GMA Update - September

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

Asia

Korea: RRA Revises Technical Standards to Allow 5G NR Operation in Certain LTE Bands

On 11 August 2026, South Korea’s National Radio Research Agency (RRA) published Notice No. 2026-4, revising the Technical Standards for Wireless Equipment Used in Telecommunications Services. The amendment took effect on 24 July 2026.  Key changes include the use of LTE frequency bands for 5G NR operations, revised antenna power measurement methods, and updated bandwidth requirements for LTE and 5G NR technologies.  These revisions may impact KC certification requirements and could affect the validity of existing test reports.

The main changes are as follows:

• Certain LTE frequency bands are now permitted for 5G NR use.
• The antenna power measurement method has been changed from Average Power to Antenna Tap Power.
• The maximum LTE bandwidth has been increased from 20 MHz to 50 MHz.
• 5G NR operating in former LTE bands may support bandwidths of up to 50 MHz.

Commercial spectrum reallocation and service deployments are expected to begin by the end of 2026. Manufacturers should review whether their 5G NR devices use newly allocated frequency bands, SA/NSA modes, MIMO, or Carrier Aggregation (CA), and determine whether existing KC certification reports require updates or additional testing to maintain compliance.

Philippines: Philippine PELP Enforcement Activities to Commence in January 2027

The Philippine Department of Energy (DOE) issued an advisory on 25 June 2026 announcing that enforcement activities for the following categories of Energy Consuming Products (ECPs) will commence in January 2027. All stakeholders are required to ensure compliance with the Philippine Energy Labeling Program (PELP) guidelines.

The affected product categories are:

• Display Monitors
• Lighting Products
• Air Conditioners
• Refrigerators and Refrigerator-Freezers with capacities exceeding 600 liters and those with capacities between 113 and 600 liters
• Television Sets

Philippines: The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) issued Memorandum Circular No. 004-06-2026

On 29 June 2026, the Philippines' National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) issued Memorandum Circular No. 004-06-2026, revising the operating-parameter limits for Short-Range Devices (SRD) used in detection, motion-sensing, and alerting applications. The updated maximum EIRP limits for SRDs are set out below.

Equipment must not exceed the above technical limits under any operating conditions. All previously issued circulars, memoranda, orders, or parts thereof that are inconsistent with this Circular are amended or superseded.

The Circular will take effect 15 days after its publication in a newspaper of general circulation and the submission of copies to the Office of the National Administrative Register (ONAR).

Taiwan: BSMI Proposes Amendments to Inspection Requirements for Secondary Lithium Power Supply Equipment

The Bureau of Standards, Metrology and Inspection (BSMI) under Taiwan's Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) published a draft amendment on 1 July 2026 to the mandatory inspection requirements for nine categories of power supply equipment, including secondary lithium power banks.

Key proposed changes include:

• Expanding the scope of mandatory inspection to cover additional products, such as secondary lithium charging cases, vehicle jump starters, and secondary lithium cells.
• Updating the applicable CNS standards and introducing new test requirements, including nail penetration and fire propagation tests.
• Introducing functional safety requirements for battery systems used in certain products.
• Adding factory inspection as a new conformity assessment option.
• Requiring products under Categories 1-3 to bear RoHS restricted-substance markings.

Implementation timeline: The existing inspection requirements for power banks will cease to apply on 1 July 2027. Newly regulated products will become subject to mandatory inspection on 1 January 2028. Applications for certificates may be submitted upon announcement of the new requirements, and issued certificates will be valid for three years. Existing certificates may be renewed or remain valid until their expiry in accordance with the transition provisions.

Two alternative conformity assessment schemes: Registration of Product Certification (RPC) and Type-Approved Batch Inspection (TABI). The import regulation code is C02. C.C.C. tariff codes are provided for reference only and do not by themselves determine inspection obligations.

Exclusions: Propulsion batteries for road vehicles, energy storage systems, railways, marine applications, and manned aircraft are outside the scope of the regulation. Products with valid approvals issued by the MOTC, CAA, or MOHW are exempt from mandatory BSMI inspection.

Thailand: Thailand Proposes Updated TISI Standards for Batteries and Power Banks, with Implementation Expected in Mid-2027

The Thai Industrial Standards Institute (TISI) launched a public consultation from 9 July to 7 August 2026 on draft specific criteria for inspection, licensing, and post-market surveillance covering the following battery-related products. This marks the next step toward mandatory certification.

• TIS 62133 Part 1-2565: Replaces TIS 2217-2548 (2005) and applies to portable sealed nickel secondary cells and batteries.
• TIS 62133 Part 2-2565: Replaces TIS 2217-2548 (2005) and applies to portable sealed lithium-ion and lithium-polymer secondary cells and batteries.
• TIS 2879-2567: Replaces TIS 2879-2560 and applies to portable power banks.

Following the public consultation, the draft criteria will be submitted to the Thai Cabinet for approval. Once approved and published in the Royal Gazette, the updated requirements are expected to take effect in mid-2027.

A transition period will be provided to allow manufacturers and importers to adapt their production, import, and certification processes. Existing license holders may also apply for an extension of the transition period for up to one year after the new standards enter into force.

Middle East

Saudi Arabia: SASO Postpones Mandatory Implementation of Vehicle Emergency Call System Standard

The Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO) announced on 12 July 2026 that the mandatory implementation date of SASO 2944:2023, Road Vehicles – eCall Emergency Call System, has been postponed from 1 January 2027 to 1 January 2028.

As compliance with the eCall requirements is not yet mandatory, applicants for CST wireless type approval are only required to submit the existing RF, SAR, EMC, and safety test reports, together with the relevant technical documentation. Test reports in accordance with SASO 2944 are not required at this stage.

Africa

Mauritius: ICTA Opens the 2300 – 2400 MHz and 2500 – 2690 MHz Bands for 5G Services

The Information and Communication Technologies Authority (ICTA) of Mauritius has adopted a regulatory decision allocating the 2300-2400 MHz and 2500-2690 MHz spectrum bands for International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT) deployments, including 5G services. The decision entered into force upon its publication on 4 June 2026.

Rwanda: MINICT to Phase Out 2G and 3G Networks

Rwanda’s Ministry of ICT and Innovation (MINICT) announced on 28 July 2026 that the country will phase out its 2G and 3G mobile networks. The 3G network is scheduled to be shut down on 30 June 2027, while the 2G network is expected to remain in operation until December 2028.

Americas

Argentina: ENACOM Postpones Implementation of Third-Party Conformity Assessment Scheme

On 26 August 2026, Argentina’s National Communications Agency (ENACOM) published Resolution 843/2026, officially postponing the implementation of the Third-Party Certification Model by three months. Under this amendment, the new enforcement date is 1 December 2026.

Brazil: ANATEL Publishes Act No. 10.400/2026, Revising the 6 GHz Wi-Fi Frequency Range to 5925 – 6425 MHz

ANATEL has issued Act No. 10.400/2026, introducing changes to the permitted frequency range for Wi-Fi operation in the 6 GHz band. Effective 1 March 2027, the frequency range available for Wi-Fi devices in Brazil will be reduced from 5925-7125 MHz to 5925-6425 MHz. The 6425-7125 MHz portion of the band will no longer be available for Wi-Fi operation.

For products with ANATEL certificates that remain valid beyond the effective date, compliance with the new frequency requirements will be required during the applicable maintenance process.
This regulatory update will affect products operating in the 6 GHz band, including Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7 devices.

Costa Rica: SUTEL Issues Resolutions on AFC-Controlled Standard Power Devices in the 6 GHz Band

In June 2026, Costa Rica's Superintendencia de Telecomunicaciones (SUTEL) issued Resolution RCS-137-2026 and Resolution RCS-138-2026, establishing application and approval procedures for Standard Power (SP) devices operating in the 5,925 - 7,125 MHz band under Automated Frequency Coordination (AFC) control.

The resolutions conclude the previous public consultation process, introduce accreditation procedures for AFC Database Expert Administrators (PAAFCs), and define technical compliance and integration testing requirements. These measures are intended to ensure that SP devices operate without causing harmful interference to incumbent microwave links while maintaining the integrity of spectrum use.

Paraguay: CONATEL Renames PNAF as PNF

The National Telecommunications Commission (CONATEL) of Paraguay published Board Resolution No. 1232/2026 on 3 June 2026, changing the name of the National Frequency Allocation Plan (PNAF) to the National Frequency Plan (PNF).

Peru: MINEM Proposes Expanded Energy Efficiency Labelling Requirements; Public Consultation Open Until 13 October 2026

On 22 July 2026, Peru's Ministry of Energy and Mines (MINEM) published a formal notification of a draft supreme decree that would modify and incorporate eleven annexes into the Technical Regulation on Energy Efficiency Labelling for Energy Equipment (originally approved under Supreme Decree No. 009-2017-EM). The proposed amendment expands the scope of mandatory energy efficiency labelling to cover televisions, induction cookers, microwave ovens, office and electrical/electronic equipment in standby mode, electric ovens, portable electric ovens, floor and wall fans, ceiling fans, dishwashers, LED lighting control devices, and gas cookers. The draft specifies product categories, applicable testing standards, and labelling requirements, with the aim of providing consumers with clear energy efficiency information to support informed purchasing decisions. The draft regulation is currently open for public consultation, with the comment period set to close on 13 October 2026. Stakeholders and members of the public may submit feedback on the proposal before this deadline.

Venezuela: CONATEL Launches Module for Accessing and Downloading Approved Equipment Certificates

Venezuela’s National Telecommunications Commission (CONATEL) has announced the launch of a new online module on its official website. The new feature allows manufacturers, importers, and private individuals to search for and download certification documents for previously approved telecommunications equipment.

Oceania

Australia: ATA Releases Amendment No. 1/2026 to AS/CA S042.1:2025

The Australian Telecommunications Alliance (ATA) released Amendment No. 1/2026 to AS/CA S042.1:2025 on 26 June 2026. The amendment updates references from the National Messaging System (NMS) to AusAlert, aligning the standard with the Australian Government’s new name for its emergency cell broadcast service.

The changes are limited to terminology and editorial updates and do not introduce any modifications to the technical requirements or testing procedures.

AS/CA S042.1:2025 applies to Customer Equipment (CE) that is an addressable device intended for use with the Public Mobile Telecommunications Service (PMTS), a satellite service, or both. The standard does not apply to non-addressable devices, such as GPS terminals or satellite navigation systems.

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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.