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.
📋 Guide Contents
- 1. What is SUBTEL Resolution 737?
- 2. Background and motivation for the regulation
- 3. Main changes introduced by Resolution 737
- 4. What equipment is affected?
- 5. QR code technical requirements
- 6. Practical implications for manufacturers and importers
- 7. Timeline: key dates toward 2026
- 8. Sanctions and enforcement
- 9. How to comply with Resolution 737: step-by-step process
- 10. Frequently asked questions
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 equipment 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" (since "power" already implies maximum in regulatory context)
- 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 (or regulations that replace it), related to safety requirements applicable to installations and equipment that generate electromagnetic waves.
This means that, in addition to complying with radio emission limits, devices must respect safety standards for electromagnetic field exposure to protect user health.
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 |
💡 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 (no prior certification for most equipment) |
| 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 |
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. Both systems coexist (traditional certification and new QR model) |
| February 22, 2026 | 🚀 Effective date | Mandatory: All commercialized equipment must comply with new regulation. QR codes mandatory for non-medical equipment. |
| Post February 2026 | Active enforcement | SUBTEL can audit, require compliance evidence, and apply sanctions to non-compliant equipment |
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
9. How to comply with Resolution 737: step-by-step process
Below, we explain the complete process to ensure compliance with Resolution 737:
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 (following steps).
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
Need help complying with Resolution 737?
At Certificación Telecom we help you with the entire process: obtaining test reports, creating compliance webpages, generating professional QR codes, and complete technical advisory.
With 21 years of experience and more than 1,500 completed certifications, we are your trusted partner to comply with SUBTEL regulations.
10. Frequently asked questions about Resolution 737
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 increased 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?
- ☐ Identified if your equipment requires formal certification (medical) or self-declaration (rest)
- ☐ Contacted laboratories to obtain test reports
- ☐ Prepared declarations of conformity for each product
- ☐ Developed compliance webpages with all required information
- ☐ Generated QR codes and tested them on multiple devices
- ☐ Updated packaging designs and inventories
- ☐ Updated digital catalogs and e-commerce platforms
- ☐ Trained your team and distributors
- ☐ Established 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. From obtaining test reports to creating your digital compliance infrastructure, we are here to ensure your company complies with Resolution 737 efficiently and professionally.
Contact us today and stay ahead of the regulation with confidence.
Official sources:
• Exempt Resolution 737 (2025) - National Congress Library
• Undersecretary of Telecommunications (SUBTEL)
• Exempt Resolution 1,985 (2017) - Short-range device technical standard
• Exempt Resolution 3,103 (2012) - Safety of electromagnetic wave emitting installations
Last updated: September 5, 2025. This guide is based on official information available at publication time. For specific inquiries about your particular case, we recommend consulting directly with SUBTEL or specialized advisors.