Brazil has taken an active role in shaping international telecom safety regulations through its contributions to the recently approved ITU-T Recommendation K.160. The new Recommendation, adopted by consensus during the ITU-T Study Group 5 (SG5) meeting in Geneva from October 29 to November 6, addresses how to assess human exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) from devices used close to the body.
SG5 is responsible for developing global standards on topics including electromagnetic fields, electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), sustainability, and cybersecurity within the telecom and ICT sectors.
Details of the New Recommendation
The ITU-T Recommendation K.160, titled “RF-EMF exposure assessment of devices operating close to the human body,” sets forth technical guidance for evaluating exposure to RF emissions from equipment such as smartphones and IoT devices. It aims to harmonize international approaches to RF safety by establishing methods that national regulators and testing bodies can implement.
Brazilian experts played a pivotal role in developing the Recommendation, submitting key technical proposals based on domestic experience with conformity assessment and SAR (Specific Absorption Rate) testing protocols. Contributions from Brazil included:
Procedures to improve the accuracy and efficiency of SAR assessment testing.
Evaluation criteria for proximity sensors used in mobile devices.
Protocol for verifying Time-Averaging SAR, which measures exposure over time.
Implementation of a market surveillance program to monitor RF exposure compliance.
Guidelines for assessing cumulative RF exposure from multiple devices.
These contributions reflect Brazil’s ongoing regulatory engagement and technical leadership in RF safety, informed by the country’s long-standing experience with SAR compliance frameworks.
Public Consultation Open Until December 13
Recommendation K.160 is currently in the Alternative Approval Procedure (AAP) phase, a formal ITU-T process for gathering final input before the Recommendation is fully adopted. Stakeholders interested in submitting feedback can do so via the ITU portal until December 13, 2025: https://www.itu.int/t/aap/recdetails/11376.
This phase ensures transparency and allows for global regulatory alignment, especially on sensitive public health topics like RF exposure.
For this article’s source information and any product certification guidance, please contact Global Validity.
Quick Country Facts
Brazil
Certification Body: Agencia Nacional de Telecomunicaciones (ANATEL)
Certification Type: Mandatory
License Validity: 24/36 Months
Application Language: Portuguese
Legal License Holder: Local Representative
In-Country Testing Requirement: In-Country Testing
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