Regulatory Updates for Kuwait

Type approval in Kuwait

In Kuwait, CITRA refers to the Communication and Information Technology Regulatory Authority. CITRA is the government body responsible for regulating the communications and information technology (ICT) sector in Kuwait, overseeing a wide range of activities related to telecommunications, internet services, broadcasting, and technology infrastructure.

CITRA Approval in Kuwait

CITRA approval refers to the authorization granted by CITRA for various types of services, activities, or equipment that fall under its regulatory scope. This approval is necessary to ensure compliance with national laws and standards set by CITRA in the ICT sector. Below are some key areas where CITRA approval is required:

1. Licensing of Telecommunication Services

Telecom Operators and ISPs: Companies wishing to offer telecommunication services, such as mobile network services, fixed-line services, and internet services, need to obtain a CITRA license. This approval ensures that the company complies with technical standards, consumer protection regulations, and legal requirements in Kuwait.
Service Providers: Any business or entity wishing to provide telecommunication services (including VoIP or internet services) must seek CITRA approval to ensure they operate within the established legal framework.

2. Importing and Selling Telecommunications Equipment

Equipment Certification: Before telecommunications equipment (such as routers, modems,

mobile phones, and other communication devices) can be sold or used in Kuwait, it must

be certified by CITRA. This includes ensuring that the equipment complies with local

technical standards and does not interfere with the operation of the national telecom

infrastructure or radio spectrum.
Radio Frequency Equipment: If a company or individual wishes to import or operate

devices that utilize radio frequencies (e.g., walkie-talkies, wireless communication devices),

they must receive CITRA approval to ensure that these devices comply with spectrum

management regulations.

3. Approval for Broadcasting and Media Services

CITRA oversees regulations for television and radio broadcasting. Companies wishing to operate broadcast services, including satellite or terrestrial channels, must seek CITRA approval.
OTT Services: Over-the-top (OTT) media services, such as streaming platforms or IPTV services, may also require CITRA approval, particularly when it involves providing content over the internet.

4. Spectrum Management and Frequency Allocation

CITRA is responsible for the allocation and management of the radio frequency spectrum in Kuwait. Any entity wishing to use radio frequencies for telecom or broadcast purposes must apply for approval from CITRA to ensure that the frequency does not interfere with other services or national security.

5. Approval for Digital Services and Infrastructure

Internet Services: Any entity providing internet services or broadband infrastructure (e.g., fiber-optic networks) must receive CITRA approval, ensuring they meet national standards for performance, coverage, and security.
Cloud Services & Data Centers: Companies offering cloud computing, data center services, or other digital infrastructure services may require CITRA approval, particularly when it comes to compliance with data protection and cybersecurity regulations.

6. Cybersecurity and Data Protection

CITRA is also involved in regulating cybersecurity measures and the protection of personal

data. Businesses providing digital services or handling sensitive data may require CITRA

approval to ensure their compliance with data protection laws, encryption standards, and

cybersecurity best practices.

7. Telecom and IT Contracts and Agreements

CITRA approval may be required for certain contracts or agreements related to the telecom

or IT sector. This could include agreements between service providers, infrastructure

sharing, or agreements with international partners.

Field test samples are allowed prior to a type approval certificate being issued by CITRA, however there is a chance that samples could get held up in Customs. There is no specific reason other than Custom’s does this sometimes. If you decide to send in samples for field trials in Kuwait prior to obtaining a type approval certificate from CITRA, it would be best to have someone monitoring it and following up with Customs. You probably have a field office that could handle this for you.

CITRA type approval in Kuwait requires acceptable CE reports.
Iridium technology not allowed.
Lead time is approximately 4-6 weeks from the time all documents have been collected.
The CITRA certificate is valid for 3 years.

Kuwait Regulatory Approval Overview

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Kuwait CITRA label requirements:

There are currently no marking requirements for Kuwait but the FCC or CE markings are advised.

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Frequencies allowed in Kuwait:

Please note that the 902Mhz-928Mhz is not allowed for ZIGBEE Module.

They will consider 868Mhz band after reviewing the full TCF File.

Please note there is alternative allowed band of 2400Mhz-2483.5Mhz.

Contact CSIA for a more detailed list of frequencies allowed in Kuwait.

Kuwait

Kuwait is located in the Middle East.

The current population as of 2024 is 4,967,818.

Modern Standard Arabic is Kuwait's official language, Kuwaiti Arabic is preferred for everyday life in the country.

CSIA can provide supporting services should your company not be able to meet

country specific requirements such as a local representative, local certificate holder, translating documents into the native language, etc.

Contact one of our friendly associates today, they are happy to assist you!

CSIA also offers FCC Certifications, CE Certifications, ISED Canada.

Contact CSIA at (503) 482 9289 or quotes@csiassoc.com

February 2024

Data privacy protection regulation
CITRA's Resolution No. 26 of 2024, published in February 2024, updates the country's data privacy framework for IT and telecommunications service providers. This regulation replaces the previous Data Privacy Protection Regulation No. 42 of 2021. The new regulation aims to protect the rights of individuals and ensure that personal data is processed in a fair, transparent, and lawful manner.

September 2024
3G network phase out
CITRA's regulatory resolution number 2024/278, published in September 2024, announced that the 3G network will be phased out by June 1, 2025. This will allow CITRA to focus on expanding and enhancing 4G and 5G services.

September 2021

The Communication and Information Technology Regulatory Authority (CITRA) of Kuwait has announced that there have been some changes to the type approval and certification process. One of those changes is that type approval certificates issued by CITRA will now be valid for 3 years instead of the previous 1 year. All current certificates will be updated to indicate a 3 years validity when they are renewed. Contact CSIA for more information on this change as well as any other questions you may have for your Global Market Access.

March 2021

The Communication and Information Technology Regulatory Authority (CITRA) of Kuwait has issued the technical standards for Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) equipment connected to a public telecommunication network.

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