The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) has transitioned to the National Radio Frequency Plan (NRFP) 2026, which is now managed through the new Electronic Frequency Information System (EFIS). This update is a critical shift for manufacturers, as it replaces the previous 2021 plan and integrates various spectrum migration and assignment gazettes into a single framework.
The NRFP 2026 aligns South Africa more closely with ITU Region 1 standards and provides essential technical requirements for radio apparatus seeking Type Approval. Understanding these changes is vital for R&D teams and compliance managers to ensure uninterrupted market access.
Key Impact Areas:
The NRFP 2026 aligns South Africa more closely with ITU Region 1 standards and provides essential technical requirements for radio apparatus seeking Type Approval. Understanding these changes is vital for R&D teams and compliance managers to ensure uninterrupted market access.
Key Impact Areas:
- WiFi and RLAN: New provisions for the lower 6 GHz band (5925–6425 MHz) for low-power indoor and very low-power applications.
- Mobile Communications (IMT): Refined allocations for 5G (IMT-2020) and LTE services in bands such as 700 MHz, 800 MHz, and 3500 MHz.
- Short Range Devices (SRD): Continued emphasis on the 863–870 MHz band, with specific power limits for RFID and IoT technologies.
- Ultra-Wideband (UWB): Defined spectral density limits for operations between 3.1 GHz and 10.6 GHz.
As South Africa continues to harmonize with European (ETSI) standards while maintaining local variations, manufacturers must ensure their testing strategies reflect the ICASA Official List of Regulated Standards. Early assessment of these changes is recommended to prevent disruptions to supply chain readiness and market entry.
For a full analysis of how the NRFP 2026 impacts your specific product categories, please reach out to Eleos Compliance.
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Eleos Compliance offer international RF, EMC, Safety and Green type approval services for radiocommunications products. Eleos Compliance are a sustainable, values-based business combining extensive experience in the wireless homologation sector with outstanding project management. For full support with your global market access requirements or regulatory intelligence needs please contact us at enquiries@eleoscompliance.com
