December 2025 Regulatory Newsletter: Brazil, Hong Kong, China, Singapore & 8 More Countries
This Month at a Glance:
- Brazil dominated with three updates spanning spectrum rules for aeronautical/satellite services, homologation seal security, and contributions to ITU-T RF-EMF exposure standards
- Hong Kong updated specifications for 5G NR equipment and 6 GHz WLAN devices, while also releasing new RFID/radio spec frameworks
- China simplified battery trade rules and launched a phased transition plan for hazardous substance compliance standards in electronics
Country Updates
China: New Regulatory Exemptions for Lithium Thionyl Chloride Battery Trade
December 26, 2025
Starting January 1, 2026, lithium thionyl chloride batteries or battery packs containing no more than 1 kg of thionyl chloride are exempt from controlled chemical supervision under Chinese law. Jointly issued by MIIT, the Ministry of Commerce, and Customs, this streamlines import and export procedures and reduces the compliance burden for manufacturers of low-risk battery products targeting the Chinese market.
Continue Reading: China: New Regulatory Exemptions for Lithium Thionyl Chloride Battery Trade
Cayman Islands: Updated Licensing Requirements for ICT Networks and Services
December 26, 2025
The Cayman Islands’ OfReg has published a revised notice under the ICT Act specifying which networks and services must be licensed, effective immediately in December 2025. Under the updated framework, all ICT Networks require licensing unless specifically exempted, with the revision replacing all prior versions and tightening the scope of regulatory oversight for operators in the market.
Continue Reading: Cayman Islands: Updated Licensing Requirements for ICT Networks and Services
Brazil: Anatel Updates Rules for Aeronautical and Satellite Spectrum Use
December 22, 2025
Anatel’s Act No. 16,313 revises spectrum use conditions for radiolocation and radionavigation services, reflecting 2023 World Radiocommunication Conference decisions. The update introduces guidelines for HF oceanographic radar systems, sets limits for space tracking systems, and aligns Brazil’s framework with international standards, affecting manufacturers of specialized radio and satellite equipment.
Continue Reading: Brazil: Anatel Updates Rules for Aeronautical and Satellite Spectrum Use
Brazil: ANATEL Opens Public Consultation to Revise Homologation Seal Security
December 17, 2025
ANATEL has launched Public Consultation No. 12/2025 to gather feedback on proposed updates to its homologation identification marking procedures. The consultation targets vulnerabilities in the current system that have made it susceptible to counterfeiting, with the goal of strengthening traceability and authentication of certified devices entering the Brazilian market.
Continue Reading: Brazil: ANATEL Opens Public Consultation to Revise Homologation Seal Security
Iraq: New Regulations Issued for 446 MHz PMR Frequency Band
December 17, 2025
Iraq’s CMC has issued its first regulations governing the 446.0-446.2 MHz band for unlicensed Personal Mobile Radio (PMR446) devices, effective September 22, 2025. The framework establishes technical, administrative, and legal conditions for short-range communication equipment, creating a defined compliance pathway for manufacturers of walkie-talkies and similar PMR446 devices targeting the Iraqi market.
Continue Reading: Iraq: New Regulations Issued for 446 MHz PMR Frequency Band
Singapore: CPSO Suspends Non-Compliant Controlled Goods
December 17, 2025
Singapore’s CPSO has issued a circular warning Registered Suppliers that Controlled Goods with non-compliances or unauthorized modifications face immediate suspension or prohibition from supply. Following recent market surveillance activities, affected suppliers were instructed to halt supply and may be required to initiate product recalls, reinforcing Singapore’s active enforcement posture for consumer product safety.
Continue Reading: Singapore: CPSO Suspends Non-Compliant Controlled Goods
Chile: Public Consultation Launched for Third 5G Auction in 3.5 GHz Band
December 17, 2025
SUBTEL has launched a public consultation (open through December 24, 2025) to assess the feasibility of a third 5G spectrum auction in the 3.5 GHz band. The initiative seeks stakeholder perspectives on current spectrum use and future needs, reflecting Chile’s proactive approach to supporting 5G expansion and industrial digital transformation.
Continue Reading: Chile: Public Consultation Launched for Third 5G Auction in 3.5 GHz Band
Brazil: Contributions to New ITU-T Recommendation on RF-EMF Exposure
December 17, 2025
Brazil has played a leading role in developing ITU-T Recommendation K.160, adopted at the ITU-T Study Group 5 meeting in Geneva. The new Recommendation establishes how to assess human exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields from body-worn devices, setting an international benchmark for RF-EMF safety testing that will influence device compliance requirements globally.
Continue Reading: Brazil: Contributions to New ITU-T Recommendation on RF-EMF Exposure
Hong Kong: New 5G NR Equipment Specification Released
December 9, 2025
OFCA has released HKCA 1085, a new performance specification for 5G New Radio (NR) User Equipment under the Telecommunications Ordinance. Any radiocommunications equipment covered by this specification must comply with the updated technical and evaluation requirements to be used or sold in Hong Kong, directly affecting manufacturers of 5G devices targeting the market.
Continue Reading: Hong Kong: New 5G NR Equipment Specification Released
New Zealand: Consultation on 2300/2600 MHz Spectrum
December 9, 2025
New Zealand’s Radio Spectrum Management (RSM) is seeking stakeholder feedback on the future of spectrum management rights in the 2300 MHz and 2600 MHz bands, currently vital for 4G and 5G services. With existing rights expiring in 2028 and 2030, RSM is reviewing renewal options to ensure continued mobile service access, promote innovation, and support competitive spectrum use.
Continue Reading: New Zealand: Consultation on 2300/2600 MHz Spectrum
Hong Kong: Updated Technical Requirements for 6 GHz WLAN Devices
December 9, 2025
The Communications Authority of Hong Kong has issued Issue 2 of HKCA 1081, updating performance specifications for 6 GHz band WLAN apparatus. The revision supersedes the 2022 version and sets revised technical and evaluation requirements for Wi-Fi devices operating in the 5.925-7.125 GHz range, directly impacting manufacturers of Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7 equipment seeking Hong Kong approval.
Continue Reading: Hong Kong: Updated Technical Requirements for 6 GHz WLAN Devices
China: New Standards for Hazardous Substance Compliance
December 9, 2025
China’s CNCA, SAMR, and MIIT have announced a phased transition plan for hazardous substance conformity assessment in electrical and electronic products, accompanying the release of new national standard GB 26572-2025 to replace GB/T 26572-2011. Manufacturers have a transition window to align their products and documentation with the updated standards before mandatory enforcement begins.
Continue Reading: China: New Standards for Hazardous Substance Compliance
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