Compliance Updates

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November 2021

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pakistan – Updated Technical Standards 
The Pakistan communications regulator the Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has recently published an updated "Type Approval Technical Standards Regulations, 2021”.

The updated regulations now require the following devices which were previously exempt from product certification, are subject to mandatory equipment certification:

In addition to the above products the PTA has also announced that EN 62368-1 has been added to the list of accepted standards.


Kuwait – Equipment Certs Validity Period Extended 

The Kuwait regulator CITRA has announced that all equipment certificates now issued will come with a 3 year expiry period, previously certificates were only issued with a 1 year validity period requiring product certs to be renewed annually. Now the renewal is every 3 years. Any equipment certificates coming up for renewal will be issued with a 3 year validity period. CITRA has increased the cost for issuing equipment certificates to take into account this change.

ICM has over 20 years experience in working with CITRA so we are able to offer the quickest times to market whilst keeping costs to a minimum.

Saudi –  RoHS Requirements  

The Saudi certification agency SASO Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization are now requiring all manufacturers of electronics and electrical equipment to comply with their new RoHS requirements.

The Saudi RoHS requirements are defined by Harmonized System (HS) codes, that are assigned to products as a condition of importation. 

The technical regulation applies to electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) in the following categories.

There are many similarities with the European Union’s RoHS regulation, however the Saudi RoHS requirements, therefore it is key to identify the differences before proceeding with the RoHS registration.

Key aspects of Saudi RoHS regulation are as follows:

The supplier responsible for placing electrical and electronic devices and equipment on the market shall obtain a certificate of conformity issued by a Saudi notified body.

The application should contain the Conformity Assessment Form (Type 1a) as per ISO/IEC 17067, The product shall be accompanied by a technical file that includes risk assessment documents, DoC and associated product technical documents.

The following are excluded from the scope of this regulation:

Singapore – Extension to Deadline for Residential Gateways and Home Routers       

The Infocomm Media Development Authority ‘IMDA’ in Singapore has announced an extension to the deadline for the compliance of residential gateways and home routers to their new standard IMDA-TS-RG-SEC. The standard came into force on the 13th April 2021, all new equipment registrations must now comply against the standard IMDA-TS-RG-SEC in order to achieve the equipment registration.

All existing routers and gateways that were registered before 12th of Oct 2020 were given a 1 year grace period to comply with the new standard. This grace period expired on the 12th Oct 2021. This grace period has now been extended to May 1st 2022 to allow manufacturers more time to ensure compliance to the new standard.


Belize – Regulator Changes 

The Belize regulator Public Utilities Commission has recently undergone a change in office location-restructuring, as a result there has been some slight delays to the timescale for the issuance of equipment certificates. The office move-restructure has now been completed and equipment certificates once again are issued without delays.


Botswana – After Sales Repair Consultation 

The Botswana regulator ‘BOCRA’ has announced a consultation period on the framework for providing after sales repair services. The announcement comes following problems with after sales repair services for electronics equipment in Botswana.

The regulator wants to improve the repair service levels for consumers once a product is in the marketplace, current repair service levels for consumers are poor. The consultation is looking at manufacturers and their ability in providing a point of contact for the return-repair of electronics equipment in Botswana.

For more information please contact  markb@internationalcompliancemanagement.com

 

 Oct 2021

Ecuador – On Line Equipment Registration Portal 
The Ecuadorian communications regulator ‘ARCOTEL’ have launched a new electronic application system for product certification.

The new simplified system is in response to growing demand for all applications now to be concluded on-line, making them more environmentally friendly plus streamlining the process of equipment registration. The new system will make the process easier to conclude and help with the quick turnaround on applications.

As part of the application process ACROTEL recognises equipment certificates issued by other regulators such as ANATEL, FCC, EU and NCC Taiwan.

A local representative is required to apply for the equipment certificate, ICM has a local office who can fulfil this obligation.

Saudi Arabia    – SASO IECEE Product Scope Extended     
The Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO) has released a list of new products that will require mandatory SASO IECEE/IECEX Recognition Certificate starting November 1, 2021. The additional products are as follows:
IECEE (Electro-technical Devices and Components)

Malaysia – New 5G User Equipment and Base Station Standards
The Malaysian communications authority ‘MCMC’ have published new standards for 5G user equipment and base stations. The new standards will be fully implemented shortly, the scope is as follows:

This Technical Code specifies the minimum requirements for User Equipment (UE) that are intended for use in connection with IMT-2020 public mobile telecommunications service in Malaysia. The UE may include, but not limited to, cellular mobile terminals, handheld, portable and vehicle-mounted equipment, and Radio Frequency (RF) interface cards and modems.

This technical code specifies the minimum requirements for Base Station (BS) that are intended for use in IMT-2020 mobile telecommunications systems in Malaysia.
Both User and Base Station equipment shall operate in any of the following frequency bands as defined in the table below:

 



Argentina – Formal Testing GSM/WCDMA Devices Mandatory
The Argentina regulatory authority ‘ARCOTEL’ have announced that from Feb 2022 all GSM/WCDMA devices must go through formal testing in the 2 newly accredited laboratories in Argentina. Previously as there was no dedicated GSM/WCDMA laboratories in Argentina therefore FCC-CE reports were accepted and no further testing was required. However from Feb 2022 these equipment types must undergo local testing in Argentina. Any product which comes up for renewal from Feb 2022 will also need to undergo local tests.

WiFi6  –  ICM Global Reports

Talking to our existing client base many of them who are actively developing devices integrating new radio technologies, in particular WiFi 6GHz devices. Working hand in hand with our partners and using our existing global compliance network of regulators / spectrum management agencies we are continuously tracking changes. One of our services at ICM is preparing and providing compliance intelligence reports for our customers, continent by continent.

Our on-going regulatory research intelligence is showing us that right now many spectrum management agencies are preparing for the use of WiFi 6 radios in their respective countries. Some agencies have already portioned of the radio spectrum for WiFi 6 radios whilst others that are in the consultation phase.

Please see the below snapshot of our current reports in some Asian markets. More detailed and comprehensive reports for this region and others can be purchased from ICM, please feel free to enquiry on the costs.

Asia Snap Shot

 
For more information please contact  markb@internationalcompliancemanagement.com

 

Sept 2021

UK   – CE Marking Period Extended  

The UK Government has announced an extension to the date ending the recognition of the CE mark in the UK.

CE marked goods may now continue to be placed on the UK market until 1st January 2023.
This extension means that all product sectors now have until 1st January 2023 to prepare to use the UKCA mark, with the exception of Medical Devices. The UKCA mark can be used now, and the Government is encouraging businesses to start using it as soon as possible, with it becoming mandatory for placing goods on the market in Great Britain from 1st January 2023.

Singapore –  Updated Low Power Radio Standard IMDA SRD 2021

The Singapore regulator IMDA has formally published their new updated radio standard ‘IMDA TS SRD 2021’. The update now confirms the acceptance of the safety standard IEC62368 and EMC standard CISPR 35  

The standard also has several new frequency assignments for low power radio equipment, some of the key assignments are as follows:

China– Updates to the 2.4GHz and 5GHz Radio Bands

The Chinese regulator the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology of the People’s Republic of China has notified ICM of some forthcoming changes to the standards relating to the WLAN 2400 MHz, 5100 MHz radio bands:

Solomon Islands  –  Equipment Registration Report Acceptance

The Solomon Islands equipment registration agency TCSI has issued a notice confirming the acceptance of international test reports within the equipment registration requirements.

The regulations now accept FCC, ETSI, ANCE, IEC reports from accredited laboratories. Products which already have complaint reports from accredited laboratories will be accepted in the application process, avoiding the need for further product testing.

Any product with a radio or telecommunication interface requires equipment registration with the TCSI.


Cambodia– IEC62368 

The body responsible for the safety and EMC certification of electronic and electrical equipment for Cambodia ISC has confirmed that they are now accepting safety reports to the IEC62368 standard.

IEC62368 reports issued by ILAC accredited laboratories are accepted so you can use your reports to avoid in country testing. Equipment should be certified for safety and EMC compliance by the ISC prior to being sold and used in Cambodia.

Any equipment using Radio networks or connected to the public network are also subject to parallel certification requirements imposed by the organisation Telecommunications Regulator Cambodia ‘TRC’.  The TRC allows the acceptance of international test reports if they are issued by ILAC accredited laboratories.


Jamaica – Product Labelling Requirements

The Jamaican RF agency ‘Spectrum Management Agency’ has published a notice clarifying the equipment labelling requirements for products which are certified for use in Jamaica.

Manufacturers seeking to export type approved devices to Jamaica should label the documentation as set out below to avoid delays and/or seizure of equipment by Customs Officers.

For stand-alone devices such as Keyless remotes, cellphones etc:

“This product has been Type Approved by Jamaica: SMA – “Equipment Identifier”.

Or in the case where an approved wireless module is contained within a device such as a computer, printer etc.:

“This product contains a Type Approved Module by Jamaica: SMA – “Equipment Identifier”.

For more information please contact  markb@internationalcompliancemanagement.com

 

Aug 2021

Saudi Arabia – Equipment Standards Update

The Saudi communications regulator CITC has announced updates to several of their equipment compliance standards. There are updates to the GEN001 standard which now include compliance to the EN62368 standard which becomes mandatory. Also RF exposure standards and an expansion of the EMC standards are now included in the standard.

The CITC have published the updated standard GEN002 broadening the scope of the standard covering the requirements for equipment types such as Mobile Routers, CPE Equipment, Mobile Phones, Tablets and Computers, Cellular IoT devices. The standard also confirms the e-labelling requirement as shown below:

The new requirements come into force with immediate effect. Previously approved equipment do not have to comply with the new regulations.

ICM has over 25 years experience in dealing with CITC equipment registrations, for more information please contact  markb@internationalcompliancemanagement.com

Sierra Leone – New Product Labelling Requirements

As of the 1st of July 2021 the Sierra Leone regulator NATCOM has introduced labelling requirements for certified equipment. Under the new labelling requirements every supplier, importer-distributor has to ensure their certified equipment is labelled in accordance with the regulation. The label consist of the following components:

a) The logo  
b) The product type/category
B) The assigned equipment certificate number 

If your equipment is too small to be affixed the label it can be placed in the supporting documentation or packaging.   Upon receipt of the Type Approval Certificate, every supplier, importer, distributor or seller shall affix the type approval label to the equipment. 

 

Samoa – New Product Labelling Requirements

The Samoan Office of the Regulator has published a new regulation Order 2021/T02. Under the new regulations every supplier, importer-distributor has to apply the new quality marking for Samoa which signals the certification of a product by the Office of the Regulator.

The new Samoan quality mark is shown below:

 

The minimum size of the logo is 3mm. If your equipment is too small to be affixed the label it can be placed in the supporting documentation or packaging.     

India – BIS Certification Product Scope Extension

The body responsible for the regulation of safety of electrical and electronics equipment BIS has published an updated list extending the scope of products requiring formal certification. Effectively components that can be used in a vehicle now falls inside the scope, products such as:

Bluetooth Radios
Wireless microphones
Smart speakers
Wireless Cameras

Qatar– PTT Push to Talk 

The Qatari regulator CRA has recently informed ICM that equipment which supports the Push to Talk functionality will not be permitted for use in Qatar. PTT functionality is currently banned in Qatar and equipment certification is not possible. We have a number of WiFi handset manufacturers affected by this ruling.

For more information please contact  markb@internationalcompliancemanagement.com

 

July 2021

Singapore  –   Proposed Changes to the Low Power Radio Standard

The Singapore communications regulator IMDA has published a public consultation document covering updates to the Low Power Radio Devices standard, ‘IMDA TS SRD Issue 1 Revision 2, June 2021’.

The proposed standard expands upon the range of radio products which can be certified for use in Singapore. The changes confirm the use of new radio standards as well as updating standards from draft status to their full implementation. The standard also lists the corresponding frequency assignment-power levels etc.. for these new equipment types

Some of the standard changes are as follows: 

Saudi –  CITC WLAN Applications Consultation

The Saudi regulator ‘Communications and Information Technology Commission ‘CITC’ has published a public consultation document covering the Radio Spectrum Allocation and use regulation for WLAN applications. 

The document introduces updates to spectrum allocations and use regulations of the WLAN frequency bands in Saudi Arabia. Identifying new spectrum for the use of WLAN applications in (6) and (60) GHz bands.

The updates aim to enable the latest wireless technologies in Saudi Arabia encompassing the sixth generation of Wi-Fi technologies (WiFi - 6e), WiGig technology, virtual and augmented reality (VR / AR) and Internet of Things (IoT).

The closing date for the consultation period is on the 8th of July. ICM will provide a further update when the new regulations come into force.

Australia –  Radio Equipment (General) Rules Notice 2021
 
The Australian Communications Agency ACMA has published updated general rules governing the import, sale and use of radio communications equipment in Australia.
The new general rules provide further clarification on the obligations to manufacturers and importers for the import and sale of radiocommunications equipment in Australia.
The rules provide clarification on the use of applied Radio-Safety-EMC and EME standards. When the standards become mandatory and your obligations in declaring compliance to the standards.
The notice also makes it clearer the obligations for marking and labelling for manufacturers and importers. There is also guidance on when the exemption of labelling can be exercised.


Brazil –  New DoC Procedure

The Brazilian Communications regulator ANATEL has published Act 3939 covering the guidelines on a new Declaration of Conformity (DoC) procedure. Test standards and the requirement to test against Brazilian standards remain the same as before. However once tests are complete a manufacturer can issue a DoC as opposed to waiting for an OCD to issue the certificate. Effectively removing the need for certification from the OCD for certain product types.


Vietnam –  Updated List of Products Now Under Certification Rules    

The Vietnam regulator Ministry Information and Communications ‘MIC’ have released a new law titled Circular 01/2021/TT-BTTTT detailing a new list of products under MIC Type Approval and Self-assessment DoC scope which shall take effect from July 01, 2021.

 The changes are as follows::

1. The MIC has updated new national technical standards (QCVN) to the list including:

(1) QCVN 54:2020/BTTTT (for WLAN / BT / Zigbee operates in 2.4GHz band)

(2) QCVN 74:2020/BTTTT (for 1GHz ~ 40GHz SRD)

(3) QCVN 117:2020/BTTTT (for land mobile terminals and mobile phones)

(4) QCVN 122:2020/BTTTT (for LPWAN products and sensors)

(5) QCVN 101:2020/BTTTT (for lithium batteries used for mobile phone, tablet, laptops)

2. MIC has removed exemption for transmitter and transceiver for product listed under item 2. of the Annex I (Radio transmitter, transceivers using radio frequency from 9 kHz to 400 GHz) which have Tx power under 60mW. (This change does not affect Wi-Fi, BT, Zigbee 2.4GHz, and 2.4GHz SRD products because they are categorized under item 3. of Annex I. These products are still exempted if having RF power under 60mW EIRP)

3. Vietnam MIC has decided not to enforce performance test / liability test for lithium battery according to item 2.5 of the QCVN 101:2020/BTTTT (IEC 61960-3:2017) yet and only safety test according to item 2.6 of the QCVN 101:2020/BTTTT (IEC 62133-2:2017) shall be required. BUT MIC may request to do full testing for QCVN 101:2020/BTTTT including both safety test and performance test in near future once their local capability build up.


Oman – WLAN Applications Consultation

The Oman regulator Telecommunications Regulatory Authority ‘TRA’ has published a consultation document with the goal to expand the exempt bands for Wi-Fi technology, they are planning to make the lower part of the frequency band 6 GHz (5925-6425 MHz) available for the sixth generation of WiFi devices on license- exempt basis, enabling indoor use only.

This will help to overcome the problems of internet traffic congestion. The consultation also explains the current regulations and some advantages of Wi-Fi 6.

Stakeholders and the concerned parties should provide their opinions and comments on the consultation document before the closure date in late July.

For more information please contact  markb@internationalcompliancemanagement.com