GMA Update - December

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

Asia

Korea: Korea National Radio Research Agency Issues Technical Standard for USB Type-C in Mobile Devices

On 5 November 2025, the Korea National Radio Research Agency issued a technical standard for charging and data transmission for broadcasting and communication equipment, including mobile and smart devices. Under the new standard, devices such as smartphones, tablets, digital cameras, headphones, headsets, portable gaming controllers, portable speakers, e-book readers, keyboards, mice, portable navigation devices, earphones, and laptops must be equipped with USB-C connectors that meet the specified dimensional requirements. This standard will take effect on 5 November 2026.

Vietnam: MST Issues Circular 29/2025/TT-BKHCN Replacing Circular 02/2024/TT-BTTTT

On 13 November 2025, the Vietnamese Ministry of Science and Technology (MST) issued Circular 29/2025/TT-BKHCN on the list of products and goods that are likely to cause safety risks in the field of information technology and telecommunications under the Ministry’s management. The new Circular will take effect on 31 December 2025 and will replace Circular 02/2024/TT-BTTTT dated 29 March 2024.

Key updates in Circular 29/2025/TT-BKHCN include:

 - QCVN 134:2024/BTTTT (SAR standard) will be mandatory for the following products:

• Mobile phones: Mandatory type approval certification and SDoC from 1 July 2026. Existing type approval certificates will become invalid after this date if not updated to cover SAR standards.
• DECT phones: Mandatory type approval certification and SDoC from 1 July 2027.
• Tablets and notebooks with RF function: Mandatory SDoC from 1 July 2027.

 - Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7 devices operating within the 5925–6425 MHz frequency range will require type approval certification and SDoC under QCVN 47:2015/BTTTT and QCVN 96:2015/BTTTT.

 - QCVN 54:2020/BTTTT (Wi-Fi 2.4 GHz) and QCVN 65:2023/BTTTT (Wi-Fi 5 GHz): Testing under extreme conditions will not be mandatory from 1 July 2025 to 15 December 2026. However, testing under both normal and extreme conditions is still recommended to ensure 3-year certificate validity.

 - Industrial computers (HS code 8471.41.90) have been added to the mandatory SDoC product list.

 - The exemption allowing import of a maximum of three products per type per batch has been abolished.

 - QCVN 100:2024/BTTTT for Terrestrial Trunked Radio (TETRA) equipment has been added.

 - QCVN 133:2024/BTTTT for NR and E-UTRA mobile communication base station equipment has been added.

Thailand: NBTC Requests Suppliers to Apply for Conformity Assessment of Wireless Network Video Recorders (Wireless NVR)

The Office of the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) of Thailand has issued an announcement requesting suppliers to carry out a conformity assessment for radiocommunication equipment used in Wireless Network Video Recorders (Wireless NVR). This assessment ensures that Wireless NVR devices operating in the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency bands (NBTC TS 1035–2562) do not interfere with mobile phone networks in the 2600 MHz band.

The announcement emphasizes that suppliers must submit applications for conformity assessment before manufacturing or importing these products into Thailand. This requirement is in line with NBTC regulations on the technical standards of telecommunication equipment (B.E. 2565 / 2022).

India: MHI Issues Second Amendment to Scheme-X OTR Order

On 13 November 2025, the Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI) of India issued the “Machinery and Electrical Equipment Safety (Omnibus Technical Regulation) Second Amendment Order, 2025.” This amendment replaces the words “on the 1 Sep 2026” with “from such date as may be notified by the Central Government in the Official Gazette.” As a result, the previously revised mandatory implementation date has been withdrawn, and the future effective date will be determined through a separate notification in the Official Gazette.

India: Migration to IS/IEC 62368-1:2023 from IS 13252: Part 1:2010 and IS 616:2017

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) officially announced the migration from IS 13252: Part 1:2010 and IS 616:2017 to IS/IEC 62368-1:2023 through a Gazette notification published on 7 November 2025. Key points of the notification include:

Superseded Standards:

• IS 13252: Part 1:2010 (Information Technology Equipment – Safety General Requirements) and IS 616:2017 (Audio, Video, and Similar Electronic Apparatus – Safety Requirements) are now replaced by IS/IEC 62368-1:2023 (Audio/Video, Information and Communication Technology Equipment – Part 1 Safety Requirements).

New Product Category:

• Extended Reality (XR) products, including Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), and Mixed Reality (MR), have been added to the Electronics and Information Technology Goods (Requirements for Compulsory Registration) Order, 2021, as the 65th product category.

Concurrent Running Periods:

• Extended Reality Products (New Licenses): Allowed until 1 May 2026.

• All other products under IS 13252 and IS 616 (Existing or New Licenses): Allowed until 1 November 2028. After this date, IS 13252: Part 1:2010 and IS 616:2017 will be withdrawn.

India: Update on Implementation of IS 16242 (Part 1):2025 for UPS Equipment

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) issued a notification on 10 October 2025 regarding the implementation of the revised standard IS 16242 (Part 1):2025 for UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) equipment. BIS has updated the way the standard reference should be cited.

• Previous reference: IS 16242 (Part 1):2025 / IEC 62040-1:2017
• Revised reference: IS 16242 (Part 1):2025 / IEC 62040-1:2017 + AMD1:2021 + AMD2:2022 CSV

This update ensures that all future documentation and certifications correctly reflect the latest amendments to the standard.

Middle East

Iraq: CMC Publishes SRD and UWB Regulation

The Communications and Media Commission (CMC) of Iraq published the Regulation for Short-Range Radio Devices (SRDs) and Devices Using Ultra Wideband (UWB) Technology on 29 September 2025. The new regulation opens the 6 GHz band (5945–6425 MHz) for Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7 devices.

Jordan: TRA Issues Instructions No. 2 of 2025

The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) of Jordan issued Instructions No. 2 of 2025 on 17 September 2025, updating the “Instructions on Conditions and Procedures for Obtaining Approval for the Import, Use, Retention, and Trading of Telecommunications Devices and Telecommunications Terminals.” The regulation takes effect immediately upon publication.

Key updates include:

 - Extension of certificate validity to two years for local applicants and importers.

 - Expansion of the list of exempted products, with the following items newly added:

• Cables, wires, and empty cabinets
• Accessories and consumables for fax machines and copiers
• Printers and copiers (with or without Wi-Fi), excluding fax functionality
• Wired and wireless surveillance cameras
• Desktop and laptop computers
• Computer and television screens of all types and specifications
• Short-range infrared remote control devices
• Hard drives and storage devices
• Production inputs and electronic components
• Devices with Bluetooth functionality (e.g., Bluetooth headsets)
• GPS navigation devices (excluding SIM-card functionality)
• Network equipment (e.g., switches, firewalls, servers)

Africa

Niger: ARCEP Issues New Type Approval Regulations for Terminal and Radio Equipment

ARCEP issued Decision No. 000011/ARCEP/CNRCEP/25 on 8 October 2025, establishing official procedures for the type approval of terminal and radio equipment, as well as the issuance of installer approval certificates. The decision aims to strengthen market oversight of electronic communications equipment and ensure that devices sold or used in the country meet required technical and safety standards.

Key points include:

 - Testing Requirements

• All terminal equipment intended for connection to public electronic communications networks must undergo laboratory testing.
• Radio equipment may also require laboratory testing in certain cases.
• Applicants must provide two samples of the equipment; additional testing fees will apply.

 - Certificate Validity and Renewal

• Certificates are valid for three years from the date of issuance.
• Renewal applications must be submitted two months before the certificate expires and must include proof that the equipment has not undergone substantial modifications.
• Certificates issued prior to this decision remain valid until their original expiration dates.

 - Equipment Marking

• All approved equipment must bear a non-removable label before being marketed or connected to public networks.
• The label must include the certificate number, date of issuance, equipment model, batch or serial number, and manufacturer or supplier information.
• The label information must match the details listed on the certificate exactly.
• ARCEP has not yet released the specific label format.

 - Effective Date

• The decision took effect on 8 October 2025 with no transitional period.

The America

Argentina: ENACOM Assigns the FSS 17.3–17.7 GHz Band

The Ente Nacional de Comunicaciones (ENACOM) of Argentina published Resolución No. 1261/2025 on 23 October 2025, officially assigning the 17.3–17.7 GHz band to the Fixed-Satellite Service (Space-to-Earth) on a primary basis. Manufacturers with equipment operating in this band will be required to register their products and obtain type approval from ENACOM.

Mexico: CRT Issues Guidelines for Conducting Public Consultations

The Comisión Reguladora de Telecomunicaciones (CRT) of Mexico published an Agreement on 28 October 2025 issuing the Guidelines for Conducting CRT Public Consultations. The Guidelines establish the requirements, procedures, and deadlines that CRT administrative units must follow when proposing public consultations to the Plenary. They also define the rules for conducting consultations, exemptions, and the compilation and publication process for the Commission’s Annual Calendar of Public Consultations.

Individuals or organizations wishing to submit comments or opinions to the CRT must do so through a dedicated platform created for this purpose. The Commission may also enable additional mechanisms for receiving input, which will be specified in each Call for Proposals. All contributions received will be treated as public information and will remain available on the consultation platform, except for information classified as restricted access.

CRT will compile and publish the Annual Calendar of Public Consultations on its Portal. The Agreement entered into force on 29 October 2025. The Executive Secretariat of the CRT must implement the measures within 60 business days from the publication date, and the Annual Calendar of Public Consultations must be published within 30 business days from the Agreement’s effective date.

Chile: Ministry of Energy Establishes New Energy Efficiency Requirements for Household Refrigerators and Freezers

On 6 October 2025, the Chilean Ministry of Energy published a resolution in the Official Gazette establishing new minimum energy efficiency requirements for household refrigerators, freezers, and refrigerator-freezer appliances. Starting 1 July 2026, these products must comply with updated energy efficiency criteria.

The standard uses the Energy Efficiency Index (IEE, Índice de Eficiencia Energética) as the calculation method and is based on Technical Protocol PE N°1/17/2:2022 (and its future revisions). Implementation will occur in two phases:

• Phase 1: Effective 1 July 2026, products must have an IEE less than or equal to 145.
• Phase 2: Effective 1 July 2032, products must have an IEE less than or equal to 106.

Brazil: Inmetro Bans Certain Fluorescent Lamps and Ballasts in Brazil

The National Institute of Metrology, Quality and Technology (Inmetro) issued Ordinance No. 693 on 23 October 2025, published in the Official Gazette of the Union on 4 November 2025, prohibiting the manufacture, import, and sale of certain types of fluorescent lighting products in Brazil.

 - Implementation timeline:

• From 31 December 2025: Manufacture and import of the products are prohibited.
• From 31 July 2026: Manufacturers and importers are prohibited from marketing these products in the national market.
• From 31 December 2026: Distributors and retailers are prohibited from selling these products in Brazil.

 - Affected products:

• Compact fluorescent lamps with integrated ballast
• Electromagnetic ballasts for tubular fluorescent lamps
• Electronic ballasts powered by alternating current for rectilinear, circular, and compact tubular fluorescent lamps

To ensure effective enforcement, Inmetro will monitor the NCM (Mercosur Common Nomenclature) codes for these products for five years after 31 December 2026, preventing their import into Brazil.

 - Ordinances to be revoked on 31 December 2026:

• Ordinance No. 17 of 14 January 2022
• Ordinance No. 500 of 20 December 2021
• Ordinance No. 78 of 4 February 2021

Brasil: Inmetro Updates Energy Labeling References for Refrigerators in Ordinance No. 332

The National Institute of Metrology, Quality and Technology (Inmetro) published a rectification in the Official Gazette of the Union on 4 November 2025 (Edition 210, Section 1, Page 55), correcting Ordinance No. 332 of 2 August 2021, which had approved the Conformity Assessment Requirements for Refrigerators and Similar Products – Consolidated.

The rectification modifies Article 17, updating the technical references used for energy labeling requirements:

Original text: From 31 December 2031, distributors and retailers could only sell refrigerators and similar products labeled according to Tables 6 and 8 of the RTQ in Annex I, using the ENCE model shown in Figure 2 of Annex III.

Corrected text: References are updated to Tables 6 and 8A in Annex I and Figure 2A in Annex III.

Brasil: Inmetro Opens Public Consultation on Proposed Improvements to Conformity Assessment Requirements for LED Lamps (Public Consultation No. 40/2025)

The National Institute of Metrology, Quality and Technology (Inmetro) issued Public Consultation No. 40 on 17 October 2025, published in the Official Gazette of the Union on 4 November 2025 (Edition 210, Section 1, Page 47).

The consultation invites public feedback on proposed improvements to Inmetro Ordinance No. 69 of 16 February 2022, which approves the Conformity Assessment Requirements for LED Lamps with Control Device Integrated into the Base – Consolidated.

Key points of the consultation:

• The proposal document is available on the Inmetro website: www.inmetro.gov.br
• The consultation period is 60 days from the date of publication in the Official Gazette.
• Comments and suggestions must be submitted through the Brasil Participativo platform: https://brasilparticipativo.presidencia.gov.br
• Users experiencing technical difficulties may request assistance via Inmetro’s official contact channels: https://www.gov.br/inmetro/pt-br/canais_atendimento/ouvidoria/faca-sua-manifestacao

After the consultation period ends, Inmetro will work with interested entities to designate representatives for further discussions and finalize the proposed text.

Brasil: Inmetro Updates Conformity Assessment Requirements for Fans and Air Circulators (Ordinance No. 638/2025)

The National Institute of Metrology, Quality and Technology (Inmetro) issued Ordinance No. 638 on 7 October 2025, published in the Official Gazette of the Union on 4 November 2025 (Edition 210, Section 1, Page 23).

The ordinance amends Inmetro Ordinance No. 299 of 9 July 2021, which establishes the Conformity Assessment Requirements for Table, Wall, Pedestal Fans, and Air Circulators – Consolidated.

The main updates address:

• Scope and exclusion criteria
• Energy efficiency labeling
• Transition requirements

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.