all equipment has successfully completed the national homologation process before initiating import procedures or sales activities.
Beyond legal compliance, Conatel underscored that certification plays a critical role in safeguarding network integrity and ensuring the reliable operation of public telecommunications infrastructure. Proper regulatory oversight also supports the development of a lawful and secure national market environment.
For manufacturers and global suppliers seeking access to Venezuela, this announcement signals a stricter enforcement posture. Ensuring that products meet technical standards and are properly certified prior to shipment will be essential to avoid disruptions, financial penalties, or seizure of goods at customs.
For this article’s source information and any product certification guidance, please contact Global Validity.
Quick Country Facts
Venezuela
Certification Body: National Commission of Telecommunications (CONATEL)
Certification Type: Mandatory
License Validity: Indefinite
Application Language: English
Legal License Holder: Manufacturer
In-Country Testing Requirement: Testing Not Required
The regulatory information above is based on radio type approval certification. Access additional certification requirements in over 200 countries and territories with Global Validity’s free proprietary product certification management software, Access Manager. Learn more about the platform here or fill our quick contact form!
Global Validity is your partner for global certification success
Want to learn more about regulatory compliance and how we can help? Simply fill out the form below and we’ll be in touch!