March 2026 Regulatory Newsletter: India, Singapore, China & 8 More Countries
This Month at a Glance:
- India released three NCCS security directives covering device hardening, mid-test software changes, and lithium cell capacity verification
- Cybersecurity and IoT were the cross-regional theme, with Singapore elevating router standards and Vietnam enacting AI governance legislation
- Americas disruption: Honduras suspended all type approvals and Argentina overhauled its homologation framework entirely
Country Updates
India: Allows Software Changes During Security Testing
March 26, 2026
India’s NCCS has introduced a meaningful process change: manufacturers can now update device software mid-evaluation at designated Telecommunication Security Testing Laboratories, rather than waiting for a full restart. For OEMs managing tight certification timelines, this flexibility could significantly reduce delays when iterative software fixes are needed during active TSTL review. It is a practical improvement to what has historically been a rigid and costly process.
Continue Reading: India Allows Software Changes During Security Testing update
India: Mandates Device Hardening Rules
March 26, 2026
India’s NCCS has formalized device hardening as a prerequisite for ITSAR security certification, establishing standardized procedures that OEMs must complete before their equipment enters formal evaluation. This directive closes a meaningful gap in the testing framework. Manufacturers can no longer approach security evaluations without first documenting and implementing specific hardening measures for their Device Under Test.
Continue Reading: India Mandates Device Hardening Rules update
Tunisia: Issues Technical Specifications for Maritime Mobile Networks
March 26, 2026
Tunisia’s National Frequency Agency has published a formal technical specification governing maritime radio equipment, aligning national requirements with ITU Radio Regulations and the national telecommunications code. Manufacturers and operators supplying radio equipment to vessels operating in Tunisian waters now have a defined compliance framework to work against. This is the first formal specification for this product category in the Tunisian market.
Continue Reading: Tunisia Issues Technical Specifications for Maritime Mobile Networks update
Middle East: Possible Delays Due to Ongoing Conflict
March 18, 2026
Ongoing regional conflict continues to disrupt the normal operations of regulatory bodies across parts of the Middle East, with product certification and type approval timelines at risk of significant delays. Companies with pending approvals or product launches planned in affected countries should factor extended processing windows into their schedules and maintain active dialogue with their compliance partners about current agency status.
Continue Reading: Middle East Possible Delays Due to Ongoing Conflict update
China: Introduces Traceability QR Codes for CCC Marks
March 18, 2026
China is adding a digital authentication layer to the CCC mark through a pilot reform requiring traceability QR codes alongside traditional certification marks for select product categories. For manufacturers, this means updating labeling and packaging workflows to generate and embed the new codes, and coordinating with Chinese certification bodies to ensure compliant mark issuance before affected products ship.
Continue Reading: China Introduces Traceability QR Codes for CCC Marks update
Singapore: Elevates Cybersecurity Requirements for Routers
March 18, 2026
Singapore is raising the mandatory cybersecurity bar for residential routers, requiring compliance with the more rigorous Cybersecurity Labelling Scheme Level 2 standard by end of 2027, up from the current Level 1 baseline. The timeline offers a runway, but reaching Level 2 involves meaningful additional testing and design requirements. Manufacturers currently certified at Level 1 should begin gap assessments now rather than waiting until the deadline approaches.
Continue Reading: Singapore Elevates Cybersecurity Requirements for Routers update
India: Mandates Verification for Lithium Cell Rated Capacity
March 16, 2026
India’s BIS is cracking down on misrepresented battery capacity, targeting the growing problem of lithium cells sold with inflated or inaccurate rated capacity claims. Products incorporating portable sealed secondary lithium cells will now require verified capacity testing under IS 16047 protocols as part of BIS compliance, adding a new checkpoint to the certification process.
Continue Reading: India Mandates Verification for Lithium Cell Rated Capacity update
Vietnam: Implements Regulatory Framework for AI
March 15, 2026
Vietnam’s standalone AI law took effect March 1, making it one of the first Southeast Asian nations to enact dedicated AI legislation at the parliamentary level. The framework introduces a risk-based governance model with distinct obligations by AI system classification. It is relevant not just for software companies, but for any manufacturer deploying AI-enabled connected products in the Vietnamese market.
Continue Reading: Vietnam Implements Regulatory Framework for AI update
Algeria: Certificate Validity & Type Approval Framework Updated
March 11, 2026
Algeria has overhauled its homologation framework for electronic communications equipment through Executive Decree No. 26-97, updating both the procedural requirements and certificate validity rules for devices entering the Algerian market. If you have pending applications or certifications due for renewal in Algeria, this decree changes the terms under which those approvals operate. A full review of your compliance position here is warranted.
Continue Reading: Algerias Certificate Validity & Type Approval Framework Updated
Honduras: Type Approval Temporarily Suspended
March 2, 2026
Honduras’ telecom regulator CONATEL has paused all type approval and homologation processing indefinitely while a government transition unfolds, with no confirmed resumption date. Companies planning product launches that require Honduran market approval should hold new submissions and build contingency time into their regional compliance timelines until operations resume.
Continue Reading: Honduras Type Approval Temporarily Suspended
Argentina: Important Updates to Telecom Homologation Framework
March 2, 2026
Argentina’s ENACOM has issued a comprehensive overhaul of its telecom equipment registration system with Resolution 57/2026, restructuring the RAMATEL platform and opening the approval process to third-party Certification Agencies for the first time. This is a foundational change to how Argentine market access works. Manufacturers currently using legacy approval pathways will need to reassess their compliance approach under the new framework.
Continue Reading: Argentina Updates Telecom Homologation Framework
