STAFF WRITER
The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) has raised the red flag over a surge of counterfeit and uncertified gadgets hitting the Namibian market.
CRAN warns that many mobile phones, routers, and modems are being imported without the mandatory Type Approval certification, a process that ensures devices are safe, reliable, and compatible with local networks.
“Before any telecom device reaches the Namibian market, it must be checked to confirm it is safe, reliable, and compatible with our networks,” Mufaro Nesongano, CRAN’s spokesperson said this week.
“Type Approval is not just a formality, it’s a safeguard for consumers to get quality products and uninterrupted connectivity.”
Since 2016, CRAN has processed thousands of applications to keep unsafe or incompatible devices out. In 2025 alone, 902 applications were received, but 279 were rejected due to missing documents or safety concerns. Many confiscated gadgets were found to be fake or below standard.
To tighten the net, CRAN teamed up with the Namibia Revenue Agency (NamRA) in February 2023, improving border control and preventing illegal devices from reaching local shops.
CRAN urges all consumers, vendors, and importers to double-check that any device is Type Approved before buying or importing. Your phone might be fake, and your connection could suffer if it isn’t.
COMMENTS