diff --git a/pkg/semtech-loramac/contrib/semtech_loramac.c b/pkg/semtech-loramac/contrib/semtech_loramac.c
index 3593d8e930..eafb861a2d 100644
--- a/pkg/semtech-loramac/contrib/semtech_loramac.c
+++ b/pkg/semtech-loramac/contrib/semtech_loramac.c
@@ -40,6 +40,7 @@
 
 #include "semtech_loramac.h"
 #include "LoRaMac.h"
+#include "LoRaMacTest.h"
 #include "region/Region.h"
 
 #ifdef MODULE_PERIPH_EEPROM
@@ -427,6 +428,9 @@ void _init_loramac(semtech_loramac_t *mac,
     primitives->MacMlmeIndication = mlme_indication;
     LoRaMacInitialization(&semtech_loramac_radio_events, primitives, callbacks,
                           LORAMAC_ACTIVE_REGION);
+#ifdef DISABLE_LORAMAC_DUTYCYCLE
+    LoRaMacTestSetDutyCycleOn(false);
+#endif
     mutex_unlock(&mac->lock);
 
     semtech_loramac_set_dr(mac, LORAMAC_DEFAULT_DR);
diff --git a/tests/pkg_semtech-loramac/README.md b/tests/pkg_semtech-loramac/README.md
index d32316e2ab..298f88be31 100644
--- a/tests/pkg_semtech-loramac/README.md
+++ b/tests/pkg_semtech-loramac/README.md
@@ -66,6 +66,11 @@ for US915 region.
 
 The default region is `EU868`.
 
+**For testing purpose**, it is possible to disable the duty-cycle restriction
+implemented in the MAC layer with the `DISABLE_LORAMAC_DUTYCYCLE` macro:
+
+      CFLAGS=-DDISABLE_LORAMAC_DUTYCYCLE LORA_REGION=US915 LORA_DRIVER=sx1272 make ...
+
 ## Using the shell
 
 This application provides the `loramac` command for configuring the MAC,