Vietnam Sets New EMC Standards for the Mobile Era

Vietnam’s Ministry of Science and Technology has announced a significant regulatory shift with the introduction of a new EMC regulation in Vietnam—QCVN XX:2025/BKHCN. This national technical regulation addresses electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) for mobile terminal devices and their ancillary equipment, and will officially replace QCVN 86:2019/BTTTT starting January 1, 2026.

This EMC regulation Vietnam aligns with international best practices and reflects the country’s growing need for updated compliance standards across mobile and wireless technologies.

Key Changes and Timeline

Key Dates:

• Effective Date: January 1, 2026

• Mandatory Compliance: From January 1, 2027, all newly manufactured or imported mobile terminals must comply with QCVN XX:2025/BKHCN.

• During the transition year of 2026, businesses can use either the old QCVN 86:2019/BTTTT or the new QCVN XX:2025/BKHCN for conformity certification.

What’s Covered in the New Regulation?

The regulation applies to public land mobile terminals operating on GSM, W-CDMA (3G), LTE (4G), and 5G NR (5G), as well as narrowband IoT (NB-IoT) devices. It also includes requirements for ancillary equipment used with these terminals.

Key updates include:

• Support for 5G NR and NB-IoT technologies

• Revised testing arrangements and narrowband response handling

• Updated criteria for emission and immunity performance

• Expanded product scope and HS code classifications for compliance

This regulation aligns closely with the latest ETSI EN 301 489-52 V1.3.1 (2024-11) standard, ensuring harmonization with international practices.

Compliance & Market Access Implications

Manufacturers and importers must obtain conformity certification under QCVN XX:2025/BKHCN from 2027. Certification can be based on:

• Type testing

• Batch assessment

• Production process auditing

These are defined under Vietnam’s conformity assessment framework (Circular 28/2012/TT-BKHCN).

How We Can Help

Our Product Certification Service helps you navigate the EMC compliance process efficiently sensuring your mobile terminals meet Vietnam’s updated QCVN standards and are ready for market access in 2026 and beyond.

Impact Assessment

Technical Standards? ✅ Yes

Type Approval & Market Access? ❌ No

Imports, Customs, Trade, or Market Surveillance? ❌ No

Spectrum Management? ✅ Yes