GMA Update - November

In this publication, we list the latest changes and updates that affect the approval of products in international markets.

Asia

Vietnam: Prime Minister Issues Decision No. 37/2025/QD-TTg on Radio Frequency Spectrum Planning

On 3 October 2025, the Prime Minister’s Office released Decision No. 37/2025/QD-TTg regarding the national radio frequency spectrum planning. This Decision will officially take effect on 20 November 2025.

Key changes include:

• Inclusion of Non-Geostationary Satellite Orbits (NGSO), such as Low Earth Orbit (LEO) systems
• Allocation of the 5925–6425 MHz band for Wi-Fi 6E
• Flexible adjustments to low-frequency bands

Vietnam: Ministry of Science and Technology (MST) Seeks Public Feedback on Draft EMC Standards

On 6 October 2025, the Vietnamese Ministry of Science and Technology (MST) opened public consultation on the draft National Technical Regulations on Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) for terminals and auxiliary equipment, along with the draft Qualification Certification Announcement (QCVN) and explanatory notes.

The new EMC standard, QCVN 86:2025/BKHCN, will apply to 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G NR, and LTE NB-IoT technologies. It is equivalent to EN 310 489-52 V1.3.1 (2024-11) and will come into effect on 1 January 2026.

Transition timeline:

1 Jan 2026 – 31 Dec 2026: 

• Devices using 2G, 3G, 4G may comply with QCVN 86:2019/BTTTT or QCVN 86:2025/BKHCN for SDoC processes.
• Devices using 5G NR and/or LTE NB-IoT may comply with QCVN 18:2022/BTTTT or QCVN 86:2025/BKHCN.

From 1 Jan 2027:

• All relevant equipment must comply with QCVN 86:2025/BKHCN for SDoC processes.

Pakistan: PTA Approves Wi-Fi 7

On 26 September 2025, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) announced approval for the adoption of Wi-Fi 7 in the 6 GHz frequency band (5925–6425 MHz), following the same parameters previously approved for Wi-Fi 6E.

China: The National Development and Reform Commission and the State Administration for Market Regulation have issued the “Catalogue of Products Implementing Energy Efficiency Labelling in the People’s Republic of China (2025 Edition)” along with related implementation rules.

The Implementation Rules for Energy Efficiency Labelling of Household and Similar Kitchen Appliances shall be effective for 5 years starting from 1 November 2025. Products manufactured or imported before 1 November 2025 may delay adding the energy efficiency label until 1 November 2027 in accordance with the implementation rules.

The Implementation Rules for Energy Efficiency Labelling of Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors and Air Purifiers will be implemented from 1 January 2026 with a validity period of 5 years. Products manufactured or imported before 1 January 2026 may delay adding the energy efficiency label until 1 January 2028.

The Implementation Rules for Energy Efficiency Labelling of Microcomputers will be implemented from 1 February 2026 with a validity period of 5 years. Products manufactured or imported before 1 February 2026 may delay adding the energy efficiency label until 1 February 2028.

The Implementation Rules for Energy Efficiency Labelling of Gas Stoves will be implemented from 1 March 2026 with a validity period of 5 years. Products manufactured or imported before 1 March 2026 may delay adding the energy efficiency label until 1 March 2028.

The Implementation Rules for Energy Efficiency Labelling of High Voltage Three-Phase Cage Asynchronous Motors and Commercial Refrigeration Appliances will be implemented from 1 April 2026 with a validity period of 5 years. Products manufactured or imported before 1 April 2026 may delay adding the energy efficiency label until 1 April 2028.

Singapore: The Consumer Product Safety Office (CCS) has added “3-pin 13-amp socket-outlet with remote-control function” to the list of High-Risk Controlled Goods.

The Competition and Consumer Commission of Singapore (CCS) issued the latest Consumer Protection (Safety Requirements) Regulations (CPSR) on 26 September 2025. The regulation explicitly adds “3-pin 13-amp socket-outlet with remote-control function” to the list of high-risk controlled goods, requiring these products to obtain mandatory Safety Mark certification before being placed on the Singapore market. The new regulation takes immediate effect from the date of issuance.

Korea: The government has introduced new safety standards and mandatory labelling requirements for electric kickboards and e-bikes to prevent illegal speed tampering.

The Korea Agency for Technology and Standards (KATS), under the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy, has established safety standards to prevent illegal speed tampering for electric kickboards and e-bikes, along with mandatory labelling requirements.

Currently, electric kickboards and e-bikes are regulated to operate below 25 km/h. However, some users illegally override the speed limit, riding at speeds as high as 100 km/h, which poses serious risks to both riders and pedestrians. In addition, some retailers have encouraged this behaviour by instructing consumers on how to remove speed restrictions, creating potential violations of regulations.

To address these issues, new safety standards will be implemented to ensure that the maximum speed cannot be tampered with. Consumers will be able to verify that the product cannot have its speed altered, and retailers will be required to display labelling on packaging and products stating that no methods for tampering will be provided.

Key safety requirements include:

• The maximum speed must not be tamperable under the safety standards.
• Manufacturers, importers, and retailers must not provide any means to tamper with the maximum speed.

Europe

Serbia: The Regulatory Agency for Electronic Communications and Postal Services (RATEL) has announced the reallocation of the 862–880 MHz, 915–930 MHz, and 930–935 MHz frequency bands.

The Regulatory Authority for Electronic Communications and Postal Services (RATEL) published an amendment to the Radio Frequency Allocation Plan on 3 September 2025, which entered into force on 6 September 2025. The amendment stipulates that, once the necessary funding is secured and operational procedures are completed, the 862–880 MHz, 915–930 MHz, and 930–935 MHz bands—currently used by security and defence authorities—will be reallocated for public telecommunications. The 930–935 MHz band must be made available for public telecommunications no later than 1 December 2026.

Middle East

UAE: The Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MOIAT) has updated photo requirements for ECAS (Emirates Conformity Assessment Scheme) and EQM (Emirates Quality Mark) certification applications.

The Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MOIAT) has issued revised requirements for uploading product photos in the ECAS and EQM certification processes, building on the existing guidelines.

New photo requirements:

• Actual product photo
• Brand and model clearly visible
• Clear, high-quality image
• White background
• Bearing the conformity logo related to the application (e.g., ECAS, EQM)

Previous requirements:

• Actual product photo
• Brand and model clearly visible
• Clear, high-quality image

Upcoming system update:

• MOIAT is working on enabling a feature in the e-services system that will allow uploading images for previously completed applications.

The Americas

Brazil: ANATEL has issued Act No. 14158, updating the technical requirements and test procedures for restricted radiation radiocommunication equipment.

The Agência Nacional de Telecomunicações (ANATEL) published Ato N° 14.158 on 1 October 2025. This new Act approves updates to Ato N° 14.448/2017 on Technical Requirements for Conformity Assessment of Restricted Radiation Radiocommunication Equipment and Ato N° 237/2022 on Test Procedures for Conformity Assessment of such equipment.

The updates include adjustments to requirements applicable to:

• Devices operating in millimetre-wave bands
• Wireless access systems operating in the 5150–5350 MHz band
• Audio, video, or other application transmission systems
• Specific test procedures for broadband wireless access systems for local area networks

The Act is now in effect and will become mandatory starting 6 April 2026.

Mexico: The regulatory authority for telecommunications and broadcasting is undergoing a transition from the Federal Telecommunications Institute (IFT) to the new entity, the Federal Telecommunications Commission (CRT)

The Instituto Federal de Telecomunicaciones (IFT) has confirmed it will cease operations on 17 October 2025, marking the start of Mexico’s transition to the new Comisión Reguladora en Telecomunicaciones (CRT).

The CRT commissioners have been appointed, and IFT has announced the closure of its customer service department while awaiting the formal handover. The CRT Plenary (Pleno) must still appoint a President Commissioner before full operations can begin. Once this is complete, IFT will be officially dissolved.

A transition period of at least one week is expected as CRT assumes oversight and reviews current and new approval submissions. Type Approval delays may occur during this process.

SGS continues to monitor developments closely and will keep clients informed as CRT takes responsibility for telecom and RF approvals in Mexico.

Mexico: The government has approved the 2025–2030 Sectoral Program of the Agencia de Transformación Digital y Telecomunicaciones (ATDT).

On 19 September 2025, the President of Mexico approved the Programa Sectorial de la Agencia de Transformación Digital y Telecomunicaciones (ATDT) 2025–2030. This Sectoral Program serves as the guiding instrument for ATDT’s institutional planning and defines the actions that will drive the digital transformation of the Mexican State throughout the 2025–2030 period.

One key objective relevant to regulatory processes is reducing resolution and response times by reengineering administrative procedures and services that currently cause delays for citizens and businesses. The Sectoral Program is now in effect.

Peru:  MTC Certification Delays Due to Political Transition and U.S. FCC Shutdown

Peru’s Congress appointed a new president on 10 October 2025, following the removal of the former head of state. This leadership transition is expected to cause significant delays in the Ministry of Transport and Communications (MTC) internal activities.

Adding to the challenges, the suspension of the U.S. FCC website has disrupted the MTC verification process for FCC IDs.

Stakeholders are strongly advised to account for these dual uncertainties—domestic leadership transition and U.S. shutdown impacts—when planning current and future MTC-related projects.

Bermuda: Bermuda RA Issues Reminder on Mandatory Type Approval for RF Devices

On 19 September 2025, the Regulatory Authority (RA) published a notice reminding importers of electronic communications network equipment or devices using RF that these devices must receive type approval from RA before being imported, marketed, sold, or operated in Bermuda.

Devices must comply with FCC, ISED, or ETSI standards, and corresponding reports can be leveraged for the RA type approval process. Failure to comply with these requirements may result in fines, penalties, and destruction of equipment.

RA advises importers to review their current and upcoming device portfolios to ensure full compliance.

Chile: Chile’s SUBTEL Modernizes SRD Compliance with QR Code Requirement

The Chilean telecommunications authority, SUBTEL, has introduced a groundbreaking update to its regulatory framework for Short-Range Devices (SRD) through Exempt Resolution No. 737, published in May 2025.

Under the new rules, which take effect on February 22, 2026, most SRD devices will no longer require traditional SUBTEL certification. Instead, companies must include a mandatory QR code on product packaging and online listings. This QR code links to a Spanish-language webpage containing:

• Technical specifications (frequency bands, power limits, protocols)
• Manufacturer and local representative details
• Test reports demonstrating compliance
• A Declaration of Conformity (DoC)

The QR code must be at least 1 cm × 1 cm, borderless, high-contrast, and easily scannable by mobile devices. Medical SRD devices, such as those operating in the 430–440 MHz band, will continue to require SUBTEL certification.

SUBTEL states that this change will streamline market entry, reduce administrative burden, and enable digital oversight as Chile prepares for rapid IoT and 5G growth.

Please contact our GMA team if you need any more information on Global Market Access Services or help in complying with international requirements.

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Disclaimer: This is a publication of SGS GMA & Wireless team. Our intent is to assist you to quicker access the global market by providing news of worldwide regulatory certifications. Please properly cite the source whenever reposting. The information contained herein is provided “as is,” and we do not warrant that it will be error-free. In case of any discrepancy due to translations, the original source shall prevail.