In terms of the provisions of Section 5(q) of the Telecommunication Act, Terminal Equipment requires Type Approval from the Commission. Schedule 2 of System Licence issued to operators, authorizes the connection of telecommunication apparatus which is of a type approved by the Commission.

2. Categories of Terminal Equipment which need type approval

( a ). Telephone Instruments

( b ). Fax machines

( c ). PABXs

( d ). Modems.

( e ). Cordless Telephones(checked for frequency, base station output power and range)

( f ). Any other Customer Premises Equipment to be connected to the Licensed Network.

3. Type Approval Procedure

( i ). Applications for type approval should be made in the form issued for that purpose by the Commission.

( ii ). Initially permission will be granted to import only a sample unit.

( iii ). Sample equipment should be submitted along with the completed type approval application form.

( iv ). Commission will require a minimum of 02 - 04 weeks time to test and grant type approval.

( v ). Any future changes in models, design etc. will require fresh type approval from the Commission.

4. Granting Provisional and Full Type Approval

( i ). If the sample complies with the basic requirements for type approval, provisional type approval will be granted for a period of 06 months. During this time, periodic inspection and reports from users and the public will be entertained regarding the working and the maintenance of the equipment.

( ii ). It may be possible to get an extensions of the provisional type approval for another 06 months, depending on the type of complaints received.

( iii ). Depending on satisfactory performance of the particular equipment including the after sales service the provisional type approval could be converted to full type approval.

( iv ). Full Type Approval will be generally for a period of 05 years, subject to satisfactory operation including after sales maintenance.

3. Custom Clearance

1. Relevant particulars should be submitted along with the invoice.

2. The imported telecommunication apparatus should be type approved by the Commission, the importer should be in possession of a valid Vendor Licence .

3. Custom Duty is charged for Electrical apparatus for line telephony or line telegraphy, including line telephone sets with cordless handsets and telecommunication apparatus for carrier-current line systems or for digital line systems; videophones.as follows (specified in the GAZETTE EXTRAORDINARY OF THE DEMOCRATIC SOCIALIST REPUBLIC OF SRI LANKA 15.02.2000),

Telephone sets;videophones;Line telephone sets with cordless handsets & other Rate

of Duty Preferential: 4.75% General 05%

Facsimile machines and teleprinters;Facsimile machines,Teleprinters, Telephonic or telegraphic switching apparatus, other apparatus, for carrier-current line systems or for digital line systems, other apparatus & Parts Rate of Duty Preferential:Free; General Free

4. Duty exception for machinery,equipment and accessories, required for the provision of a Telecommunication Service by licensed operators, imported subject to approval by the Secretary to the Treasury.