Vietnam’s Ministry of Science and Technology has unveiled a new national EMC regulation, marking a major update to the country’s technical requirements for mobile devices. The regulation, QCVN XX:2025/BKHCN, will replace QCVN 86:2019/BTTTT and sets a new foundation for electromagnetic compatibility standards across the mobile ecosystem.
These changes reflect Vietnam’s push to modernize compliance expectations as mobile networks evolve toward advanced 4G, 5G, and IoT deployments.
Implementation Timeline
The transition to the new EMC framework will take place in two stages:
- January 1, 2026: QCVN XX:2025/BKHCN becomes effective.
- January 1, 2027: Compliance becomes mandatory for all imported or newly produced mobile terminal equipment.
Throughout 2026, manufacturers may continue using either the previous standard or the new one for conformity procedures, giving industry participants a year to realign their processes.
Scope of the New EMC Requirements
The regulation covers a wide range of mobile technologies, including:
- GSM handsets
- W-CDMA (3G) devices
- LTE (4G) and 5G New Radio equipment
- NB-IoT terminals
- Supporting or ancillary accessories used with mobile terminals
Key improvements introduced in the new EMC rule include:
- Full inclusion of 5G NR and NB-IoT
- Updates to EMC testing methods and narrowband response criteria
- Revised limits for emissions and immunity
- Broader product categorization and HS code alignment
Vietnam’s approach closely mirrors the structure of ETSI EN 301 489-52 V1.3.1 (2024-11), helping manufacturers maintain consistency with global standards.
What This Means for Manufacturers and Importers
From 2027 onward, devices falling under this regulation must undergo conformity certification based on one of the approved assessment routes:
- Type testing
- Batch evaluation
- Assessment of production processes
These methods follow the conformity mechanisms defined in Circular 28/2012/TT-BKHCN, ensuring consistency with Vietnam’s broader regulatory system.
For companies supplying mobile devices or IoT terminals to Vietnam, early preparation will be essential to avoid delays once mandatory enforcement begins.
