GMA Update October

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

Important update: We are excited to announce that we have changed our name from ITA to GMA (Global Market Access) in order to signify progress and align with industry standards in service naming.

SGS's GMA service network continues to expand, now covering over 150 countries and regions, including all major and fast-growing markets.  Our international and professional type approval teams can provide a shortcut for your products to enter your target markets with more competitive pricing, shorter turnaround times and better-quality services.

Australia:
New EESS Platform

The EESS Platform with the new Registration Capability will be available from October 14, 2024. From October 11, 2024, the registration database will no longer be available. At that time, the responsible supplier number and email address will be needed to log in to the EESS platform.

For detailed information, please refer to the link: About the New EESS Platform

Hong Kong:
OFCA Updates 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Standards

The Office of the Communications Authority (OFCA) released HKCA 1039 Issue 7. The main change is as follows:

For detailed information, please refer to the link: Hong Kong HKCA 1039 Issue 7

OFCA Releases New SAR Standards

The OFCA released HKCA 1084 Issue 1 to outline SAR requirements for wireless devices operating in close proximity (up to 20 cm) to humans.

For detailed information, please refer to the link: Hong Kong HKCA 1084 Issue 1

OFCA Announces Date of New Standard Compliance for Wireless Device Radiation Safety

The OFCA released HKCA 2001 Issue 15 to announce that with effect from January 1, 2026, compliance with HKCA 1084: Conformance Specification for Radiation Safety of Wireless Devices shall be observed.

For detailed information, please refer to the link: Hong Kong HKCA 2001 Issue 15

India:
Several Product Categories to be Regulated Under the ISI Scheme

The India Government announced the Cross recessed screws, electrical appliances intended for household, commercial or similar applications, and hand tools will be regulated under ISI certification scheme and start implemented 6 months after the date of publication (From September 17, 2024).

For detailed information, please refer to the links:
Cross Recessed Screws (Quality Control) Order, 2024,
Safety of Household, Commercial, and Similar Electrical Appliances (Quality Control) Order, 2024,
Hand Tools (Quality Control) Order, 2024

DoT Announces Memorandums for License and ETA Processes

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) released new memorandums (R-11017/01/2018-PP (part-1)) regarding license and Equipment Type Approval (ETA) processes on September 9, 2024. The main changes are as follows:

1. For devices operating in the radiating mode, the timelines for issuing experimental and demonstration licenses have been adjusted to streamline the approval process.
2. For wireless devices exempted from licenses through various notifications, ETA will be granted to applicants based on a self-declaration. Before importing the equipment, ETA holders must obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) or other necessary clearances from the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT). ETA holders are responsible for ensuring compliance with the import requirements and regulations stipulated by the DGFT.

For detailed information, please refer to the links:
Additional Guidelines for issuing Experimental and Demonstration Licenses,
Issuance of Equipment Type Approval for License-Exempt Wireless Equipment Devices

Jordan:
Jordan Updates Type Approval Instructions

The Telecommunications Regulation Commission (TRC) released Decision No. 2024/19-7 to update instructions for obtaining type approvals, effective September 15, 2024. The main changes are as follows:

• The certificate validity is changed from “3 years” to “1 year”.
• The label must include the model name, brand name, marketing name, and IMEI number (for cellular devices); either physical or electronic is acceptable.

Exemptions:

• Printers, copiers, monitors, desktop computers, and wired and wireless cameras that do not contain any high-power radio communication functions or components.
• Devices incorporating only the Bluetooth technology.
• LCD television receivers.
• Wired telephones without any radio communication component.

For detailed information, please refer to the link: Decision No. 2024/19-7

Nigeria:
NCC Updates Type Approval Guidelines

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) released an updated type-approval guideline. The main changes are as follows:

• The name of the regulation is changed from Type Approval Guidelines to Type Approval Business Rules.
• Provisional approval procedures are applicable to R&D prototypes.
• New label design