CRAN boosts NamRA compliance
Training for customs officials
The training sessions will focus on reducing issues related to detained goods and exemption letters for non-regulated devices, among other things.
The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) has launched a capacity-building initiative to enhance compliance with type approval regulations for telecommunications equipment.
The initiative, in collaboration with the Namibia Revenue Agency (NamRA), seeks to equip customs officials with the knowledge and tools needed to ensure imported telecommunications devices meet Namibia’s technical and safety standards.
Type approval is a critical regulatory process that ensures electronic devices entering Namibia operate safely and efficiently within the country’s telecommunications network. This process helps prevent interference, protects consumer safety, and upholds the integrity of national telecom infrastructure.
The training programme began in September with sessions in Windhoek, followed by workshops in Swakopmund and Walvis Bay. A recent session took place at the Trans Kalahari border post with plans to expand the training to other key border posts and regional offices in 2025, including the border posts at Katima Mulilo, Oshikango, Ngoma, Impalila Island, Mohembo, Katwitwi and Sarusungu as well as Rundu and Oshakati regional offices.
Equipping staff
The sessions focus on educating customs officials and clearing agents about the type approval process, exempted equipment and the importance of compliance. Interactive workshops, stakeholder engagement and regional awareness campaigns are central components of the training, aimed at fostering consistent understanding and reducing issues related to detained goods and exemption letters for non-regulated devices.
“This initiative ensures that customs officials are well-equipped to handle the complexities of type approval, which is essential for safeguarding our telecommunications infrastructure and protecting consumers,” a CRAN spokesperson said.
In the coming financial year, CRAN will continue to work closely with NamRA to expand the programme, provide ongoing support at border posts, and ensure all imported telecommunications equipment aligns with Namibian standards. Through this collaborative effort, CRAN aims to streamline compliance, reduce delays in equipment clearance, and promote a robust and secure telecommunications environment across Namibia.
The initiative, in collaboration with the Namibia Revenue Agency (NamRA), seeks to equip customs officials with the knowledge and tools needed to ensure imported telecommunications devices meet Namibia’s technical and safety standards.
Type approval is a critical regulatory process that ensures electronic devices entering Namibia operate safely and efficiently within the country’s telecommunications network. This process helps prevent interference, protects consumer safety, and upholds the integrity of national telecom infrastructure.
The training programme began in September with sessions in Windhoek, followed by workshops in Swakopmund and Walvis Bay. A recent session took place at the Trans Kalahari border post with plans to expand the training to other key border posts and regional offices in 2025, including the border posts at Katima Mulilo, Oshikango, Ngoma, Impalila Island, Mohembo, Katwitwi and Sarusungu as well as Rundu and Oshakati regional offices.
Equipping staff
The sessions focus on educating customs officials and clearing agents about the type approval process, exempted equipment and the importance of compliance. Interactive workshops, stakeholder engagement and regional awareness campaigns are central components of the training, aimed at fostering consistent understanding and reducing issues related to detained goods and exemption letters for non-regulated devices.
“This initiative ensures that customs officials are well-equipped to handle the complexities of type approval, which is essential for safeguarding our telecommunications infrastructure and protecting consumers,” a CRAN spokesperson said.
In the coming financial year, CRAN will continue to work closely with NamRA to expand the programme, provide ongoing support at border posts, and ensure all imported telecommunications equipment aligns with Namibian standards. Through this collaborative effort, CRAN aims to streamline compliance, reduce delays in equipment clearance, and promote a robust and secure telecommunications environment across Namibia.
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