September 2025 Regulatory Newsletter: Kuwait, Brazil, Philippines, Malaysia & 8 More Countries
September 2025 was defined by two parallel regulatory trends: a wave of hazardous substance restrictions spanning China, Brazil, and Uzbekistan, and a surge of spectrum decisions opening new frequency bands in Ukraine, Malaysia, Argentina, and Nigeria. Institutional action was particularly concentrated in Brazil, where Anatel issued three separate regulatory moves in the same month covering cybersecurity mandates, public consultations, and RoHS-style proposals. The breadth of activity across 12 countries reflects a regulatory environment where multiple compliance frameworks are evolving simultaneously.
This Month at a Glance
- Hazardous substance rules arrive in multiple markets: China finalized a mandatory updated RoHS-style standard, Brazil published a proposal introducing similar substance restrictions, and Uzbekistan approved a new technical regulation on hazardous materials in electronics, creating overlapping compliance obligations for global manufacturers.
- Spectrum decisions expand certification pathways: Ukraine authorized 6 GHz for Wi-Fi 6E, Malaysia opened three new IMT bands for certification and released TV White Space guidelines, and Argentina approved private 5G spectrum for industrial use, all pointing toward broader radio type approval requirements.
- Network technology transitions accelerate: The Philippines mandated a full 3G network shutdown by 2026, while Brazil introduced mandatory cybersecurity audits for telecom equipment and Kuwait launched a national spectrum monitoring system, signaling tighter enforcement environments across diverse markets.
Country Updates
Kuwait: CITRA Launches National Spectrum Monitoring and Analysis System
September 23, 2025
Kuwait’s Communications and Information Technology Regulatory Authority (CITRA) has signed an agreement to deploy the Automated Spectrum Monitoring and Analysis System, a national infrastructure project aimed at improving real-time visibility into spectrum usage across the country. The system is designed to detect interference, support enforcement actions, and strengthen Kuwait’s ability to manage its radio frequency environment. Equipment operators and importers in Kuwait should expect heightened regulatory oversight as monitoring capabilities expand.
Continue Reading: Kuwait: CITRA Launches National Spectrum Monitoring and Analysis System
Brazil: Cybersecurity Audit Now Mandatory for Telecom Equipment
September 23, 2025
Brazil’s Anatel has announced that telecommunications service providers must comply with mandatory cybersecurity audits for telecom equipment beginning November 26, 2025. The requirement applies to equipment used in Brazilian networks and introduces a new layer of compliance beyond traditional type approval. Manufacturers and suppliers of telecom infrastructure equipment should assess whether their products and documentation meet the new cybersecurity audit criteria ahead of the enforcement date.
Continue Reading: Brazil: Cybersecurity Audit Now Mandatory for Telecom Equipment
Philippines: 3G Networks to Shut Down Nationwide by 2026
September 17, 2025
The Philippines’ National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) has issued a regulatory framework requiring the phased decommissioning of all 3G mobile services across the country by 2026. The directive accelerates the country’s transition to 4G and 5G networks, with implications for device certification, network equipment approvals, and consumer device compatibility. Manufacturers selling mobile devices in the Philippines should factor in the diminishing 3G certification pathway and plan for updated network band certifications.
Continue Reading: Philippines: 3G Networks to Shut Down Nationwide by 2026
Ukraine: Opens Wi-Fi 6E and Boosts 5G Development
September 16, 2025
Ukraine’s Cabinet of Ministers issued a decision on August 13, 2025, authorizing the use of the 6 GHz band for Wi-Fi 6E and supporting the accelerated development of 5G infrastructure. The move aligns Ukraine with broader European spectrum harmonization efforts and opens new frequency resources for next-generation wireless devices. Manufacturers of 6 GHz-capable Wi-Fi products targeting the Ukrainian market should verify their certifications reflect the newly authorized band parameters.
Continue Reading: Ukraine: Opens Wi-Fi 6E and Boosts 5G Development
Uzbekistan: New Technical Regulation on RoHS
September 9, 2025
Uzbekistan’s Cabinet of Ministers approved a new Technical Regulation on August 15, 2025, restricting the use of hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment, aligned with the EU’s RoHS Directive framework. The regulation establishes substance limits, product scope, and exemption categories that manufacturers must assess against their product lines. Companies exporting electronics to Uzbekistan should review whether their existing RoHS compliance documentation satisfies the new national requirements.
Continue Reading: Uzbekistan: New Technical Regulation on RoHS
New Zealand: Updated Radio Standards Released
September 8, 2025
New Zealand’s Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) implemented updated Radiocommunications Regulations (Radio Standards) effective September 1, 2025. The revised standards update technical parameters for radio equipment operating in New Zealand, with changes that may affect certification requirements for a range of wireless device categories. Importers and manufacturers selling radio equipment in New Zealand should review the updated standards against their current product specifications.
Continue Reading: New Zealand: Updated Radio Standards Released
Malaysia: IMT Bands N79, B31 and B39 Now Eligible for Certification
September 8, 2025
Malaysia’s Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has officially authorized certification for three International Mobile Telecommunications bands: N79, B31, and B39. The change expands the range of frequency configurations that can be approved for mobile devices in Malaysia, reflecting growing demand for broader LTE and 5G band support. Device manufacturers targeting the Malaysian market with multi-band products should update their certification plans to include these newly eligible configurations.
Continue Reading: Malaysia: IMT Bands N79, B31 and B39 Now Eligible for Certification
India: New BIS Safety Standard for UPS Equipment
September 8, 2025
India’s Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has announced the adoption of a new safety standard for Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) equipment, adding to the list of product categories subject to mandatory BIS certification before sale in India. The new standard establishes testing and performance requirements that UPS manufacturers must meet to obtain the required certification mark. Companies importing or manufacturing UPS systems for the Indian market should evaluate their current compliance posture against the newly published standard.
Continue Reading: India: New BIS Safety Standard for UPS Equipment
Argentina: Private 5G Networks Approved for Industrial Use
September 8, 2025
Argentina’s National Communications Agency (ENACOM) has approved a new regulatory measure authorizing private spectrum allocations for industrial 5G networks, enabling companies to deploy dedicated wireless infrastructure for manufacturing, logistics, and other vertical use cases. The framework establishes licensing conditions and technical parameters for private network operators seeking spectrum access. Equipment manufacturers targeting private industrial 5G deployments in Argentina should review the new authorization conditions for applicable certification requirements.
Continue Reading: Argentina: Private 5G Networks Approved for Industrial Use
Malaysia: Revised Technical Code for Land Mobile Radio Certification
September 8, 2025
Malaysia’s MCMC officially approved an updated technical code for Land Mobile Radio (LMR) equipment certification on June 26, 2025, with formal publication following in September. The revised code updates the testing standards and performance requirements that LMR devices must satisfy to obtain MCMC type approval. Manufacturers of two-way radios, push-to-talk devices, and related LMR equipment sold in Malaysia should assess whether their existing certifications remain valid under the revised requirements.
Continue Reading: Malaysia: Revised Technical Code for Land Mobile Radio Certification
Serbia: Amendments to the Radio Frequency Band Allocation Plan
September 8, 2025
Serbia published a new regulation in Official Gazette No. 76/2025 amending the national Radio Frequency Allocation Plan, adjusting how specific frequency bands are designated and managed under Serbian communications law. The amendments may affect type approval requirements for devices operating in bands that have been reassigned or had their conditions modified. Manufacturers and importers of radio equipment in the Serbian market should review the updated allocation table to identify any bands relevant to their product portfolios.
Continue Reading: Serbia: Amendments to the Radio Frequency Band Allocation Plan
Malaysia: New Guidelines Released for Use of TV White Space Spectrum
September 8, 2025
Malaysia’s MCMC issued new guidelines on August 19, 2025, governing the use of TV White Space spectrum for license-exempt wireless applications. The guidelines establish technical conditions, database registration requirements, and device standards for accessing this spectrum, which is intended to support broadband connectivity in underserved areas. Device manufacturers developing TV White Space equipment for the Malaysian market should review the technical parameters to confirm their designs meet the new authorization criteria.
Continue Reading: Malaysia: New Guidelines Released for Use of TV White Space Spectrum
Brazil: Anatel Opens Consultations on Roaming, AI, Cybersecurity
September 3, 2025
Brazil’s Anatel launched three simultaneous public consultations on August 15, 2025, inviting stakeholder input on proposed updates to regulations covering national roaming obligations, artificial intelligence use in telecommunications, and cybersecurity requirements for network operators. The consultations were open for comment through the Participa Anatel platform with a closing date in September 2025. Telecom equipment suppliers and network operators active in Brazil should monitor these consultations closely, as finalized rules will likely introduce new compliance requirements.
Continue Reading: Brazil: Anatel Opens Consultations on Roaming, AI, Cybersecurity
China: Mandatory National Standard for Hazardous Substances in Electronics Finalized
September 2, 2025
China has approved GB 26572-2025, a new mandatory national standard restricting hazardous substances in electrical and electronic products, replacing the previous GB 26572-2011 version. The updated standard revises the list of controlled substances, tightens concentration limits in certain categories, and aligns more closely with international frameworks such as the EU’s RoHS Directive. Manufacturers exporting electronics to China should assess whether their existing compliance documentation meets the requirements of the new standard before it takes effect.
Brazil: Proposal Introduces Restrictions on Hazardous Substances in Electronics
September 2, 2025
Brazil’s Ministry of Environment and Climate Change published a proposal on August 8, 2025, introducing restrictions on hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment, modeled on the EU’s RoHS framework. The proposal sets out substance limits, product categories in scope, and exemption conditions that stakeholders are invited to review. Manufacturers selling electronics in Brazil should monitor the finalization of this proposal, as it would establish a new compliance layer alongside existing type approval and cybersecurity requirements.
Continue Reading: Brazil: Proposal Introduces Restrictions on Hazardous Substances in Electronics
Singapore: New Standard Mandates Energy Efficiency for Data Centre IT Equipment
September 2, 2025
Singapore has launched SS 715:2025, a new regulatory standard requiring energy-efficient IT equipment in data centres operating in tropical climates, targeting a reduction in energy consumption of at least 30%. The standard applies to IT equipment deployed within data centre environments and sets out performance metrics that products must meet. Manufacturers supplying servers, storage systems, and related IT infrastructure to Singapore data centres should evaluate their products against the new energy efficiency requirements.
Continue Reading: Singapore: New Standard Mandates Energy Efficiency for Data Centre IT Equipment
