Starting February 2026, all short-range devices commercialized in Chile must include a specific QR code on their packaging. This is one of the most significant innovations of SUBTEL Resolution 737. But what should this QR code contain? Where should it be located? What technical specifications must it meet?
With 21 years of experience in SUBTEL certification, at Certificación Telecom we are among the first to implement the compliant QR code system. In this guide we explain everything you need to know.
⚠️ Deadline: February 22, 2026
From this date, all WiFi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, RFID, and similar devices commercialized in Chile must have the mandatory QR code on their packaging. Without it, they cannot be legally sold.
Why mandatory QR codes?
Resolution 737 marks a radical change in how SUBTEL regulates short-range devices. Instead of the traditional certification process (which could take weeks or months), now importers declare conformity and provide all technical information via a QR code.
Benefits of the QR code system:
- Digital traceability: SUBTEL can inspect devices by scanning the QR at any point of sale
- Accessible information: Consumers and inspectors instantly access technical data
- Simplified process: Formal certification no longer required for most devices
- Dynamic updates: Online information can be updated without repackaging products
- Reduced paperwork: Less bureaucracy, more agility for importers
Which devices require mandatory QR code?
According to Resolution 737, the following short-range devices must include QR code:
- WiFi devices (802.11 all variants): routers, access points, IoT devices
- Bluetooth devices (Classic and BLE): headphones, speakers, wearables
- Zigbee devices (802.15.4): sensors, home automation, smart lighting
- RFID devices (LF, HF, UHF): readers and active tags
- Other ISM protocols: Z-Wave, Thread, LoRa, NFC
- Multi-radio devices (e.g., WiFi + Bluetooth)
✅ Important exception
Medical devices classified in sections (g) and (h) of Resolution 737 still require traditional SUBTEL certification and cannot use only the QR code system. These include implantable medical devices, vital monitors, and critical hospital equipment.
Technical specifications of the QR code
Not just any QR code is valid. SUBTEL establishes specific requirements you must meet:
Mandatory QR code specifications:
❌ Errors that invalidate your QR code
- QR too small (less than 2 cm) - won't scan reliably
- Low contrast (gray on white, light colors) - makes scanning difficult
- No quiet zone (QR stuck to other elements) - causes read errors
- Low-quality printing (less than 300 DPI) - blurry pixels
- Removable or temporary sticker - SUBTEL may consider this as "no QR"
Mandatory content the QR code must contain
The QR code must link to a web page (URL) containing the following structured information:
1. Device information
- Brand and model: Exact device identification
- Device type: WiFi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, RFID, etc.
- Serial number or range: Batch traceability
- Functional description: What the device is used for (router, headphone, sensor, etc.)
2. Radiofrequency technical specifications
- Frequency band(s): E.g., 2400-2483.5 MHz, 5150-5850 MHz
- Transmission power: In dBm or mW
- EIRP (Effective Radiated Power): In dBm
- Protocol(s): 802.11ac, Bluetooth 5.0, Zigbee 3.0, etc.
- Channel width: If applicable (20/40/80 MHz for WiFi)
3. Responsible party information (importer/manufacturer)
- Name or business name: Responsible company in Chile
- Tax ID: Tax identification number
- Address in Chile: Legal domicile of responsible party
- Contact: Email and phone for inquiries
- Website: Corporate URL (optional but recommended)
4. Supporting technical documentation
- Declaration of conformity: Signed document declaring regulatory compliance
- International certificates: FCC, CE, IC, or others (if applicable)
- RF test report: Test report from accredited laboratory
- User manual: In Spanish or translated
- Block diagram: Device technical architecture
- Internal photographs: If available from international certification
5. Regulatory information
- Resolution 737 reference: Explicit mention of compliance
- Commercialization date: Since when it's available in Chile
- Declaration validity: Validity of presented information
💡 Professional tip: At Certificación Telecom we create professional compliance pages, hosting included, with all this information structured according to SUBTEL specifications. Just send us your documentation and we generate your ready page + optimized QR code.
Where to place the QR code on packaging?
QR code placement is critical. SUBTEL can inspect at any point of sale, and if the QR is not accessible, the device is considered "without QR code."
Valid locations:
- Back of box: Most common location, alongside regulatory information
- Side panel of box: Valid if clearly visible without opening packaging
- Bottom panel: Acceptable, but less recommended (harder to scan on shelf)
- Front panel: Valid, but may affect packaging design
NOT valid locations:
- ❌ Inside the box: Would require opening packaging to scan
- ❌ On device itself (only): Must be on outer packaging
- ❌ Hidden under removable stickers: Doesn't meet durability requirement
- ❌ In internal user manual: Not accessible without opening
📦 Design recommendation
Place the QR code on the back of the box, near importer information and technical specifications. Include text like:
"Complies with SUBTEL Resolution 737
Scan for technical information"
[QR CODE HERE]
How to generate your compliant QR code
Generating the QR code technically is simple, but making it SUBTEL-compliant requires following specific steps:
Option 1: Do it yourself (advanced)
- Create your compliance page: Website with all required information (see list above)
- Get permanent URL: Stable domain (don't use temporary URLs or shorteners)
- Generate the QR code:
- Use professional QR generator (qr-code-generator.com, qrcode.com, or libraries like qrcode.js)
- Select error correction level: Q (25%) or higher
- Generate in vector format (SVG, EPS) for scalable printing
- Also export to PNG/JPG at minimum 1000x1000 px (300 DPI at final size)
- Validate the code: Test scanning with multiple devices (iPhone, Android, professional QR readers)
- Integrate in packaging design: Respecting size and quiet zone specifications
- Print test: Print sample and verify scanning before mass production
Option 2: Professional service (recommended)
At Certificación Telecom we offer complete service:
- Creation of professional compliance page according to SUBTEL specifications
- Permanent and secure hosting (doesn't depend on your infrastructure)
- Generation of optimized QR code in all necessary formats
- Scanning validation on multiple devices
- Print-ready files (vector + raster)
- Support for updates if you change information
Delivery time: 3-5 business days with complete documentation.
Cost: From $300,000 CLP (includes page + QR + hosting for 1 year).
Common errors when implementing QR codes
1. Using URL shorteners (bit.ly, tinyurl, etc.)
Problem: SUBTEL requires permanent URLs. Shorteners can expire, change ownership, or be blocked.
Solution: Use your own domain with a clear URL: https://yourcompany.com/subtel/model-123
2. Compliance page without complete information
Problem: Creating a page with only basic data (brand, model) without technical supporting documentation.
Solution: Include ALL required information: RF specifications, declaration of conformity, responsible contact, downloadable PDF documents.
3. QR pointing to general corporate website
Problem: QR leading to "www.company.com" instead of device-specific page.
Solution: Each model must have its own specific URL with product technical information.
4. Not testing scanning before mass printing
Problem: Discovering the QR doesn't scan reliably after printing 10,000 boxes.
Solution: ALWAYS print a test sample and scan with multiple devices before mass production.
5. Forgetting to keep the page active
Problem: Domain expires, hosting expires, or page is accidentally deleted.
Solution: Configure automatic domain and hosting renewal. Monitor that URL remains active (uptime monitoring).
What happens if I don't include the QR code?
Starting February 22, 2026, commercializing short-range devices without the mandatory QR code is a serious violation of SUBTEL regulations.
Consequences:
- Fines: Up to 1,000 UTM (approximately $60 million CLP) under General Telecommunications Law
- Seizure: SUBTEL can confiscate devices without QR at points of sale or customs
- Commercialization ban: Market withdrawal order
- Importer responsibility: Legal responsible party in Chile assumes all consequences
- Reputational damage: Public inspections affect brand image
⚠️ SUBTEL can inspect at any time
Inspections can occur at:
- Points of sale (retail, physical stores, distributors)
- Customs (at time of import)
- Wholesale distributor warehouses
- Through undercover purchases (mystery shopping)
Frequently asked questions about SUBTEL QR codes
Does the QR code completely replace traditional certification?
Yes, for most short-range devices (WiFi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, non-medical RFID). Only medical devices classified in sections (g) and (h) still require traditional SUBTEL certification.
Can I use the same QR for multiple models?
No. Each model or variant must have its own QR code pointing to specific information for that device. If only exterior color changes without RF changes, you can use the same QR mentioning variants on the page.
What happens if I update the device firmware?
If firmware only modifies application functionality (without changing RF parameters), you don't need to change the QR. If you change radiofrequency parameters, you must update the information on your compliance page.
Must the QR work without internet?
No. The QR points to an online URL, so the inspector will need internet connection to access the information. SUBTEL assumes inspectors will have connectivity.
Can I include the QR only on the device and not on the box?
It's not sufficient. The QR must be on the outer packaging to be accessible without opening the product. You can include an additional QR on the device as redundancy, but the packaging one is mandatory.
How long must I keep the QR page active?
While the device is in the Chilean market + at least 2 additional years for already sold devices. We recommend maintaining it permanently.
Need to generate compliant QR codes for Resolution 737?
With 21 years of experience, we help you create your professional compliance page, generate optimized QR codes, and ensure you comply 100% with SUBTEL regulations.
Related resources
- SUBTEL Resolution 737: complete guide 2026 - Analysis of new regulations
- How to certify short-range devices in Chile - Step-by-step process
- WiFi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, and RFID Certification - Technical differences
- Official text Resolution 737 - National Congress Library
- Official SUBTEL - Subsecretariat of Telecommunications
Last updated: October 18, 2025
Author: Certificación Telecom - SUBTEL regulatory compliance specialists since 2004