Guidelines on DJID/SDPPI Certification requirements for remote control cars based on testing in Indonesia
Remote control cars are toys controlled using a remote controller through wireless communication. In this system, the remote controller generally has a transmitter that sends commands, while the car has a receiver that receives the signals to move the motor and perform other functions.
Because communication uses radio waves, remote control cars need to be assessed against applicable telecommunications requirements. The assessment is not only based on the product’s function as a toy, but also on its wireless technology, frequency, transmission power, RF module, and other technical characteristics.
The current certification requirements for telecommunications equipment and/or telecommunications devices refer to Minister of Communication and Informatics Regulation Number 3 of 2024 concerning Certification of Telecommunications Equipment and/or Telecommunications Devices.
Are Remote Control Cars Required to Have Postel Certification?
Remote control cars cannot be directly declared as requiring or not requiring Postel Certification solely based on the product name.
An assessment is required to determine whether the wireless communication system in the car and remote controller falls under equipment or device certification requirements.
Several parameters that need to be examined include:
- Operating frequency.
- Transmission power.
- Wireless communication technology.
- Type of transmitter and receiver.
- RF module used.
- Antenna used.
- Number of telecommunications features.
- Product brand and type.
- Country of manufacture.
By conducting an assessment based on this information, DJID/SDPPI Postel Certification requirements can be determined more accurately.
Wireless System in Remote Control Cars
A remote control car system basically consists of two main parts: the remote controller and the car unit.
The remote controller sends commands through a transmitter, while the receiver in the car receives the signal and forwards it to the vehicle control system.
For example, when the user presses the forward button on the remote controller, the transmitter sends a specific radio signal. The receiver in the car then receives the signal and the control system activates the motor to move the car forward.
Because this process uses radio communication, RF specifications are an important part of the Postel assessment.
Remote Control Car Frequency
Frequency is one of the main pieces of information that needs to be examined when assessing a remote control car.
Each product may use different frequency configurations. In addition to frequency, bandwidth, modulation, transmission power, antenna, and other RF parameters also need to be examined.
Therefore, the information “remote control car” alone is not sufficient to determine certification requirements. Datasheets or specifications for the transmitter and receiver are very helpful in determining the appropriate technical treatment.
Remote Control Cars with Low Transmission Power
Many remote control cars use transmitters with relatively low transmission power because communication is only required within a certain range.
Minister of Communication and Informatics Regulation Number 3 of 2024 contains specific provisions for other equipment and/or devices with telecommunications features using transmission power below 10 mW and only one identical telecommunications feature.
Under certain conditions, one certificate may apply to more than one variant if the requirements specified in the regulation are fulfilled.
However, a remote control car with transmission power below 10 mW does not automatically mean that it is exempt from Postel Certification. Transmission power is one parameter in the assessment and must be considered together with frequency, telecommunications features, brand, type, and other device characteristics.
Remote Control Cars with Bluetooth
Some modern remote control cars may use Bluetooth as their wireless communication technology, particularly when the product can be controlled using a smartphone or application.
If Bluetooth is used, the assessment should include information regarding:
a. Bluetooth module brand and type.
b. Bluetooth version.
c. Operating frequency.
d. Transmission power.
e. Antenna.
f. Module datasheet.
g. Bluetooth configuration in the remote control car.
The use of a Bluetooth module also needs to be assessed based on its implementation in the final product.
Remote Control Cars with WiFi
In addition to Bluetooth, some remote control cars use WiFi and can be controlled through a smartphone.
Products such as these have different characteristics from remote control cars that only use a dedicated transmitter and receiver.
If the car uses WiFi, the assessment needs to consider:
- WiFi standard used.
- Operating frequency.
- Bandwidth.
- Transmission power.
- Antenna.
- WiFi module.
- WiFi communication function.
- Country of manufacture.
The more complex the wireless features of the product, the more important it is to examine the technical specifications before determining certification requirements.
Is the Remote Controller Included in the Assessment?
Yes.
The remote controller is an important part of the remote control car communication system. Because the remote controller can function as a transmitter, it needs to be considered during the assessment.
The following documents or information should be available:
- Remote controller photos.
- Remote controller label photos.
- Transmitter datasheet.
- Operating frequency.
- Transmission power.
- Antenna specification.
- RF module information, if a module is used.
The assessment should cover the overall system, namely the remote controller and the car unit.
Documents Required for Remote Control Car Postel Assessment
For an initial assessment, companies should prepare the following documents and information:
- Remote control car photos.
- Remote controller photos.
- Product label photos.
- Brand.
- Model or type.
- Product datasheet.
- RF module datasheet.
- Operating frequency.
- Transmission power.
- Antenna specification.
- RF test report, if available.
- User manual, if available.
- Country of manufacture.
If the product has Bluetooth or WiFi, the wireless module datasheet should also be prepared.
Is an RF Module with Existing Certification Sufficient?
Not necessarily.
If the remote control car uses an RF module that already has certification, this still needs to be assessed in the context of the final product.
The assessment needs to examine how the module is installed and used, including antenna configuration, transmission power, frequency, and communication functions in the remote control car.
Therefore, the certification or compliance status of the module cannot automatically be considered a substitute for assessment of the final product.
Can Several Remote Control Car Models Use One Certificate?
This possibility needs to be assessed based on the characteristics of each product.
Minister of Communication and Informatics Regulation Number 3 of 2024 provides provisions concerning the use of one certificate for more than one variant under certain conditions, particularly for other equipment and/or devices with telecommunications features using transmission power below 10 mW and only one identical telecommunications feature.
Therefore, if there are several remote control car models, it needs to be examined whether those models have the same brand, type, wireless module, telecommunications features, frequency, transmission power, and other technical characteristics.
Remote Control Car Postel Certification Process
The process can begin with an assessment of the car and remote controller.
The general stages include:
- Collecting product photos and information.
- Examining the transmitter and receiver.
- Examining the RF module.
- Examining the frequency.
- Examining transmission power.
- Examining the antenna.
- Determining technical standards.
- Determining testing requirements.
- Preparing certification documents.
- Conducting testing if required.
- Submitting the certification application.
- Issuing the certificate if all requirements are fulfilled.
The process needs to be adjusted according to the technical characteristics of each product.
Validity Period of Remote Control Car Postel Certification
Under Minister of Communication and Informatics Regulation Number 3 of 2024, certificates do not have a validity period.
However, there are provisions concerning the manufacture, assembly, or importation of equipment and/or devices for trade or use. Such activities may be carried out for a maximum of three years from the date the certificate is issued.
After that period expires, a new certificate based on testing is required in accordance with the applicable requirements.
Postel Labeling on Remote Control Cars
Remote control cars that have obtained certification must also comply with labeling requirements.
Under Minister of Communication and Informatics Regulation Number 3 of 2024, certification labeling includes the certificate number, PLG ID, QR Code, and warning sign according to the applicable provisions.
The label placement must comply with the requirements so that the information can be read and used for identification and supervision.
Remote Control Car Postel Certification Costs
Postel Certification costs for remote control cars cannot be determined solely based on the number of car units.
Costs may relate to assessment, testing, certification processing, and applicable PNBP.
If a company has several remote control car models, the certification requirements and costs should be determined after reviewing the specifications of each product.
Therefore, an assessment should be conducted first before determining the overall cost estimate.
Importance of Assessment Before Importing Remote Control Cars
Assessment before importation is important to ensure that remote control cars comply with the applicable requirements.
Products with the same appearance may have different wireless systems. Conversely, several models with different designs may use the same RF module and system.
For an initial assessment, companies can prepare:
a. Remote control car photos.
b. Remote controller photos.
c. Brand and model.
d. Product datasheet.
e. RF module datasheet.
f. Operating frequency.
g. Transmission power.
h. Antenna specification.
i. Country of manufacture information.
With this information, DJID/SDPPI Postel Certification requirements can be analyzed based on the technical characteristics of the product.
Conclusion
Postel requirements for remote control cars are related to the use of wireless communication systems between the remote controller and the car unit. Because the system uses a radio transmitter and receiver, certification requirements need to be assessed based on frequency, transmission power, wireless technology, RF module, antenna, and telecommunications features used.
Remote control cars with low transmission power are not automatically exempt from certification. Specifically, for devices with transmission power below 10 mW and one identical telecommunications feature, certain provisions apply regarding the possibility of using one certificate for several variants when all requirements are fulfilled.
Therefore, before importing and marketing remote control cars in Indonesia, a Postel assessment should first be conducted so that certification requirements, technical standards, documents, and testing can be determined accurately.
Contact Us
Biruni Consulting assists with DJID/SDPPI assessment and certification for remote control cars and various wireless products that will be imported or marketed in Indonesia.
Our services include:
- Assessment of DJID/SDPPI certification requirements.
- Bluetooth module assessment.
- RF specification review.
- Frequency and transmission power analysis.
- Technical document review.
- Certification document preparation.
- Testing coordination where required.
- DJID/SDPPI Certification assistance.
If you have a remote control car, you can prepare product photos, brand, model, datasheet, RF specifications, and wireless module datasheet for an initial assessment of the Postel Certification requirements.
