Certification Introduction

Colombia implements mandatory access certification for electrical and electronic products, with the core being RETIE (Technical Regulation for Electrical Installations) certification, which is a required prerequisite for the legal import, sale and commissioning of products. Certification covers most low-voltage, high-voltage and renewable energy-related electrical and electronic products. Household appliances require additional RET IQ energy efficiency label certification, and lighting products need to additionally comply with the requirements of the RETILAP regulation. Certification assessment and certificate issuance are conducted by conformity assessment bodies accredited by the Colombian National Accreditation Body (ONAC).

Laws and Regulations

The core regulation is Decree No. 90008 issued by the Colombian Ministry of Mines and Energy, and the current valid version is Resolution 40117 issued in 2024. The new version expands the certification scope and adds electrical and electronic equipment related to renewable energy. Product-specific regulations: Household appliances follow the RET IQ energy efficiency regulation, and lighting products follow the RETILAP technical regulation. All certification activities must comply with the conformity assessment management specifications issued by ONAC.

Technical Requirements

Applicable voltage range: Electrical and electronic products within the range of 50V-1000V AC and 75V-1500V DC are included in mandatory control. Testing requirements: Products need to meet electrical safety, electromagnetic compatibility, and tropical high temperature and high humidity adaptability tests, and IEC international standards are generally recognized. Marking requirements: Certified products must permanently affix the RETIE conformity mark, which includes the certification body code, certificate number and rated electrical parameters; the instruction manual must be provided in Spanish. Product-specific requirements: Household appliances must be affixed with a compliant energy efficiency label, and lighting products must meet the RETILAP energy efficiency indicators.

Certification Process

Confirm the corresponding control regulations and technical standard requirements for the product, and prepare a full set of technical documents including product manuals, circuit diagrams, key component lists, declaration of conformity, etc.

Prepare samples and send them to a laboratory accredited by ONAC in Colombia to complete type testing.

Submit test reports and technical documents to the conformity assessment body for document review, and high-risk products require additional factory inspection.

Obtain the conformity certificate after passing the review, and the product can be launched to the market after affixing the required product marking.

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