Guide to Postel/DJID Certification for toy robots based in Indonesia
Postel Certification for toy robots is the process of fulfilling certification requirements for telecommunications equipment and/or telecommunications devices when a toy robot uses wireless communication functions that fall within the scope of telecommunications regulations in Indonesia. Toy robots equipped with wireless features therefore need to be assessed not only as toy products, but also from the perspective of the communication technology used.
In practice, toy robots may use Bluetooth, WiFi, radio frequency (RF), remote control, or other wireless technologies to receive commands or communicate with their controllers. Therefore, the need for Postel/DJID Certification cannot be determined solely based on the product name as a “toy robot”, but needs to be assessed based on the technical specifications and communication system incorporated into the product.
Currently, the certification requirements for telecommunications equipment and/or telecommunications devices are regulated under Minister of Communication and Informatics Regulation Number 3 of 2024 concerning Certification of Telecommunications Equipment and/or Telecommunications Devices. The regulation revoked and replaced Minister of Communication and Informatics Regulation Number 16 of 2018.
Are Toy Robots Required to Have Postel Certification?
Not every toy robot automatically requires Postel Certification. The requirement needs to be determined through an assessment of the telecommunications function and wireless characteristics of the robot.
A toy robot that only has mechanical functions without a transmitter, receiver, Bluetooth, WiFi, or other radio communication technology may have different requirements from a toy robot that can be controlled wirelessly.
On the other hand, if a toy robot uses a radio communication system to receive or transmit information, its operating frequency, transmission power, RF module, wireless technology, and applicable technical standards need to be examined.
Therefore, an assessment should ideally be conducted before the product is imported so that it can be determined whether the toy robot requires Postel/DJID Certification and what technical requirements must be fulfilled.
Wireless Systems in Toy Robots
Toy robots can use several types of wireless systems. These systems may be used to control robot movements, transmit commands, receive data, connect with smartphones, or perform certain functions through wireless networks.
Some wireless technologies commonly found in toy robots include:
- Bluetooth for connections between the robot and smartphone or controller.
- WiFi for network or application connections.
- RF remote control for receiving commands from a remote controller.
- Proprietary radio systems using specific frequencies.
- Other wireless technologies used for communication between the robot and controller.
Each technology needs to be examined based on its technical specifications. Two toy robots with the same shape and function may not necessarily have the same certification requirements if they use different wireless modules, frequencies, or transmission power levels.
Frequency of Toy Robots
Frequency is one of the main pieces of information in the Postel Certification assessment for toy robots. Frequency indicates the radio band used by the device for wireless communication.
Toy robots with remote controls may use specific radio frequencies to transmit commands from the transmitter to the receiver on the robot. Meanwhile, toy robots using Bluetooth or WiFi use technologies and frequency bands that have their own technical requirements.
Therefore, information such as operating frequency, frequency range, channel, and bandwidth in the robot or wireless module datasheet needs to be reviewed before determining the certification pathway.
Transmission Power of Toy Robots
In addition to frequency, transmission power is an important parameter in the assessment. Transmission power indicates the power level used by a transmitter when sending radio signals.
Toy robots with low transmission power may have different technical requirements from devices using higher transmission power. Minister of Communication and Informatics Regulation Number 3 of 2024 also regulates certain conditions for devices with telecommunications features using transmission power below 10 mW and only one identical telecommunications feature, subject to specific requirements.
Therefore, information such as output power, transmit power, conducted power, or maximum RF output power needs to be reviewed from the product datasheet or technical documents.
Transmission power should not be concluded solely from the size of the robot or the operating range of the remote controller. The value used in the assessment should refer to the technical specifications of the device and wireless module used.
Toy Robots with Remote Control
Remote-controlled toy robots are one type of product that needs special examination because communication between the remote controller and the robot is carried out using a transmitter and receiver.
In such a system, the remote controller functions as the device transmitting commands, while the robot contains the signal receiver. The assessment needs to examine the communication characteristics between the two devices, including frequency, transmission power, RF module, number of channels, modulation type, and transmitter and receiver specifications.
The remote controller documentation should also be prepared together with the robot documentation. This is important because the RF specifications of the remote controller may form part of the product assessment.
Toy Robots with Bluetooth
Bluetooth toy robots can usually be controlled through a smartphone or compatible controller. Users can send commands through a Bluetooth connection to move the robot or operate certain functions.
For Bluetooth toy robots, the assessment may include information regarding the Bluetooth type, frequency range, output power, Bluetooth module, antenna, and other RF specifications.
If the robot uses a specific Bluetooth module, the module datasheet needs to be reviewed to determine whether the module specifications comply with applicable technical requirements. The use of an already certified module does not automatically mean that the entire toy robot is exempt from assessment.
Toy Robots with WiFi
Toy robots using WiFi usually have more complex functions, such as being controlled through an application, connected to a local network, or used together with other devices.
For such products, the assessment may include WiFi standard, operating frequency, channel, bandwidth, transmit power, antenna, and other radio characteristics.
Therefore, WiFi toy robots need to be assessed based on the actual technical specifications of the wireless module and the product configuration to be marketed in Indonesia.
Is the Remote Controller Included in the Assessment?
The remote controller needs to be examined if it forms part of the wireless communication system of the toy robot.
In the assessment, it is not sufficient to review only the robot specifications. Information regarding the remote controller may also be required to understand how communication between the controller and robot operates.
Some information that needs to be considered includes:
- Brand and model of the remote controller.
- Operating frequency.
- Transmission power.
- Type of transmitter.
- RF module used.
- Antenna.
- Number of channels.
- Datasheet or technical specifications.
This information helps determine the characteristics of the overall wireless system and supports the Postel Certification assessment process for toy robots.
Documents Required for Postel Assessment of Toy Robots
Before conducting an assessment, the product owner should prepare technical documents describing the toy robot and the wireless system used.
Documents that are generally required include:
- Toy robot product photos.
- Remote controller photos, if available.
- Product brand.
- Product model or type.
- Robot datasheet.
- Remote controller datasheet.
- Bluetooth, WiFi, or RF module datasheet.
- Frequency specifications.
- Transmission power specifications.
- Antenna information.
- Manual or user guide, if available.
- Country of manufacture information.
- Manufacturer information.
- Product wireless configuration information.
These documents can be used to conduct an initial assessment before determining the testing and certification requirements.
Is a Certified RF Module Sufficient?
The use of an RF module that has already been certified does not always mean that the toy robot automatically does not require certification or a separate assessment.
This is because telecommunications equipment/device certification relates to the type, brand, country of manufacture, and compliance with technical standards. Integration of an RF module into a robot may affect the antenna configuration, output power, enclosure, software, and other technical characteristics.
Therefore, if a toy robot uses a wireless module that has already been certified, the module documentation and its integration into the product still need to be examined.
This assessment is important to ensure that the product configuration to be imported and marketed complies with the conditions forming the basis for technical standard compliance.
Can Several Toy Robot Models Use One Certificate?
The possibility of using one certificate for several variants cannot be determined solely based on similarity in product shape or name.
It is necessary to examine whether the models have the same brand, type, communication technology, RF module, frequency specifications, transmission power, and technical configuration, or whether they meet the requirements that allow the use of one certificate.
Minister of Communication and Informatics Regulation Number 3 of 2024 regulates compliance with technical standards for each brand, type, and country of manufacture. The regulation also regulates certain conditions under which one certificate can apply to more than one variant for devices with telecommunications features using transmission power below 10 mW and only one identical telecommunications feature, provided the specified requirements are fulfilled.
Therefore, each toy robot variant should be assessed first before determining the number of certificates required.
Toy Robot Postel Certification Process
The Postel Certification process for toy robots generally begins with an assessment of the product characteristics and wireless communication system used.
The process may include:
- Collecting product photos and specifications.
- Reviewing the wireless technology used.
- Reviewing frequency and transmission power.
- Reviewing the RF, Bluetooth, or WiFi module.
- Reviewing the remote controller.
- Determining the relevant technical standards.
- Preparing certification documents.
- Coordinating testing if required.
- Submitting the certification application.
- Issuing the Certificate after the applicable requirements and processes have been fulfilled.
Minister of Communication and Informatics Regulation Number 3 of 2024 provides that compliance with Technical Standards for each brand, type, and country of manufacture is conducted through testing. Equipment or devices that have fulfilled the Technical Standards based on test results are evidenced by a Certificate.
Validity Period of Postel Certification for Toy Robots
A Certificate under Minister of Communication and Informatics Regulation Number 3 of 2024 does not have an expiration date. However, the Certificate holder may manufacture, assemble, or import Telecommunications Equipment and/or Telecommunications Devices for trade and/or use in Indonesia for a maximum period of three years from the date the Certificate is issued.
After that period, if 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, toy robot product owners need to pay attention not only to the certificate issuance date, but also to the period during which the product is manufactured, assembled, or imported into Indonesia.
Postel Label on Toy Robots
Products that have obtained a Certificate also have labeling obligations. The label format under Minister of Communication and Informatics Regulation Number 3 of 2024 includes the Certificate number and PLG ID, QR Code, and warning sign in accordance with the applicable requirements.
The label must be placed so that the information can be clearly read. The form and placement medium may be adjusted to the characteristics of the product as long as the applicable requirements are fulfilled.
For small toy robots, assessment of the label medium and placement location should ideally be conducted from the beginning so that the product or packaging design can be adjusted to certification requirements.
Cost of Postel Certification for Toy Robots
The cost of Postel Certification for toy robots may vary depending on product characteristics, wireless technology used, testing requirements, number of types or variants, and applicable technical requirements.
Therefore, costs should not be determined solely based on the category of “toy robot”. A robot using Bluetooth may have different requirements from a robot using WiFi or RF remote control.
In addition to consulting or processing service fees, testing costs and certificate/PNBP fees according to the applicable provisions should also be considered. Minister of Communication and Informatics Regulation Number 3 of 2024 provides for Certificate fees that must be paid according to the Certificate issuance mechanism.
An initial assessment is necessary to determine the scope of work and provide a cost estimate that is more appropriate to the product specifications.
Importance of Assessment Before Importing Toy Robots
Pre-import assessment is very important for importers because wireless products may have different requirements depending on their technical specifications.
Importers should not rely solely on the product name, catalog, or information from the supplier. Technical data such as frequency, transmission power, RF module, antenna, Bluetooth, WiFi, and remote controller need to be reviewed beforehand.
Through a pre-import assessment, importers can determine whether the product requires Postel/DJID Certification, what documents must be prepared, whether testing is required, and how the certification process should be carried out.
This step can also help reduce the risk of problems when the product enters Indonesia or when the product is marketed commercially.
Difference Between Postel Certification and Toy Certification
Postel Certification and toy certification are two different aspects.
Toy certification relates to safety requirements and standards applicable to toy products. Meanwhile, Postel/DJID Certification relates to telecommunications equipment and devices and compliance with technical communication standards, including wireless aspects when a product uses radio technology.
Therefore, a toy robot with wireless functionality may require assessment from two different perspectives. Compliance with toy product requirements does not automatically replace telecommunications certification requirements when the robot has wireless functionality that falls within the certification scope.
Conversely, Postel Certification does not replace safety requirements or other certifications applicable to toy products.
Conclusion
Postel Certification for toy robots needs to be assessed based on the communication technology used, not merely on the product’s classification as a toy. Robots using Bluetooth, WiFi, remote control, RF transmitters, or other wireless technologies need to be examined in terms of frequency, transmission power, RF module, antenna, and applicable technical standards.
Pre-import assessment is an important step to determine the certification requirements accurately. Data such as product photos, brand, model, datasheet, RF specifications, wireless module, remote controller, frequency, and transmission power can be used as the basis for an initial assessment.
By conducting the assessment before the product is imported, importers can prepare documents, testing, and the Postel/DJID Certification process in a more structured manner while reducing the risk of non-compliance when the product is marketed in Indonesia.
Contact Us
Biruni Consulting assists with DJID/SDPPI assessment and certification for toy robots 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 toy robot, 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.
