How can I determine whether HERE maps have regulatory approval for a specific country or region?

How can I determine whether HERE maps have regulatory approval for a specific country or region?
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Applies To
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HERE Map Data
HERE Base Map Products
HERE Location Services
HERE Content Distribution
Digital Map Licensing and Compliance

Symptoms
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Customers may ask one or more of the following questions:

Does HERE have regulatory approval to distribute map data in a specific country?
Is additional approval required before distributing HERE maps in a particular territory?
Which countries require approval from each map distributor?
Are there restrictions on distributing HERE maps due to local regulations or sanctions?
Can Digital Terrain Model (DTM) data be distributed in all countries?
Where can the latest map regulatory approval documentation be found?

Answer
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Map distribution requirements vary by country and region. Some jurisdictions require map providers to obtain regulatory approval, while others require each distributor to obtain approval independently. There are also countries where no approval is required and territories where sanctions or local regulations may restrict map distribution.

HERE provides documentation that identifies the regulatory status of supported territories and helps customers understand any applicable distribution requirements before deploying map products.

Root Cause
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Digital maps are subject to different regulatory frameworks around the world. Government agencies may require approval for map creation, distribution, publication, export, or commercial use. These requirements vary significantly by country and may change over time.

As a result, no single approval model applies globally. Customers should evaluate the regulatory requirements applicable to their products, markets, and distribution channels.

Expected Behavior
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The regulatory status of a territory typically falls into one of the following categories:

### Regulatory Approval Obtained by HERE

In some territories, HERE obtains the required regulatory approvals directly and is authorized to distribute applicable map content.

### Approval Required for Each Distributor

Some countries require every organization distributing map products to obtain its own approval, permit, license, or authorization regardless of the approval status of the map provider.

### No HERE Approval Available

Certain jurisdictions require approval for map distribution, but HERE may not possess the approval required for distribution within that territory.

### Distribution Subject to Sanctions

Distribution of HERE map products may be restricted in certain territories due to applicable sanctions.

### No Approval Required

Many countries do not require regulatory approval for map distribution.

### Digital Terrain Model (DTM) Restrictions

Separate approval requirements may apply to Digital Terrain Model (DTM) products. Availability and distribution rights for DTM data may differ from those applicable to standard map products.

Recommended Actions
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Before distributing HERE map products:

1. Verify the regulatory status of the target country or territory.
2. Review whether approval is held by HERE or must be obtained by the distributor.
3. Confirm whether any sanctions or export-control restrictions apply.
4. Review product-specific restrictions, including DTM distribution requirements where applicable.
5. Consult legal or compliance teams if regulatory obligations are unclear.
6. Use the latest available regulatory documentation before launching or distributing map-based products.

Impact
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Failure to understand local map regulations may result in:

Delayed product launches.
Distribution restrictions.
Regulatory non-compliance.
Licensing complications.
Limitations on the use of specific map products or content types.

Understanding the applicable regulatory framework helps ensure that map products are distributed in accordance with local legal requirements.

Unexpected Behavior
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Further investigation may be required if:

A country appears in multiple regulatory categories with conflicting information.
Regulatory documentation is inconsistent with current business guidance.
A territory that previously required approval is no longer listed in current documentation.
Distribution rights differ between map products without a documented explanation.

Additional Information
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HERE maintains regulatory reference documentation covering:

Territories where HERE has obtained map approvals.
Territories where approval is required for each distributor.
Territories where HERE has not obtained required approvals.
Territories subject to sanctions or distribution restrictions.
Territories where no approval is required.
Territories with Digital Terrain Model (DTM) approval restrictions.

For countries where approval is required for map distributors, the document provides the contact information for each country.

Together with the Local Maps Regulatory Approvals overview document, HERE provides the HERE map approval documents from particular countries and links them to the approval document.

Customers should always refer to the latest version of the regulatory documentation available through the HERE documentation and download resources to ensure the most current compliance information is being used.

For detailed regulatory guidance, refer to:

Regulatory Approval for HERE Maps

Regulatory Approval for each Distributor

No Regulatory Approval for HERE Maps

Distribution Subject to Sanction

No Approval Needed

DTM Approval

The latest version is available through the B2B Download Center under Documentation and Tools → Legal Memos.

Keywords
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