Guidelines regarding DJID/SDPPI Postel Certification requirements for remote control toys based certification provisions in Indonesia
Remote control toys are types of toys that can use radio communication between the remote controller and the main toy unit. Examples include remote control cars, remote control boats, remote control airplanes or helicopters, remote control robots, and various other toys controlled wirelessly.
Although their main function is as toys, the presence of a transmitter and receiver means that these products may use radio frequency spectrum. Therefore, determining the need for Postel or DJID certification does not only consider that the product is a toy, but also examines the wireless communication technology used, operating frequency, transmission power, and device characteristics.
The current certification provisions 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. This regulation replaced Minister of Communication and Informatics Regulation Number 16 of 2018.
Are Remote Control Toys Required to Have Postel Certification?
Not every toy can automatically be categorized as requiring or not requiring certification solely based on its product name. For remote control toys, an assessment of the wireless system contained in the product is required.
If a remote control toy uses a radio transmitter to communicate with a remote controller, the wireless device needs to be reviewed against the applicable technical and certification requirements.
Several factors that are generally reviewed include:
- Operating frequency.
- Transmitter power.
- Radio communication technology used.
- Type of transmitter and receiver.
- RF module specifications.
- Number and function of telecommunications features.
- Product brand and type.
- Country of manufacture.
Minister of Communication and Informatics Regulation Number 3 of 2024 stipulates that a certificate is a document stating the conformity of the type of telecommunications equipment or telecommunications device with the established technical standards.
Therefore, determining Postel certification requirements for remote control toys should first be based on an assessment of the product specifications.
Remote Control Toys Using Radio Frequency
In remote control toys, communication between the remote and the toy generally uses radio waves. The remote controller functions as a transmitter, while the toy unit may have a receiver that receives commands from the remote.
The technology used may differ from one product to another. Therefore, two remote control toys with the same function do not necessarily use the same RF specifications.
Frequency, bandwidth, modulation, transmission power, antenna, and other RF characteristics need to be reviewed to determine the applicable technical standards.
The use of radio frequency spectrum based on class licensing covers several device groups, one of which is Short Range Device or SRD. Under the provisions for spectrum use based on class licensing, certain frequency ranges are categorized as SRD.
Low-Power Remote Control Toys
Some remote control toys use transmitters with relatively low transmission power. This condition is important in the assessment because Minister of Communication and Informatics Regulation Number 3 of 2024 specifically regulates other equipment or devices with telecommunications features using transmission power below 10 mW.
For devices with transmission power below 10 mW and only one identical telecommunications feature, one certificate may apply to more than one variant if certain requirements are fulfilled, including the same brand and type of device and the same brand and type of telecommunications equipment or device.
However, this provision does not mean that all remote control toys with power below 10 mW automatically use one certificate. The similarity of brand, type, telecommunications feature, and technical characteristics must still be assessed first.
Remote Control Toys with Bluetooth
If a remote control toy uses Bluetooth as its communication method, the Bluetooth module used needs to be assessed.
The information generally required includes:
- Toy brand and type.
- Bluetooth module brand and type.
- Module datasheet.
- Operating frequency.
- Transmission power.
- Antenna specification.
- Bluetooth version.
- Bluetooth function and configuration in the product.
Bluetooth is a wireless technology that uses radio spectrum, so the presence of a Bluetooth module in a toy needs to be reviewed against the applicable certification requirements.
Remote Control Toys with WiFi
Some modern toys use WiFi so that control is not only performed through a remote controller but can also be performed through a smartphone or application.
For products such as these, the assessment becomes more complex because the device may have additional telecommunications features.
For example, a toy robot may use WiFi to receive commands from a smartphone application, while another product may use Bluetooth or a dedicated radio frequency for its remote controller.
Therefore, products using WiFi need to be assessed based on module specifications, frequency, transmission power, wireless standards, and device configuration.
Does the Remote Controller Also Need to Be Assessed?
Yes. In a Postel assessment, it is not sufficient to examine only the toy unit.
The remote controller also needs to be reviewed because it may be part of the wireless communication system used to control the toy.
For example, one remote control car package may consist of:
a. Car unit.
b. Remote controller.
c. RF receiver in the car.
d. RF transmitter in the remote controller.
From a technical perspective, it is necessary to examine how communication between the transmitter and receiver is performed and what radio specifications are used.
Documents Required for Remote Control Toy Postel Assessment
To conduct an initial assessment, product owners should prepare as much technical information as possible.
Documents generally required include:
- Product photos.
- Remote controller photos.
- Product label photos.
- Brand and model or type.
- Product datasheet.
- RF module datasheet.
- Frequency specifications.
- Transmission power.
- Antenna specification.
- RF test report, if available.
- User manual, if available.
- Country of manufacture information.
If the product uses a Bluetooth or WiFi module, the wireless module datasheet should also be provided because this information can help with the assessment process.
Is an RF Module That Already Has Certification Exempt from Certification?
Not necessarily.
The existence of an RF module that already has a certificate or has met certain requirements does not automatically mean that the entire remote control toy is exempt from certification requirements.
The assessment must examine how the module is used in the final product, including its configuration, antenna, transmission power, frequency, and telecommunications features.
This is important because certification relates to the type of telecommunications equipment or device and its conformity with the applicable technical standards.
Can Several Remote Control Toy Variants Use One Certificate?
This may be possible, but it cannot automatically be assumed for all products.
Minister of Communication and Informatics Regulation Number 3 of 2024 provides that for other equipment and/or devices with telecommunications features using transmission power below 10 mW and only one identical telecommunications feature, one certificate may apply to more than one variant as long as the brand and type requirements specified in the regulation are fulfilled.
Therefore, if a company has several remote control toy models, each model should first be assessed before determining the number of certificates required.
Differences in Frequency and Transmission Power in Remote Control Toys
Frequency and transmission power are two important parameters in the assessment.
For example, two remote control toys may both use radio transmitters but operate at different frequencies and transmission power levels. Such conditions may result in different technical treatment and testing requirements.
Therefore, information such as “remote control” alone is not sufficient to determine certification requirements. RF technical data must first be reviewed.
Remote Control Toy Postel Certification Process
In general, the process can begin with an assessment of the product and wireless specifications.
The stages may include:
- Collecting product photos and information.
- Reviewing RF specifications.
- Reviewing operating frequency.
- Reviewing transmission power.
- Reviewing wireless modules.
- Determining technical standards and testing requirements.
- Preparing certification documents.
- Testing if required.
- Submitting the certification application.
- Issuing the certificate if all requirements are fulfilled.
Minister of Communication and Informatics Regulation Number 3 of 2024 provides that compliance with technical standards is carried out through testing, with provisions concerning testing laboratories as regulated in the regulation.
Validity Period of Remote Control Toy Postel Certification
Under Minister of Communication and Informatics Regulation Number 3 of 2024, a certificate does not have a validity period. However, the manufacture, assembly, or importation of equipment and/or devices for trade or use is subject to a specified period based on the certificate.
The regulation provides that 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 provisions.
Postel Labeling on Remote Control Toys
Remote control toys that have obtained certification must also comply with labeling requirements.
Minister of Communication and Informatics Regulation Number 3 of 2024 regulates labels that include the certificate number, PLG ID, QR Code, and warning sign according to the prescribed format.
The placement of the label should be considered so that the information remains readable and can be used during supervision.
Remote Control Toy Postel Certification Costs
Postel certification costs should not be determined solely based on the number of toys or product units.
Costs may be associated with assessment, testing, certification submission, and PNBP components according to the applicable provisions. Minister of Communication and Informatics Regulation Number 3 of 2024 also states that certificate issuance is subject to PNBP.
To determine a more accurate cost estimate, the specifications of each remote control toy should first be reviewed, especially when there are several models, frequencies, modules, or different wireless configurations.
Importance of Postel Assessment Before Importing Remote Control Toys
Before importing products in large quantities, product owners should conduct an assessment first.
This is important because remote control toys can have different wireless configurations. Errors in determining certification requirements can cause import and marketing processes to encounter obstacles.
An initial assessment can be conducted by preparing:
a. Photos of the toy and remote controller.
b. Brand and model.
c. Product datasheet.
d. RF or wireless module datasheet.
e. Operating frequency.
f. Transmission power.
g. Country of manufacture information.
With this data, DJID/SDPPI Postel certification requirements can be assessed based on the product’s technical characteristics, rather than solely on the toy’s name or category.
Conclusion
Postel rules for remote control toys are essentially related to the use of radio communication technology in the product. Because remote control toys may use different frequencies, transmission power levels, RF modules, Bluetooth, WiFi, and other wireless technologies, their certification requirements need to be determined through a technical assessment.
The main regulation currently governing certification is Minister of Communication and Informatics Regulation Number 3 of 2024 concerning Certification of Telecommunications Equipment and/or Telecommunications Devices. Meanwhile, spectrum use based on class licensing is among others regulated under Minister of Communication and Informatics Regulation Number 2 of 2023.
By conducting an assessment before importing, companies can determine certification requirements, documents, testing, and potential product variant grouping more accurately.
Contact Us
Biruni Consulting assists with DJID/SDPPI assessment and certification for remote control toys 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 toy, you can prepare product photos, brand, model, datasheet, RF specifications, and wireless module datasheet for an initial assessment of the Postel Certification requirements.
