Brazil’s National Telecommunications Agency (Anatel) has formally approved the creation of the Telecommunications Sustainability Seal and a comprehensive Sectoral Action Plan, effective June 11, 2026. This new initiative introduces a voluntary, reputational recognition system for telecom and ICT companies demonstrating strong environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices. The Seal is designed to incentivize transparency, competitive differentiation, and green investment, without imposing mandatory compliance or certification fees.

The regulatory framework is structured around three main ESG dimensions—environmental, social, and governance—with detailed subdimensions covering energy efficiency, circular economy, e-waste management, universal and meaningful connectivity, digital security, and transparent data reporting. The evaluation process is annual, using a weighted index tailored to company size and sector, allowing for objective comparison and public recognition of top performers.

Anatel’s Sectoral Action Plan outlines 18 strategic actions across energy, circular economy, and digital security, to be implemented over a phased timeline from 12 months to five years. While participation in the Seal is voluntary, the Plan signals that sustainability criteria may eventually be integrated into spectrum auctions and regulatory authorizations, impacting future market access.

The Seal does not exempt companies from existing legal and regulatory obligations, nor does it confer regulatory advantages or presumption of compliance. The Technical Group for the Seal (GT-SS) will oversee the operational manual, methodologies, and periodic updates, ensuring alignment with international best practices and evolving market standards.

Overall, this initiative positions sustainability as a permanent feature of Brazil’s telecom regulatory landscape, encouraging manufacturers, operators, and ICT companies to monitor developments and prepare for potential future requirements related to circular economy and e-waste management.

This measure is classified as Low Impact, as it establishes a voluntary recognition system without mandatory compliance or direct regulatory obligations for telecom and ICT companies.

Key reasons for low impact:

• Participation is strictly voluntary and does not affect certification, homologation, or legal compliance.
• No new technical requirements, labeling, or import rules are imposed.
• The Seal is reputational and does not confer regulatory advantages or obligations.

Who is affected?

Telecom service providers, equipment manufacturers, data center operators, and other ICT sector stakeholders may opt to participate for reputational benefits.

Conclusion:

While the initiative encourages sustainable practices and may influence future regulatory trends, it does not currently require operational changes or compliance actions from manufacturers or operators.