Short answer
Start with the product's intended network connection and function. Telecom terminal equipment connects at the end of a public telecom network; radio communication equipment connects to that network by radio; interconnection equipment supports interconnection between different operators' networks or different telecom-service networks. Then match the exact finished equipment name to MIIT's current directory.
Do not rely on an old directory extract. Since 1 March 2023, MIIT no longer accepts new permit applications for 11 types: fixed telephone terminals, cordless telephone terminals, group telephones, fax machines, modems including cards, radio pagers, narrowband ISDN terminals, multimedia terminals accessing mobile networks, frame-relay switches, ATM switches and call-centre equipment. Their manufacturers instead have standards-disclosure and quarterly new-product reporting duties under the reform notice.
- Identify the finished model, its user and network interfaces, the public network it will access, and whether it performs a terminal, radio-communication or interconnection function.
- Record the exact current MIIT directory name, applicable standards and the source date used for the classification.
- Check the 2023 additions and removals. Satellite internet equipment and functional-virtualization equipment entered licensing; the 11 named legacy categories left new permit approval.
- If there is no clear directory match, obtain a product-specific classification from the responsible MIIT channel before testing or launch.
Defines the public-network scope and directs applicants to the current equipment directory for the specific equipment names subject to licensing.
Lists the 11 equipment types removed from new permit approval and adds satellite internet and functional-virtualization equipment from 1 March 2023.