SUBTEL Exempt Resolution 737 marks a fundamental change in how short-range devices are certified in Chile. Starting February 22, 2026, all manufacturers and importers of WiFi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, RFID and IoT devices must adapt to a new system based on self-declaration and mandatory QR codes.
In this comprehensive guide, we explain everything you need to know about Resolution 737: what changes, who is affected, what technical requirements you must meet, and how to prepare for the regulation's effective date.
1. What is SUBTEL Resolution 737?
Exempt Resolution 737, approved on May 13, 2025 and published on May 22, 2025 by the Undersecretary of Telecommunications (SUBTEL), is a substantial modification to Resolution 1,985 of 2017, which regulates short-range devices (also known as "Short-Range Devices" or SRD) in Chile.
Main Objective: Simplify and modernize the certification process for most short-range devices, eliminating the mandatory SUBTEL formal certification requirement for non-medical devices, and replacing it with a technical self-declaration system with mandatory QR codes.
What are short-range devices?
Short-range devices are electronic devices that use radio frequency to communicate at short distances, typically with low power. They include everyday technologies such as:
- WiFi: routers, access points, IoT devices
- Bluetooth: headphones, speakers, wearables, wireless keyboards
- Zigbee: home automation sensors, smart lighting systems
- RFID: tags, access control readers, inventory labels
- Remote controls: alarms, garage doors, security systems
- IoT devices: environmental sensors, smart meters
2. Background and motivation for the regulation
The previous regime: Resolution 1,985 of 2017
Since 2017, all short-range devices in Chile had to obtain formal SUBTEL certification before commercialization under Resolution 1,985 of 2017. This system established technical limits for radio emissions, permitted bands, power levels and other technical parameters.
While this regulatory framework served its purpose for years, it began showing limitations given the exponential growth of connected electronic devices.
Why was the regulation modified?
In the considerations of Resolution 737, SUBTEL recognizes several factors that motivated the change:
-
Explosive growth in applications: The boom in IoT devices, 5G technologies and consumer electronics generated a sustained increase in certification requests, saturating the system.
-
Differentiated risk: Many devices regulated under the SRD standard have limited capacity to cause dangerous interference, so subjecting them all to the same regulatory treatment was excessive.
-
International alignment: Other countries have adopted more flexible models based on self-declaration for low-risk equipment, maintaining strict controls only for critical applications.
-
Administrative modernization: The new model allows SUBTEL to concentrate resources on enforcement and quality control, instead of routine certification bureaucratic processes.
Important: Although the process is simplified for most equipment, SUBTEL maintains all its enforcement powers. Self-declaration does not mean absence of control, but rather a change in the timing and form of regulatory compliance verification.
3. Main changes introduced by Resolution 737
Change #1: Mandatory certification only for medical equipment
The most significant change is that only medical application equipment (sections g and h of article 1°) will continue to require formal SUBTEL certification before commercialization.
These include:
- MICS (Medical Implant Communications Service): implantable devices operating in the 402-405 MHz band
- Medical data acquisition devices: equipment in the 430-440 MHz band for patient monitoring
- Other regulated medical equipment: as specified in section h
Change #2: Self-declaration system with QR code
For all other short-range equipment (sections a, b, c, d, e, f, i, j, k), Resolution 737 establishes a new system based on:
-
Internal compliance verification: The manufacturer or importer must ensure that the equipment complies with the regulation's technical requirements.
-
Test Report: A technical report issued by a laboratory demonstrating conformity with permitted radio emission limits must be available.
-
Mandatory QR code on packaging: A visible QR code must be placed on the outer face of the packaging, linking to a Spanish-language webpage with complete technical information.
-
Declaration of conformity: Document expressing that the equipment complies with the Chilean short-range device technical standard.
Change #3: Digital information requirements
The webpage linked by the QR code must mandatorily contain:
| Category | Required Information |
|---|---|
| Commercial data | Commercial name, brand and model, manufacturer (name, country), importer or local representative in Chile, contact information (email, phone, website) |
| Technical characteristics | Operating frequency band(s), technology used (WiFi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, etc.), antenna gain, equivalent isotropic radiated power (e.i.r.p.), other relevant technical specifications |
| Technical documentation | Complete test report, declaration of conformity with Chilean regulations, documentation issue date |
Change #4: Technical terminology adjustments
The resolution also introduces improvements in wording and terminology:
- Standardization of the term "e.i.r.p." (equivalent isotropic radiated power)
- Elimination of redundancies such as "maximum power"
- Correction of typographical errors
- Clarification of technical requirements by device type
Change #5: Electromagnetic safety compliance
Resolution 737 explicitly establishes that all short-range devices must comply with the provisions of article 3° of Exempt Resolution No. 3,103 of 2012, related to safety requirements applicable to installations and equipment that generate electromagnetic waves.
4. What equipment is affected?
Equipment WITH mandatory SUBTEL certification
Formal certification required: The following equipment DOES require SUBTEL certification before commercialization:
- Implantable medical equipment (MICS) in 402-405 MHz band
- Medical data acquisition devices in 430-440 MHz band
- Other medical application equipment specified in sections g and h
Equipment WITHOUT mandatory certification (self-declaration + QR)
Self-declaration with QR code: The following equipment DOES NOT require formal certification, but MUST comply with technical self-declaration and QR code:
- WiFi devices: routers, access points, adapters, IoT devices
- Bluetooth devices: headphones, speakers, keyboards, mice, wearables
- Zigbee devices: home automation sensors, smart lighting, hubs
- RFID systems: readers, tags, access control
- Remote controls: alarms, garage doors, automatic blinds
- Wireless microphones: for professional audio and entertainment
- UWB (Ultra-Wideband) devices: in 3.1-10.6 GHz band
- Radio alarms: wireless security systems
- General IoT devices: environmental sensors, smart meters
5. QR code technical requirements
Resolution 737 establishes precise specifications for the mandatory QR code:
QR code specifications
| Characteristic | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Minimum size | 1 cm × 1 cm |
| Readability | Must be scannable by standard mobile devices (smartphones) |
| Format | No borders, light background, adequate contrast |
| Physical location | Visible on the outer face of product packaging |
| Digital location | Visible in digital spaces where product is displayed (e-commerce, catalogs) |
| Destination | Must link to a Spanish-language webpage URL |
| Availability | Destination webpage must be permanently available |
Linked webpage content
The webpage linked by the QR code must contain, at minimum:
- Publication date of the information
- Commercial name of the equipment
- Brand and model
- Manufacturer: full name, country of origin
- Importer or local representative in Chile: company name, contact details
- Contact email and website
- Technical characteristics: frequency band(s), technology(ies) used, antenna gain, e.i.r.p.
- Complete test report in PDF or other accessible format
- Declaration of conformity expressing that the equipment complies with Resolution 737
Professional recommendation: It is essential that the webpage be hosted on a reliable server with high availability (99.9% uptime) and SSL certificate (HTTPS). Any site downtime or QR scanning error can be considered non-compliance and expose to sanctions.
6. Practical implications for manufacturers and importers
Regulatory model change
The transition from formal certification to self-declaration represents a fundamental change in operating model:
| Aspect | Previous model (Res. 1,985) | New model (Res. 737) |
|---|---|---|
| Approval process | Formal SUBTEL certification required before commercialization | Technical self-declaration + QR code |
| Processing times | Weeks or months waiting for approval | Immediate (once technical documentation prepared) |
| Responsibility | Shared between manufacturer and SUBTEL | Primarily manufacturer/importer |
| Verification | Prior (ex-ante) | Subsequent through enforcement (ex-post) |
| Documentation | Physical certificate issued by SUBTEL | Webpage with complete technical information + QR |
New operational obligations
To comply with Resolution 737, companies must:
- Contract reliable testing laboratories that issue valid test reports according to recognized international standards.
- Develop web infrastructure: professional hosting, compliance page design, URL management, continuous maintenance.
- Implement document management systems to maintain traceability of technical reports, declarations of conformity, product versions.
- Coordinate with packaging designers to incorporate the QR code on all packaging visibly and permanently.
- Train internal teams (procurement, logistics, marketing, sales) on the new requirements.
- Update e-commerce platforms to display the QR code or equivalent link in digital catalogs.
- Maintain updated records: any change in model, version or technical specifications requires updating the webpage and documentation.
Advantages of the new system
- Time reduction: No waiting for formal approvals to launch products to market
- Lower processing costs: SUBTEL certification fees eliminated for most equipment
- Greater commercial agility: Product updates are faster
- Transparency to end user: Anyone can scan the QR and access complete technical information
- Business autonomy: Companies manage their regulatory compliance internally
Challenges and risks
- Greater responsibility: Any error in technical documentation is directly attributable to the manufacturer/importer
- Need for technical expertise: Internal capacity to interpret technical standards and validate compliance is required
- Digital infrastructure management: Hosting, domains, web maintenance are new responsibilities
- Enforcement risk: SUBTEL can audit at any time and require evidence
Important warning: The self-declaration model does not eliminate sanctions or enforcement. In fact, it transfers all responsibility to the manufacturer/importer. Any device that does not comply with technical parameters or does not have the QR code correctly implemented can be withdrawn from the market and subject to significant fines.
7. Timeline: key dates toward 2026
| Date | Milestone | Description |
|---|---|---|
| May 13, 2025 | Approval | SUBTEL approves Exempt Resolution 737 |
| May 22, 2025 | Official publication | Resolution published in Official Gazette |
| May 2025 - Feb 2026 | Transition period | 9 months for companies to adapt |
| February 22, 2026 | Effective date | All equipment must comply with new regulation |
| Post February 2026 | Active enforcement | SUBTEL can audit, require evidence and apply sanctions |
8. Sanctions and enforcement
SUBTEL enforcement powers
Resolution 737 expressly maintains all SUBTEL enforcement powers, established in the General Telecommunications Law (Law 18,168). This includes:
- Inspections: SUBTEL can inspect commercial establishments, warehouses, customs, e-commerce platforms
- Information requirements: Can require presentation of test reports, declarations of conformity, technical information
- Technical verification: Can perform measurements and tests to verify compliance
- Webpage review: Can verify that QR codes work correctly and contain required information
- Random audits: Can conduct enforcement without prior notice
Non-compliance and sanctions
| Type of non-compliance | Possible consequences |
|---|---|
| Missing QR code on packaging | Commercialization prohibition, fines, market withdrawal |
| Non-functional QR code (URL down, 404 error) | Commercialization prohibition, fines |
| Incomplete information on webpage | Correction requirement, fines if persistent |
| Missing test report or declaration of conformity | Commercialization prohibition, fines, product withdrawal |
| Equipment not meeting technical limits | Market withdrawal, significant fines, possible seizure |
9. How to comply with Resolution 737: step-by-step process
Step 1: Determine if your equipment requires formal certification
Ask yourself: Is it medical application equipment (MICS, medical data acquisition, etc.)?
- YES: You must obtain formal SUBTEL certification. Traditional process.
- NO: Continue with self-declaration + QR code process.
Step 2: Obtain test report from certified laboratory
Contract a recognized testing laboratory that can issue a test report demonstrating that your equipment complies with the radio emission limits established in Resolution 737.
Step 3: Prepare declaration of conformity
Issue a declaration of conformity in which your company (manufacturer or importer) formally declares that the equipment complies with:
- SUBTEL Exempt Resolution 737
- Short-range device technical standard (Resolution 1,985 of 2017)
- Resolution 3,103 of 2012 (electromagnetic safety)
Step 4: Create compliance webpage
Develop a professional webpage containing all required information:
- Commercial data (manufacturer, importer, contact)
- Complete technical specifications
- Downloadable test report (PDF)
- Downloadable declaration of conformity (PDF)
- Information publication date
Step 5: Generate QR code
Once you have the compliance webpage URL, generate the QR code:
- Size: Minimum 1 cm × 1 cm
- Format: No borders, high contrast
- Testing: Scan with multiple devices to ensure readability
- Output formats: Vector (SVG, EPS) for professional printing + Raster (high-resolution PNG) for digital
10. Frequently asked questions
When does Resolution 737 come into effect?
Resolution 737 comes into effect on February 22, 2026. From that date, all commercialized equipment must comply with the new requirements.
What happens with equipment certified under the previous regime?
Equipment that already has valid SUBTEL certification under Resolution 1,985 of 2017 can continue to be commercialized, but it's recommended to begin adapting inventories to the new QR code system to facilitate the transition.
Do I need a legal representative in Chile?
Yes. The regulation requires an importer or local representative in Chile whose contact details must appear on the webpage linked by the QR code. This representative is responsible to SUBTEL for equipment regulatory compliance.
Can I sell in Chile without a QR code if my product already has CE or FCC certification?
No. Even with international certifications (CE, FCC, etc.), you must comply with Chile's specific requirements, including the mandatory QR code according to Resolution 737. International certifications can facilitate the process (some laboratories accept CE/FCC reports as a basis), but they do not replace local compliance.
What language must the linked webpage have?
Mandatorily in Spanish. Resolution 737 is explicit about this requirement to ensure accessibility to Chilean users and authorities.
Conclusion: prepare now for the new era of certifications in Chile
SUBTEL Resolution 737 represents a paradigm shift in short-range device regulation in Chile. The new self-declaration system with mandatory QR codes seeks to balance the need for technical control with the commercial agility demanded by the modern market.
For manufacturers and importers, this change brings both opportunities (shorter processing times, cost reduction) and greater responsibilities (technical self-declaration, digital infrastructure management, enforcement risk).
With the effective date scheduled for February 22, 2026, the time to act is now.
Final checklist: Are you ready for Resolution 737?
- Identify if your equipment requires formal certification (medical) or self-declaration (rest)
- Contact laboratories to obtain test reports
- Prepare declarations of conformity for each product
- Develop compliance webpages with all required information
- Generate QR codes and test them on multiple devices
- Update packaging designs and inventories
- Update digital catalogs and e-commerce platforms
- Train your team and distributors
- Establish maintenance and continuous update processes
If you need professional help navigating this process, at Certificación Telecom we have the experience and technical knowledge to accompany you at every stage.
Need help with your certification?
Our team of experts can guide you through the SUBTEL certification process and ensure compliance with Resolution 737.
Contact Us