Official literal text, explanation and analysis of the current rules
This hub gathers the literal text of the three exempt resolutions of the Chilean Undersecretariat of Telecommunications (SUBTEL) that define the regulatory framework for short-range radio-frequency devices — WiFi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, RFID, IoT, remote controls, wireless microphones, vehicle radar and more. Each page includes the version published in the Official Gazette, an unofficial English translation for reference, and a plain-language explanation.
The legal framework regulating short-range radio-frequency devices in Chile consists of three exempt resolutions from the Chilean Undersecretariat of Telecommunications (SUBTEL). The foundation is Resolution 1985 of 2017, which defines the equipment categories (letters a-k of Article 1), the authorized frequency bands and power limits. In 2025, Resolution 737 replaced the formal prior-certification regime — which required every device to be approved by SUBTEL before sale — with a self-verification system using a mandatory QR code on packaging. A few months later, Resolution 2219 relaxed the QR code placement rules and simplified compliance for equipment already certified before February 22, 2026. The new regime entered full force on February 22, 2026 and SUBTEL actively enforces compliance.
Since February 22, 2026, two different regimes coexist depending on the type of equipment. Formal prior-certification by SUBTEL (Track 1) is reserved exclusively for medical devices — Medical Implant Communication Systems (MICS), other medical equipment, and medical data-acquisition devices (letters g and h). All other categories (a, b, c, d, e, f, i, j, k) follow a self-verification regime with a QR code (Track 2): the manufacturer or importer obtains a Test Report from a laboratory with international accreditation, publishes a webpage with the A, B and C sections required by the norm, and places a QR code of at least 1 cm × 1 cm on the device packaging linking to that page.
Applies only to medical devices (letters g and h). The manufacturer or importer must obtain a certificate from SUBTEL before selling or transferring the equipment in Chile, attesting compliance with radio-electric emissions. The SUBTEL certification does not authorize the medical use of the equipment — that requires a separate approval from the Chilean Public Health Institute.
Applies to all non-medical categories (a, b, c, d, e, f, i, j, k) — WiFi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, RFID, IoT, remote controls, wireless microphones, vehicle radar and more. Requires: (1) a Test Report from an accredited laboratory, (2) a Spanish-language webpage with commercial information, technical characteristics and declaration of conformity, and (3) a QR code on the packaging, the device itself, or accompanying documentation.
Article 1 of Resolution 1985/2017 classifies short-range devices into eleven letters. Each has specific frequency bands, power limits, and technical rules, and is assigned to one of the two compliance tracks.
| Letter | Category | Examples | Regime |
|---|---|---|---|
| a) | Portable transceivers | CB radios, FRS/GMRS walkie-talkies | Track 2 · QR |
| b) | Remote controls | Car keys, door openers, garage remotes | Track 2 · QR |
| c) | Wireless microphones | Professional and consumer wireless microphones | Track 2 · QR |
| d) | Cordless telephones | DECT handsets and similar for landline | Track 2 · QR |
| e) | Inductive applications (RFID / NFC) | RFID readers, NFC tags, access control | Track 2 · QR |
| f) | Radio alarms / motion sensors | Home and industrial security systems | Track 2 · QR |
| g) | MICS medical equipment and medical data acquisition | Pacemakers, insulin pumps, implantable clinical monitors | Track 1 · Formal |
| h) | Other medical equipment | Medical equipment in specific non-MICS bands | Track 1 · Formal |
| i) | Vehicle radar | Automotive collision and detection sensors (77 GHz) | Track 2 · QR |
| j) | Other equipment (WiFi, spread spectrum, UWB, 60 GHz…) | WiFi routers, Bluetooth, Thread, Matter, UWB AirTags | Track 2 · QR |
| k) | Internet of Things (IoT) | LoRa sensors, Zigbee, smart home devices | Track 2 · QR |
Each resolution has its own page with the full literal official text, section-by-section analysis, timeline, official metadata (BCN idNorma, PDF) and FAQ.
Establishes the Technical Norm for Short-Range Devices (SUBTEL)
The base technical norm that defines what short-range devices are in Chile, their categories (letters a-k), authorized frequency bands and power limits.
Amends the Technical Norm for Short-Range Devices (SUBTEL)
The new rule that replaces formal prior-certification with a QR code + self-declaration regime for WiFi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, RFID and IoT devices in Chile.
Amends the Technical Norm for Short-Range Devices — Adjustments to the QR regime (SUBTEL)
The fine-tuning of Resolution 737: relaxes QR placement, simplifies compliance for pre-certified equipment and brings forward the effective date of the 430-440 MHz medical-device provision.
The three resolutions stack as layers: 1985/2017 is the base technical norm (bands, powers, categories); 737/2025 primarily amends its Article 2 to establish the QR regime without touching the technical tables; and 2219/2025 corrects details in 737 — especially QR code placement and simplified compliance for pre-certified devices. Resolution 1985 has not been repealed: the other two amend it.
How the legal framework for short-range devices evolved in Chile.
Res. 1985 — Signed by SUBTEL
Res. 1985 — Published in the Official Gazette (In force)
Res. 1985 — Amended by Resolution 855/2019
Res. 737 — Signed by SUBTEL
Res. 1985 — Deferred amendment by Resolution 737/2025
Res. 737 — Published in the Official Gazette (N° 44,154)
Res. 2219 — Signed by SUBTEL
Res. 1985 — Amended by Resolution 2219/2025
Res. 737 — Amended by Resolution 2219 EXENTA
Res. 2219 — Published in the Official Gazette — Numerals 6 and 7 immediate effect
Res. 1985 — Effective date of the text amended by 737
Res. 737 — Full effective date
Res. 2219 — Effective date of the remaining adjustments (with Res. 737)
Article 4, amended by Resolution 737, establishes that non-compliance triggers the sanctioning procedure set out in Title VII of the General Telecommunications Law (Law 18,168), with fines of up to 5,000 UTM. In practice, marketplaces (MercadoLibre, Falabella, Paris, Entel) are requesting proof of compliance and delisting non-conforming products. SUBTEL can inspect at any time — an explicit power added to Article 3 by Resolution 737 itself.
Resolutions 1985/2017 and 737/2025 regulate equipment classified into eleven letters (a-k) of Article 1 of the technical norm, ranging from portable transceivers and remote controls to WiFi 6E devices and Internet of Things. Explore the affected technologies and equipment categories.
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