🇨🇳 China · Telecom Equipment

China CTA Network Access License Guide

CTA (China Type Approval) / NAL (Network Access License) — mandatory certification for terminal equipment that connects to the public telecom network, such as phones, cellular modules and 4G/5G routers

What is the CTA Network Access License?

The CTA network access license is a mandatory licensing scheme for telecom terminal equipment that connects to the public telecom network, administered by China's MIIT. Telecom terminal equipment without a network access license may not connect to, be used on, or be sold within the mainland public network. The certificate is issued by MIIT, and the "network access license" mark affixed to the product or its packaging is the CTA mark.

Note: CTA ≠ SRRC ≠ CCC. These are three different certification systems, but telecom terminal products usually need all three. Pure WiFi/Bluetooth products (that do not connect to the cellular public network) do not need CTA.

Which products need CTA?

Product category	Typical products	CTA required
Mobile phones	Smartphones, feature phones	✓ Mandatory
Data terminals	4G/5G routers, MiFi, CPE	✓ Mandatory
Cellular tablets	Tablets with cellular connectivity	✓ Mandatory
In-vehicle terminals	T-Box, vehicle communication modules	✓ Mandatory
Cellular modules	4G/5G/NB-IoT communication modules	✓ Mandatory
Pure WiFi products	WiFi routers, smart speakers	✗ Not required
Bluetooth products	TWS earphones, Bluetooth speakers	✗ Not required

CTA Application Process

① Prerequisite certification

First obtain the SRRC type approval certificate + CCC certificate (telecom terminal category). SRRC and CCC are prerequisites for CTA; neither can be omitted.

② Network access testing

Complete testing at an MIIT-designated network access testing laboratory: RF performance, protocol conformance, EMC, SAR, audio performance, battery safety, etc.

③ Submit for approval

Submit the test report + SRRC certificate + CCC certificate + business license + production capability evidence, etc. to MIIT's Telecom Equipment Certification Center.

④ Obtain certificate and label

Upon approval, the network access license (NAL) is issued, and the "network access license" mark with the license number must be affixed to the product body or packaging.

Key prerequisites: Before applying for CTA you must first complete SRRC and CCC (telecom terminal category). The overall timeline is around 12-18 weeks. The company must have independent legal-person status and hold a business license (with telecom equipment manufacturing/sales in its scope).

Relationship Between the Three Certificates

Comparison	SRRC	CCC	CTA
Regulator	MIIT Radio Administration Bureau	CNCA / designated certification body	MIIT Information and Communication Administration Bureau
Controls	Radio transmission parameters	Electrical safety + EMC	Network access performance + protocol
Scope	All radio-transmitting products	Products in the CCC catalogue	Telecom terminals accessing the public network
Mark	CMIIT ID	CCC mark	Network access license mark
Validity	5 years (renewable)	5 years (annual inspection required)	3 years (renewable)
Factory audit	Not required	Required	Required (depending on product)

FAQs

Are CTA and NAL the same thing?

Essentially yes. CTA is the common international name for "China Type Approval". NAL (Network Access License) is the English abbreviation for the "network access license" issued by MIIT. In practice the two are often used interchangeably and refer to the same network access licensing scheme.

Does a pure WiFi router need CTA?

No. A pure WiFi router does not connect to the public cellular network and is outside the scope of telecom terminal equipment network access licensing. It still needs SRRC (radio type approval) + CCC (as a telecom terminal category if it uses an AC power supply).

What happens if the network access license expires?

The network access license is valid for 3 years and can be renewed. If it has expired, you must re-apply (treated as a new application). Plan the renewal in advance to avoid the certificate lapsing while the product is on sale.

Can an OEM/contract manufacturer apply for CTA?

Yes. The CTA applicant must be a mainland-registered company; an OEM that holds the relevant business scope can apply. The brand owner can also authorise the OEM or a third-party agent to apply. We can assist in resolving the applicant-entity issue.

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