GMA Update December

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

Eswatini
ESCOM Releases Guidelines on Use of License-Exempt Spectrum Bands

Eswatini Communications Commission (ESCCOM) released the Guidelines on the Use of Licence Exempt Spectrum Bands in Eswatini, 2024 in accordance with the Eswatini Communications Commission Act 2013. 

The purposes of the guidelines are:

• To review the existing provisions on apparatuses exempt from RF spectrum licenses.
• To provide guidance on the applicable technical standards and requirements for operating SRDs in Eswatini, including emerging technologies.
• To give guidance on the use of license-exempt spectrum bands for wireless access systems (WAS/RLAN) in Broadband Fixed Wireless Access (BFWA) applications, to ensure that users of these bands do not experience any harmful interference.

For detailed information, please refer to the link: Guidelines on the Use of Licence Exempt Spectrum Bands in Eswatini 2024

India
BIS Announces Revised Standard IS 302 (Part 1):2024 /IEC 60335-1:2020

Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) announced the guideline of revised standard IS 302 (Part 1):2024 /IEC 60335-1:2020 for the category “Adapters for household and similar electrical appliances” on November 27, 2024, which will replace the existing standard IS 302-1: 2008 after February 23, 2025. All existing licenses shall apply for a standard changeover before the implementation date, and all new applications are to be accepted one month before the last date of implementation of the revised standard. Ongoing applications that are under process per IS 302-1: 2008 shall submit an undertaking letter that the application will changeover to the revised IS 302 (Part 1): 2024/IEC 60335-1: 2020 before the last date of implementation.

For detailed information, please refer to the link: Guidelines for implementation of IS 302 (Part 1):2024 /IEC 60335-1:2020

NCCS Releases Amendments to Wi-Fi CPE ITSAR

The National Centre for Communication Security (NCCS) released a notification on October 24, 2024, amending ITSAR requirements for Wi-Fi CPEs deployed in a split configuration, where the Wi-Fi CPE is divided into two or more devices, such as an access point (AP), controller, etc. To address the technological changes in Wi-Fi CPEs, amendments and additional regulations have been made to the related ITSAR requirements. The notification has come into force on the date of release.

For detailed information, please refer to the link: Amendments-to-WiFi-CPE-ITSAR

Ivory coast
HACA Resumes Mandatory Approval Process for Broadcasting Devices

Haute Autorité de la Communication Audiovisuelle (HACA) released a notification to resume the approval process for broadcast audiovisual communication equipment on November 6, 2024. In addition to the ARTCI type approval, any broadcast audiovisual communication equipment, such as transmitters, filters, antennas, televisions, decoders, multi-media boxes, etc., that support AM/FM/DAB/DVB T/T2 technologies shall apply for HACA approval as well.

ARTCI Type Approval Progress Potentially Delayed

The Council of Ministers decided to dismiss the general director of Autorité de Regulation des Telecommunications de Cote d'Ivoire (ARTCI) on November 20, 2024, who had served for the past two years. This may cause delays in the type approval process until a new general director is appointed.

Ghana
MoCD Announces Official Launch of 5G Networks

The Ministry of Communications and Digitalization (MoCD) announced the official launch of 5G networks on November 1, 2024. It will initially start in major cities and is planned to cover nationwide by 2026.

For detailed information, please refer to the link: Ghana Launches 5G Network

Kuwait
CITRA Announces that 3G Mobile Telecommunications Services to End by June 1, 2025

The Communication and Information Technology Regulatory Authority (CITRA) announced the deadline for mobile telecommunications companies to end 3G mobile services by June 1, 2025.

For detailed information, please refer to the link: DecisionsDetails No. 2024/278

Malawi
MACRA Releases Terms and Conditions for Type Approval Grants

The Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) released Terms and Conditions for Type Approval Grants on October 25, 2024. The main points are as follows:

General Operating Conditions:

• Operate within the assigned frequency bands.
• Avoid causing harmful interference to other radio communication services within its area.
• Ensure that the recommended radiation exposure limits are not exceeded.
• Do not exceed the maximum effective radiated power (ERP) per the test reports.

Identification Label:

• Approved equipment shall be affixed with the identification mark.
• The identification mark includes the logo of the Authority, the model of the equipment, and the alphanumeric type approval identification of the equipment.
• The background color of the identification mark shall be in line with the colors of the Authority’s logo.
• The font and size of the characters shall be as specified.
• The word MACRA on the identification mark shall have a different size so that it is conspicuous. The size ratios of the symbol and all the characters shall be maintained relative to MACRA.
• The type approval numbering on the label shall be in a way that is conspicuous and fits on the label.
• The label designs shall be in color or black and white according to the surface of the equipment.

Panama
ASEP Initiatives Promote Deployment of 5G Networks

Autoridad Nacional de los Servicios Públicos (ASEP) released a press release on October 10, 2024, announcing the launch of 5G networks by the telecommunications company Más Móvil Panamá.

For detailed information, please refer to the link: INICIATIVAS REGULATORIAS PROPICIAN DESPLIEGUE DE LA RED 5G

Thailand
NBTC Modifies Technical Standards for 5,725-6,425 MHz Frequency Range

The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) of Thailand announced on November 14, 2024, to modify the technical standards for the 5,725-6,425 MHz frequency range. The main changes are as follows:

Before:

After:

For detailed information, please refer to the link: Technical Standard for telecommunication equipment using frequency of 5,725-6,425 GHz

NBTC Announces Digital Broadcast Radio Certification Requirements

The NBTC released a new announced on October 31, 2024, certification requirements for digital broadcast radios. Certification for digital broadcast radios installed in vehicles will be required one year after the date of publication, while certification for other digital broadcast radios will be required 120 days after the date of publication. The main points are as follows:

Traditional FM/AM Receivers:

• Traditional FM/AM receivers without digital (DAB) reception functionality do not require certification.

FM/AM/DAB Receivers:

• Receivers with FM/AM/DAB functionalities will require NBTC's SDoC certification once the technical standards come into effect.

Compliance Assessment for Digital Broadcast Reception (SDoC Certification):

1. Scope of Test Report Acceptance:

• NBTC accepts test reports from overseas testing laboratories.
• Submission of product samples or local testing is not required.

1. Special Requirements (Applicable to Thailand):

• Thai Language Support: Products must support the Thai language for display.
• User Manual: A Thai version of the user manual is required.
• Test Report: The test report must fully comply with NBTC technical standards.

Products with Both Communication and Broadcasting Functions:

1. Products that include Wi-Fi/Bluetooth (communication functions) and DAB digital broadcast reception (broadcast functions) must obtain two separate SDoCs:

• Communication Department SDoC: For Wi-Fi/Bluetooth functionality.
• Broadcast Department SDoC: For DAB reception functionality.

For detailed information, please refer to the link: NBTC BS 3004-2024

Singapore
Migration of IMDA Equipment Registration to New GoBusiness Portal

IMDA's device registration system will be migrating to the new Gobusiness portal, and IMDA registrations will be unavailable from November 25 to December 6, 2024. New registrations and renewals for certificates expiring December 31, 2024, will be available from December 6, 2024.

United Arab Emirates
MoIAT Releases AI File for ECAS National Conformity Marks and Performance Labels

Ministry of industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT) released the AI file of new National Conformity Marks and Performance Labels for download. The changes of requirements for the new ECAS logo are as below:

• No minimum size requirement; the size must always follow and respect the proportions of the Mark (1:2) and shall be visible and readable.
• The Notified Body (NB) number is no longer required. Only the ECAS logo will suffice.

For detailed information, please refer to the link: National conformity marks

Vietnam
MIC Releases Circular No. 13/2024/TT-BTTTT

The Ministry of Information and Communications (MIC) released Circular No. 13/2024/TT-BTTTT on October 25, 2024: "National Technical Regulation on Electromagnetic Compatibility for Terrestrial Mobile Radio Equipment and Terrestrial Radio Trunk Equipment" (QCVN 100:2024/BTTTT).

This Circular will be implemented on January 1, 2025, replacing Circular No. 39/2015/TT-BTTTT, dated December 25, 2015, "National Technical Regulation on Electromagnetic Compatibility for Terrestrial Radio Relay Equipment (TETRA)."

Implementation roadmap:

• From January 1, 2025, to June 30, 2025: Enterprises, organizations, and individuals may choose to conduct tests and conformity assessments according to either QCVN 100:2015/BTTTT or QCVN 100:2024/BTTTT to serve the announcement of conformity.
• From July 1, 2025: All imported and domestically manufactured terrestrial mobile radio equipment and terrestrial radio trunk equipment shall comply with the provisions of QCVN 100:2024/BTTTT before being circulated in the Vietnamese market.

For detailed information, please refer to the link: Thông tư số 13/2024/TT-BTTTT của Bộ Thông tin và Truyền thông: Ban hành “Quy chuẩn kỹ thuật quốc gia về tương thích điện từ đối với thiết bị vô tuyến di động mặt đất và trung kế vô tuyến mặt đất”

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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.

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.