GMA Update May

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

Asia

Korea: KATS updates safety certification scope for certain products

The Korean Agency for Technology and Standards (KATS) has announced that, effective 1 April 2026, certain products will move from the Safety Certification scheme to the Safety Confirmation scheme.

The affected categories include vacuum cleaners (including wet and dry and steam models), washing machines (such as electric washing machines and spin dryers), bathroom fixtures (including electric toilet seats and self-cleaning/drying models), as well as microwave ovens.

One key implication is that the Safety Confirmation scheme does not require factory inspections, meaning that manufacturers of these products will no longer be subject to factory inspection requirements.

China: Mandatory standard for power bank safety officially issued

The State Administration for Market Regulation and the Standardization Administration of China jointly issued the “Safety Technical Specification for Power Bank” on 31 March 2026. The mandatory national standard number is GB 47372-2026 and it will be enforced from 1 April 2027. It introduces multiple stricter safety tests to improve the safety performance of power banks and to protect consumers’ personal and property safety.

Philippines: DTI issues draft technical regulation for power banks and portable power packs

The Philippines Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) released a draft technical regulation for the mandatory product certification of power banks and portable power packs in February 2026. The scope includes power banks and portable power pack devices with an input voltage supplied by a DC power source with a rated maximum of up to 60 Vdc, or by an AC mains power source through direct plug-in construction. All manufacturers/assemblers and importers will be required to undergo the mandatory PS, SOC and/or ICC procedures twelve months after the date of effectivity of this Order.

Singapore: CPSO issues regulatory requirements for electric fire stoves

The Consumer Product Safety Office (CPSO) of Singapore issued a circular on 15 April 2026, clarifying that electric fire stoves (plasma stoves) are classified as medium-risk controlled goods. As existing relevant international standards do not adequately address the unique safety risks posed by these products, they are currently unable to obtain the mandatory Safety Mark certification and are prohibited from sale in the Singapore market. CPSO will continue to monitor the development of international safety standards and review its position accordingly.

Singapore: SCDF issues regulatory requirements for flammable refrigerants

The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) issued a circular on 13 March 2026, clarifying that manufacturers/suppliers are required to complete a Declaration of Conformity and submit it to SCDF for in-principle approval prior to the sale of refrigeration and air-conditioning (RAC) equipment using flammable refrigerants. In accordance with this circular, the National Environment Agency (NEA) will verify the Declaration of Conformity issued by SCDF when processing new and renewal MELS applications for such RAC equipment using flammable refrigerants under NEA’s regulatory scope.

Africa

Kenya: Kenya CA releases technical specifications for mobile devices

The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) released the Technical Specifications for Mobile Cellular Devices on 24 March 2026. All mobile devices applying for type approval must now be equipped with a USB Type-C charging interface. Furthermore, charging cables must feature a detachable design to ensure compatibility across different brands and models. The main points are as follows:

• These requirements apply only to new applications submitted on or after 24 March 2026. Device models already on the market or previously certified may continue to be sold and used.
• The regulations strengthen the requirements for Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) and battery performance to ensure that all devices on the market meet health and safety standards.

Kenya: Kenya CA strengthens type approval requirements

The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) has recently implemented stricter type approval requirements and no longer grants blanket exemptions. All devices operating on 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz radio frequency technologies, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, ZigBee, Short Range Devices (SRD) and RFID, are required to obtain certification. In addition, all applications must include a fully functional physical sample for official inspection. Applications submitted without a sample will be rejected.

Eswatini: ESCCOM enforces stricter type approval and import controls on communications equipment

The Eswatini Communications Commission (ESCCOM) issued General Notice No. 4/2026, announcing the strict enforcement of the Electronic Communications (Importation, Type Approval and Distribution of Communications Equipment) Regulation, 2016, effective 13 April 2026. From this date, all electronic communications equipment imported into or used within Eswatini must hold a valid ESCCOM Type Approval Certificate. Compliance will be verified in coordination with the Eswatini Revenue Service (ERS) through the ASYCUDA World customs system and inspections at all ports of entry. Equipment without the required approval may face clearance delays or denial of market access.

Cape Verde: ARME releases the National Frequency Allocation Plan

The Agência Reguladora Multissetorial da Economia (ARME) issued Resolution No. 09/CA/2026 on 16 March 2026, formally adopting the National Frequency Allocation Table, which defines the use and technical parameters for frequency bands ranging from 9 kHz to 3,000 GHz. The main points are as follows:

• Detailed allocation for bands such as 700 MHz, 2.3 GHz, 2.6 GHz and 3.5 GHz, supporting 4G expansion and 5G deployment.
• Specifications on frequency ranges and power limits for low-power short-range devices, IoT and satellite communication equipment. Devices operating outside the permitted ranges are not eligible for type approval.
• Dedicated spectrum for government, emergency and public safety communications to prevent interference with commercial networks.

Togo: ARCEP releases an updated National Frequency Allocation Plan

The Autorité de Régulation des Communications Électroniques et des Postes (ARCEP) issued Decree No. 2026-037/PC on 15 April 2026, announcing the latest revision of the National Frequency Allocation Plan (PNAF). The decree was approved during the Council of Ministers meeting on 11 March 2026. It aims to align Togo’s radio spectrum management framework with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) framework adopted at the 2023 World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC-23) and replaces the previous 2022 framework. The updated PNAF will be supervised and enforced by ARCEP. The core updates cover key technology areas such as mobile communications, satellite and aerospace, providing a legal framework for the commercialization of emerging technologies. The main points are as follows:

• Expanding mobile communication bands to support global 5G development, increase network capacity and accelerate digital transformation.
• Introducing provisions for High Altitude Platform Systems (HAPS) and inter-satellite communication to address next-generation connectivity technologies.
• Allocating dedicated frequency bands for maritime safety communications and aeronautical mobile services to strengthen international maritime and aviation safety.

The Americas

Venezuela: CONATEL Updates Certificate Validity

Venezuela’s telecommunications authority, the Comisión Nacional de Telecomunicaciones (CONATEL), introduced a new Telecommunications Management System (SIGESTEL) in early 2026. The system establishes a one-year validity period for newly issued certificates, replacing the previous policy of indefinite validity. Under the new system, newly issued certificates must be renewed annually to remain valid, while previously issued certificates will continue to have unlimited validity unless technical modifications are made. The change applies to telecommunications and radio equipment subject to CONATEL approval and affects their eligibility for importation and commercialization.

Colombia: The Agencia Nacional del Espectro (ANE) of Colombia issued the Spectrum Management Master Plan (PMGE) 2026–2030 and the Regulatory Agenda 2026–2027.

Colombia’s National Spectrum Agency (Agencia Nacional del Espectro, ANE) has released the Spectrum Management Master Plan (PMGE) 2026–2030, which outlines the country’s strategic roadmap for spectrum management over the next five years. Alongside the PMGE, ANE also issued the Regulatory Agenda 2026–2027, which serves as the operational component of the Master Plan. The Regulatory Agenda is intended to translate the PMGE’s strategic objectives into concrete actions and provide technical support for regulatory decisions led by the Ministry of Information and Communications Technologies (MinTIC).

Mexico: Mexico NOM: Public Consultation Launched on Draft Energy Efficiency Regulations for Microwave Ovens

On 27 Mar 2026, Mexico’s National Advisory Committee on Standardization for the Conservation and Rational Use of Energy Resources (CONUEE) published a public consultation notice on a draft Mexican Official Standard for the energy efficiency of microwave ovens. The draft, PROY-NOM-038-ENER-2025, establishes maximum power and energy consumption limits, test methods, and labeling requirements for household microwave ovens, microwave ovens with grills, combination microwave ovens, and similar appliances with rated voltages not exceeding 130 V AC. The deadline for comments is 1 Jun 2026.

Mexico: Mexico’s CONUEE Publishes Draft Standard PROY-NOM-037-ENER-2025 for Commercial Washers and Washer-Dryers

Mexico’s Comité Consultivo Nacional de Normalización para la Preservación y Uso Racional de los Recursos Energéticos (CONUEE) published a formal notice regarding the draft Mexican Official Standard PROY-NOM-037-ENER-2025 for commercial washing machines and washer-dryers. The draft establishes minimum energy efficiency requirements, including the Modified Energy Factor (MEF), annual electricity consumption limits, and the Integrated Water Factor (IWF), for automatic commercial washing machines and washer-dryers with a maximum capacity of 226.5 liters. It also sets out test methods and labeling requirements for appliances intended for commercial use in laundromats and residential complexes that accept coins, cards, or other forms of payment. The deadline for comments is 1 Jun 2026.

Brazil: ANATEL Issues Act No. 4746 to Update Testing Requirements

The Agência Nacional de Telecomunicações (ANATEL) released Act No. 4746 on 2 Apr 2026, amending Act No. 14158. The new act establishes that products certified before Act No. 14158 entered into force on 6 Apr 2026, and that relied on the alternative requirement under item 10.3.4 of Act No. 14448, are exempt from complying with the updated requirements introduced by Act No. 14158. As a result, the bandwidth testing requirement under item 10.3.1 and the new, stricter spurious emissions requirements under item 10.6 do not apply to products approved before Act No. 14158 took effect.

Brazil: ANATEL Issues Act 5018 Revising SLMM Spectrum Technical Rules

On 8 Apr 2026, Brazil’s National Telecommunications Agency (ANATEL) published Act No. 5018, which amends the technical and operational requirements for the use of the radiofrequency spectrum. Specifically, the act revises the Technical and Operational Requirements for the Use of the Radiofrequency Spectrum by stations associated with the Limited Mobile Maritime Service (SLMM), which were originally approved by Act No. 883 of 1 Feb 2024.

Ecuador: ARCOTEL Approves the 2026 National Frequency Plan (PNF)

Ecuador’s Agency for the Regulation and Control of Telecommunications (ARCOTEL) published a formal resolution on 13 Feb 2026 approving a comprehensive update to the National Frequency Plan. Resolution No. 04-02-ARCOTEL-2021 formally adopts the updated National Frequency Plan, as set out in Annex 1 to the resolution.

Chile: SUBTEL Expands Direct-to-Cell (D2C) Satellite Service

Subsecretaría de Telecomunicaciones (SUBTEL) in Chile announced the expansion of Direct-to-Cell (D2C) satellite service on 25 Mar 2026. Chile is the first country in Latin America, and the fifth country glob-ally to allow the use of satellite data for SMS and applications.

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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.