The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) of Thailand has announced an important regulatory update impacting Bluetooth-enabled equipment and other devices operating in the 2.4 GHz and/or 5 GHz frequency bands.
Under the NBTC Technical Standard TS 1035-2562 — “Radiocommunication Equipment Using Frequency 2.4 GHz and/or 5 GHz” — Bluetooth devices will now require electrical safety test reports as part of the Supplier’s Declaration of Conformity (SDoC) process.
This change aligns NBTC’s interpretation of the standard with international safety and conformity practices and closes a long-standing gap in certification requirements for 2.4 GHz radio devices.
Implementation Timeline
| Period | Requirement for Bluetooth Equipment |
|---|---|
| Until 31st January 2026 | NBTC will continue to issue SDoC certificates without requiring electrical safety test reports. |
| From 1st February 2026 onwards | Electrical safety test reports become mandatory for all Bluetooth devices applying for NBTC SDoC certification. |
What Has Changed
Previously, Bluetooth devices were excluded from the electrical safety testing requirement because the older NBTC standard (NTC TS 1012-2551) only applied to RLAN (Wi-Fi) equipment.
However, the new standard NBTC TS 1035-2562 expanded its scope to cover all radiocommunication equipment using 2.4 GHz and/or 5 GHz frequencies, which includes:
Bluetooth and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) devices
Zigbee, short-range devices (SRDs), and IoT equipment
Wi-Fi transceivers and access points
As a result, the NBTC has reinterpreted the standard to clarify that electrical safety testing now applies to all such devices — including Bluetooth equipment.
Certification Requirements Going Forward
Effective 1 February 2026, Bluetooth products seeking NBTC certification must include the following as part of their SDoC submission package:
Radio Frequency (RF) test reports
Radiation exposure (SAR) reports, if applicable
Electrical safety test reports — demonstrating compliance with recognised safety standards such as:
IEC 60950-1, IEC 62368-1, or other applicable safety frameworks
TIS 1561–2013 (Thailand’s national safety standard)
This update ensures that Bluetooth devices are evaluated for both radio performance and electrical safety, enhancing user protection and aligning Thailand’s certification regime with global conformity standards.
Impact for Manufacturers and Importers
Bluetooth and other 2.4 GHz/5 GHz radio devices must be retested or supported with compliant electrical safety reports prior to SDoC submission after February 2026.
Applications submitted before 31 January 2026 may still be accepted under the current transitional rule without the safety report requirement.
Manufacturers are advised to update testing documentation early to avoid delays when the new rule becomes mandatory.
At C-PRAV, we help manufacturers and importers navigate evolving certification frameworks in Southeast Asia. Stay ahead of regulatory changes. Stay compliant with confidence.
