The Communications Regulatory Authority (CRA) has issued 35 written violation notices to shops selling telecommunications devices and equipment without the required license following its first round of inspections for 2018 held last month.
The inspection was conducted by CRA’s technical inspectors to detect and to take appropriate actions towards shops that illegally sell or use radio and telecommunications devices and equipment (RTTE).
The inspection covered 78 shops and showrooms, targeting popular locations that sell these devices, including malls, souks, commercial areas, as well as neighborhood grocery stores. The CRA said the percentage of the violations detected reached 45%.
“Inspections are an important part of CRA’s role to protect consumers and ensuring that they get certified telecommunications devices from licensed shops. Consumers may lose their rights if they buy telecommunications devices and equipment from unlicensed shops,” said CRA Public Relations & Communications manager Faisal Ali al-Shuaibi.
The notices issued were for a range of violations, the most common was selling mobile phones without valid license or authorisation from the CRA. The notice requires non-compliant shops to regularise their license in a specified period to avoid legal action. Other violations included selling RTTE equipment without having Type Approval Certificate from CRA, selling illegal equipment, and incorrect business license.
Commercially registered companies in Qatar that want to import RTTE equipment are required to get the necessary prior approvals from CRA, including import authorisation license, type approval certificate, and customs clearance certificate.
Approvals are mandatory to ensure the equipment meets certain safety and technical standards. RTTE equipment includes, but is not limited to, mobile phones, wireless local area networks, and short range devices, among others.
Anyone residing in Qatar can request a CRA inspection if they suspect a business is selling or using unauthorised radio and telecommunications devices and equipment at any location in the country. To request an inspection or to apply for an import authorisation, type approval, and customs clearance certificate, email the CRA at [email protected] or call the CRA’s hotline number, 103.