Vietnam implements new regulations on ICT equipment certification and circular 02/2024/TT-BTTTT explained
On March 29, 2024, the Vietnam Ministry of Information and Communications (MIC) took a significant step in regulating the certification and conformity of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) equipment by issuing Circular 02/2024/TT-BTTTT. This circular, which comes into effect on May 15, 2024, introduces several changes aimed at enhancing safety measures, streamlining certification processes, and supporting businesses in the ICT sector.
General Regulations
Circular 02/2024/TT-BTTTT introduces several general regulations affecting the certification and conformity declaration processes:
- Transition Period: Certificates of conformity issued between July 15, 2023, and May 14, 2024, will remain valid until their expiration dates. However, from July 1, 2025, additional certification and conformity declaration according to the standards outlined in Circular 02/2024/TT-BTTTT become mandatory.
- Testing Suspension: The circular continues to suspend testing under harsh, critical conditions for most products until June 30, 2025. MIC Vietnam is currently reviewing QCVN standards with testing criteria under such conditions for potential re-issue.
- Exemptions: Certain types of products, such as laptops, tablets, and PCs imported for self-use purposes in batches of up to three equipment products of the same type, are exempted from conformity certification and declaration.
- Transitional Provisions: Manufacturers and importers have the option to choose conformity declaration, conformity certification, and quality inspection registration according to different circulars until May 15, 2024.
Regulations on Commonly Applied Standards and Equipment
Circular 02/2024/TT-BTTTT specifies regulations regarding commonly applied standards and equipment, including:
- QCVN 117:2023/BTTTT: Certification of conformity for terminals/mobile phones (except 5G terminals/mobile phones) begins from February 15, 2024. Mobile phones must support specified technologies and bands outlined in the standard.
- 5G Mobile Phones: Requirements for 5G mobile phones include support for both SA mode and NSA mode, as specified in QCVN 127:2021/BTTTT, along with support for designated bands.
- New Standards: The circular allows the application of new standards such as QCVN 55:2023/BTTTT earlier than the effective date, starting from May 15, 2024.
- Technical Standards Exemptions: Certain technical standards, such as Total Radiated Power (TRP) and Total Receiver Sensitivity (TRS), are not required for NB-IoT devices as per QCVN 131:2022/BTTTT.
- Wireless Chargers: Testing under QCVN 55:2023/BTTTT is not required for SRD devices using specific frequency bands.
- WiFi 6E and WiFi 7 Devices: Devices with WiFi 6E and WiFi 7 functions can only be declared compliant under certain conditions regarding the usage of specific frequency bands.
These regulations signify a concerted effort to align with international standards and adapt to technological advancements in the ICT sector. As the circular takes effect, stakeholders in the industry are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the new requirements to ensure smooth compliance and market access.
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