The Authority for Info-communications Technology Industry of Brunei Darussalam (AITI) in a response to the letter ‘Ambiguous response on import permit fee deeply concerning’ published on November 1, thanked ‘Distraught Consumer’ for highlighting on the issue.
To clarify on the process and the importance of the regulations, one of AITI’s highest priorities is to ensure that any telecommunications and/or radio communications equipment imported or brought into Brunei Darussalam are safe to be used, technically compatible and does not cause interference with other devices.
As such, prior to granting the Personal Import Permit (PIP) application, AITI personnel have to perform a thorough assessment on every unit of imported equipment, including checking its connectivity capabilities, such as frequency range and the output power.
Even though it was assumed that it is the same type of equipment from the first few assessments, AITI had incidents where the remaining equipment did not comply with the technical requirements.
Therefore, assessment on each individual equipment is essential to ensure compliance with national safety standards and technical requirements, as well as to prevent frequency interference with the existing radiocommunications services, telecommunications systems and infrastructure within Brunei Darussalam or neighbouring countries.
To facilitate the process for individuals importing such equipment for personal use, the PIP application can be made through the AITI Online Services Portal at online.aiti.gov.bn or the AITI App.
The first five units of equipment are non-chargeable, while the subsequent units of the same equipment category in the same application will be charged BND50 each.
AITI emphasised that importing or using telecommunications equipment without a valid approval from AITI is in contravention of Section 9 of the Telecommunications Order, 2001. In addition to the forfeiture of such equipment, he or she may be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding BND10,000, imprisonment for a term not exceeding three years, or both.
Corporate Communications,
Authority for Info-communications Technology Industry of Brunei Darussalam (AITI)
