What Is Postel Certification for Children’s RC Cars?
Postel Certification for children’s RC cars is the process of fulfilling certification requirements for telecommunications equipment and/or telecommunications devices when an RC car uses wireless communication functions that fall within the scope of telecommunications regulations in Indonesia.
A children’s RC car or remote control car is essentially a toy product that can be controlled from a certain distance using a remote controller. In this system, communication takes place between the transmitter in the remote controller and the receiver in the car. Therefore, the wireless characteristics of the product need to be examined to determine its certification requirements.
The need for Postel/DJID Certification cannot be determined solely based on the product name as a “children’s RC car”. The assessment needs to consider the technology used, frequency, transmission power, transmitter, receiver, RF module, antenna, and product configuration.
The certification requirements for telecommunications equipment and/or telecommunications devices are currently regulated under Minister of Communication and Informatics Regulation Number 3 of 2024 concerning Certification of Telecommunications Equipment and/or Telecommunications Devices. This regulation revoked and replaced Minister of Communication and Informatics Regulation Number 16 of 2018.
Are Children’s RC Cars Required to Have Postel Certification?
Not every children’s RC car can automatically be concluded to require or not require Postel Certification solely based on its product category. The requirement needs to be determined through an assessment of the wireless communication system used.
An RC car using an RF remote control has a transmitter and receiver whose specifications need to be examined. If the RC car uses Bluetooth, WiFi, or another wireless technology, the characteristics of that technology also need to be assessed.
The assessment should particularly consider:
- Operating frequency.
- Transmission power.
- Wireless technology.
- Transmitter and receiver.
- RF module.
- Antenna.
- Number of channels.
- Technical specifications.
By conducting an assessment before import, importers can determine the requirements that need to be fulfilled before children’s RC cars are marketed in Indonesia.
Wireless Systems in Children’s RC Cars
Children’s RC cars use wireless communication systems to receive commands from the remote controller. These commands may include moving forward, moving backward, turning right, turning left, stopping, adjusting speed, or other functions available on the product.
Wireless systems in RC cars may use several technologies, including:
- RF remote control for communication between the remote controller and the car.
- Bluetooth for connection with a smartphone or control device.
- WiFi for RC cars with control systems using a network or application.
- Proprietary radio systems using specific frequencies.
- Other wireless technologies according to the product design.
Each system has different technical characteristics. Therefore, two children’s RC cars that look physically identical may not necessarily have the same certification requirements if they use different RF modules or wireless specifications.
Frequency of Children’s RC Cars
Frequency is an important parameter in the Postel Certification assessment for children’s RC cars. Frequency indicates the radio band used to transmit and receive signals between the remote controller and the car.
Frequency information can usually be found in the datasheet, manual, technical specification, or RF module documentation. Some products also specify a frequency range or operating frequency.
The information that needs to be considered in the assessment may include:
- Operating frequency.
- Frequency range.
- Channel.
- Bandwidth.
- Modulation.
- RF technology.
The use of radio frequency spectrum also needs to comply with the applicable provisions on spectrum use based on class licenses. Minister of Communication and Digital Regulation Number 2 of 2025 amended Minister of Communication and Informatics Regulation Number 2 of 2023 concerning the use of radio frequency spectrum based on class licenses and includes device groups such as Short Range Device (SRD).
Therefore, the frequency of an RC car needs to be examined based on the actual product specifications and applicable technical requirements.
Transmission Power of Children’s RC Cars
In addition to frequency, transmission power is an important parameter in determining the wireless characteristics of a children’s RC car.
Transmission power indicates the power level used by the transmitter to send radio signals from the remote controller to the receiver in the car. Products with different transmission power levels may have different technical requirements.
Transmission power information may be stated in the datasheet as:
- Output power.
- RF output power.
- Transmit power.
- Conducted power.
- Maximum transmission power.
Low-power RC cars also need to be assessed according to applicable technical requirements. Minister of Communication and Informatics Regulation Number 3 of 2024 contains specific provisions for devices with telecommunications features using transmission power below 10 mW and only one identical telecommunications feature, subject to certain requirements.
Therefore, transmission power should be obtained from technical documents and should not be estimated solely based on the operating range of the remote controller.
Children’s RC Cars with Remote Control
The remote controller is an important part of the children’s RC car wireless system. The remote controller functions as the transmitter that sends commands to the receiver in the car.
When a button or control on the remote is pressed, a signal is transmitted through the wireless system to the receiver located in the car. The receiver then interprets the command to operate the motor or other functions of the car.
Therefore, the remote controller needs to be examined together with the RC car. Important information includes:
- Brand and model of the remote controller.
- Frequency.
- Transmission power.
- Type of transmitter.
- RF module.
- Antenna.
- Number of channels.
- Remote controller datasheet.
This information helps provide a complete picture of the wireless system used by the product.
Children’s RC Cars with Bluetooth
Some children’s RC cars can be controlled through a smartphone using Bluetooth. This system allows users to operate the car through an application or connected device.
For Bluetooth RC cars, the assessment needs to examine the specifications of the Bluetooth module used, including Bluetooth type, operating frequency, output power, antenna, and module configuration.
If a specific Bluetooth module is used, its datasheet should be prepared. This information can be used to determine the radio characteristics and help establish the applicable technical requirements.
The use of a module that has already obtained certification also does not automatically eliminate the need for an assessment of the entire product. The integration of the module into the car still needs to be examined based on the product configuration to be marketed.
Children’s RC Cars with WiFi
Children’s RC cars with WiFi may have a more complex control system because the car can be controlled through an application and wireless network.
For such products, information that needs to be examined includes:
- WiFi standard.
- Operating frequency.
- Channel.
- Bandwidth.
- Transmit power.
- Antenna.
- Wireless module.
- Communication system with the application.
The use of frequency spectrum for wireless devices also needs to be examined based on applicable requirements. The provisions on spectrum use based on class licenses were updated through Minister of Communication and Digital Regulation Number 2 of 2025.
Is the RC Car Remote Controller Included in the Assessment?
The remote controller needs to be examined when it forms part of the wireless communication system of the RC car.
The assessment does not only examine the car unit, but also the device used to transmit commands. This is particularly important for products using RF remote control.
The remote controller documents that should be prepared include:
- Remote controller photos.
- Brand and model.
- Datasheet.
- Operating frequency.
- Transmission power.
- RF module.
- Antenna.
- Number of channels.
When the remote controller and car use the same wireless system as one product package, information from both devices can be used to understand the overall communication system.
Documents Required for Postel Assessment of Children’s RC Cars
Before conducting an assessment, importers or product owners should prepare documents describing the RC car and its wireless system.
The documents generally required include:
- Children’s RC car photos.
- Remote controller photos.
- Product brand.
- Model or type.
- RC car datasheet.
- Remote controller datasheet.
- RF module datasheet.
- Frequency specifications.
- Transmission power specifications.
- Antenna information.
- Manual or user guide.
- Manufacturer information.
- Country of manufacture.
- Wireless configuration information.
The more complete the technical information available, the easier it is to conduct an initial assessment of the Postel/DJID Certification requirements.
Is a Certified RF Module Sufficient?
The use of an RF module that has already been certified does not necessarily mean that the entire children’s RC car is automatically exempt from assessment or separate certification.
This is because the final device using the module may have a different configuration. Integration of the module may involve the antenna, output power, enclosure, software, firmware, and other technical configurations.
Therefore, if the supplier states that the RF module used has already been certified, the certification document and module datasheet should still be reviewed.
An assessment is required to determine whether the module configuration in the RC car complies with the applicable technical requirements.
Can Several Children’s RC Car Models Use One Certificate?
Several children’s RC car models cannot automatically be considered eligible to use one certificate merely because their shape, color, or function is the same.
The following need to be examined:
- Brand.
- Type or model.
- Country of manufacture.
- RF module.
- Frequency.
- Transmission power.
- Wireless technology.
- Transmitter and receiver configuration.
Minister of Communication and Informatics Regulation Number 3 of 2024 regulates compliance with Technical Standards based on brand, type, and country of manufacture. The regulation also provides certain conditions for devices with telecommunications features using transmission power below 10 mW and only one identical telecommunications feature, under which one certificate may apply to more than one variant if the specified requirements are fulfilled.
Therefore, the number of models that can be covered needs to be determined based on an assessment, rather than merely based on product similarity.
Postel Certification Process for Children’s RC Cars
The Postel Certification process for children’s RC cars begins with an examination of the product characteristics and wireless system used.
In general, the process may include:
- Collecting product photos and information.
- Reviewing the wireless technology.
- Reviewing the frequency.
- Reviewing the transmission power.
- Reviewing the transmitter and receiver.
- Reviewing the RF module.
- Determining the relevant technical standards.
- Preparing certification documents.
- Coordinating testing if required.
- Submitting the certification process.
- Issuing the Certificate after the applicable requirements have been fulfilled.
Minister of Communication and Informatics Regulation Number 3 of 2024 provides that compliance with Technical Standards is conducted through testing for each brand, type, and country of manufacture. Equipment and/or devices that comply with the Technical Standards based on test results are evidenced by a Certificate.
Validity Period of Postel Certification for Children’s RC Cars
A Certificate under Minister of Communication and Informatics Regulation Number 3 of 2024 does not have an expiration date. However, there are provisions concerning the period during which a Certificate holder may manufacture, assemble, or import equipment/devices for trade and/or use in Indonesia.
For such activities, the regulation provides a maximum period of three years from the date the Certificate is issued. If, after that period, the product will continue to be manufactured, assembled, or imported into Indonesia for trade or use, compliance with Technical Standards based on testing and a new Certificate are required in accordance with the applicable provisions.
Therefore, importers need to consider these requirements when planning the continued importation of children’s RC cars.
Postel Label on Children’s RC Cars
Products that have obtained a Certificate are subject to labeling requirements. The label format includes the Certificate number, PLG ID, QR Code, and warning sign in accordance with the applicable provisions.
For small children’s RC cars, the placement of certification information needs to be considered so that it remains clearly readable.
The label may be placed on the product unit or another appropriate medium according to the characteristics of the product and applicable requirements. Therefore, labeling should be discussed from the beginning of the certification preparation process.
Cost of Postel Certification for Children’s RC Cars
The cost of Postel Certification for children’s RC cars may vary between products. The cost may be influenced by wireless technology, RF specifications, testing requirements, number of models or types, and applicable technical requirements.
An RC car using RF remote control may have different requirements from an RC car using Bluetooth or WiFi.
In addition to processing or consulting service fees, importers also need to consider testing costs and PNBP fees according to the applicable provisions. Minister of Communication and Informatics Regulation Number 3 of 2024 provides for certificate fees according to the Certificate issuance mechanism.
Therefore, an initial assessment is required before determining a more accurate cost estimate.
Importance of Assessment Before Importing Children’s RC Cars
Pre-import assessment is important because products that appear identical may not have identical wireless specifications.
Importers should request technical data from suppliers before the products are shipped to Indonesia. Data such as datasheets, frequency, transmission power, RF module, transmitter, receiver, and remote controller can help determine the applicable requirements.
By conducting an assessment beforehand, importers can determine certification requirements, documents that need to be prepared, testing requirements, and the process that needs to be carried out before the product is marketed.
Assessment can also help avoid situations where products have already arrived in Indonesia but the technical documents or certification requirements are not yet ready.
Difference Between Postel Certification and Toy Certification
Postel Certification and toy certification are two different aspects.
Certification or compliance with standards for toy products relates to safety aspects and requirements applicable to the toy category. Meanwhile, Postel/DJID Certification relates to telecommunications equipment and/or telecommunications devices and compliance with Technical Standards for communication, including wireless aspects when the product uses radio technology.
Children’s RC cars may involve both aspects. Compliance with toy product requirements does not automatically replace Postel Certification requirements if the wireless system of the RC car falls within the certification scope.
Conversely, Postel Certification does not replace safety requirements or other certifications applicable to toy products.
Conclusion
Postel Certification for children’s RC cars needs to be assessed based on the wireless communication system used. Products using RF remote control, Bluetooth, WiFi, or other wireless technologies need to be examined based on frequency, transmission power, transmitter, receiver, RF module, antenna, and applicable technical standards.
Pre-import assessment is an important step to determine certification requirements accurately. Information such as product photos, brand, model, datasheet, RF specifications, remote controller, wireless module, frequency, and transmission power can be used as the basis for an initial assessment.
By conducting an assessment before the product is imported, importers can prepare documents, testing, and the Postel/DJID Certification process in a more structured manner so that the product can be prepared for marketing in accordance with the applicable requirements in Indonesia.
Contact Us
Biruni Consulting assists with DJID/SDPPI assessment and certification for children’s RC cars and various wireless products that will be imported or marketed in Indonesia.
Our services include:
- DJID/SDPPI Certification requirement assessment.
- Assessment of Bluetooth modules, transmitters, and receivers according to product characteristics.
- RF specification review.
- Frequency and transmission power analysis.
- Technical document and datasheet review.
- Certification document preparation.
- Testing coordination where required.
- DJID/SDPPI Certification assistance.
If you have a children’s RC car, you can prepare product photos, brand, model, datasheet, RF specifications, remote controller, and wireless module datasheet for an initial assessment of the Postel Certification requirements.
