Vietnam has introduced comprehensive regulatory updates affecting mobile devices and IT equipment across three compliance domains. New stricter electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) limits for mobile devices under QCVN 86:2025/BKHCN, updated hazardous substance restrictions aligned with EU RoHS standards, and revised specific absorption rate (SAR) compliance requirements under QCVN 134:2024/BTTTT may require manufacturers to conduct retesting for new certifications.
Vietnam's regulatory framework for telecommunications and IT equipment has undergone significant modernization to align with international standards and address evolving technology requirements. The Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) and Ministry of Information and Communications (MIC) have issued multiple technical regulations that fundamentally change compliance requirements for manufacturers and importers operating in the Vietnamese market. These updates reflect Vietnam's commitment to strengthening its regulatory oversight of telecommunications equipment as mobile technologies continue to evolve.
The Vietnamese authorities have issued three critical regulatory updates affecting different aspects of product compliance. The Ministry of Science and Technology issued national technical regulation QCVN 86:2025/BKHCN establishing updated electromagnetic compatibility procedures for smartphones, mobile terminals, and related telecommunications equipment. This regulation introduces new mandatory EMC requirements for devices operating on modern cellular networks including GSM, 3G, 4G, 5G, and NB-IoT technologies.
Simultaneously, the Ministry of Information and Communications issued Circular 19/2024/TT-BTTT on December 31, 2024, introducing QCVN 134:2024/BTTTT, the national technical regulation on specific absorption rate for hand-held and body-worn radio equipment. Additionally, the Ministry of Science and Technology issued Circular 29/2025/TT-BKHCN on November 13, 2025, replacing Circular 02/2024/TT-BTTTT, which sets forth updated safety and conformity requirements for information technology and telecommunications products.
The new EMC regulation applies to mobile communication terminals operating on cellular networks. Electromagnetic compatibility testing must be conducted according to the procedures defined in QCVN 86:2025/BKHCN. Manufacturers or importers are required to submit a Declaration of Conformity to the Ministry of Science and Technology. Before being placed on the market, compliant equipment must display the CR conformity mark, confirming that the device meets national regulatory requirements.
The SAR regulation applies to mobile phones using E-Ultra (4G) or 5G technology (HS codes 8517.13.00 or 8517.14.00), handheld DECT phones (HS code 8517.11.00), laptops and portable computers (HS code 8471.30.20), and tablets (HS code 8471.3090). Mobile phones will require certification under QCVN 134:2024/BTTTT, while other listed devices will only require local test reports under QCVN 134:2024/BTTTT for the Supplier's Declaration of Conformity (SDoC) process.
SAR limits under this regulation are:
The circular specifies which devices must undergo mandatory type approval certification or Supplier's Declaration of Conformity, expanding regulatory oversight to include new categories of devices. This circular applies to all organizations and individuals that manufacture, import, or trade covered IT and telecom products in the Vietnamese market.
The regulatory updates impact multiple product categories:
Test reports prepared under previous EMC standards may not satisfy the updated requirements, and manufacturers should assess whether retesting is needed for products being submitted for new Vietnamese certifications. Existing SAR certificates must be updated to meet the new requirements or they will no longer be valid. The regulations will affect type approval, market access, imports, customs, and compliance requirements for covered devices.
Manufacturers must conduct electromagnetic compatibility testing according to QCVN 86:2025/BKHCN procedures. A Declaration of Conformity must be submitted to the Ministry of Science and Technology. Products must display the CR conformity mark before market placement.
Mobile phones require certification under QCVN 134:2024/BTTTT. DECT phones, laptops, and tablets require local test reports under QCVN 134:2024/BTTTT for SDoC compliance. Manufacturers should verify that existing SAR test reports address the updated Vietnamese measurement protocols.
The circular specifies requirements for mandatory type approval certification or Supplier's Declaration of Conformity depending on device category. Organizations must maintain compliance documentation for all covered IT and telecom products.
The Vietnam EMC regulation introduces a defined transition period with an effective date of February 15-16, 2026. The QCVN 86:2025/BKHCN requirements become fully mandatory in 2027.
Voluntary application of QCVN 134:2024/BTTTT is recommended starting February 15, 2025. QCVN 134:2024/BTTTT application becomes mandatory starting July 1, 2026 for mobile phones, and starting July 1, 2027 for DECT phones, laptops, and tablets.
Circular 29/2025/TT-BKHCN officially comes into force on December 31, 2025. Mobile phones must meet SAR compliance before entering the market by July 1, 2026. Full compliance will be required for all products covered by the regulation to be legally sold in Vietnam by July 1, 2027.
Vietnam's approach aligns its requirements more closely with EU RoHS standards for hazardous substance restrictions. The SAR limits and measurement protocols follow international practices but are specifically tailored to Vietnamese market requirements. The EMC standards ensure alignment with international EMC standards while maintaining Vietnam-specific certification procedures.
Manufacturers should immediately assess whether existing test reports satisfy updated EMC requirements under QCVN 86:2025/BKHCN. For products requiring new Vietnamese certifications, retesting may be necessary. Verify that existing SAR test reports address the updated Vietnamese measurement protocols under QCVN 134:2024/BTTTT.
Prioritize compliance activities based on mandatory implementation dates: begin SAR testing and certification for mobile phones to meet the July 1, 2026 deadline. Plan for DECT phones, laptops, and tablets to meet the July 1, 2027 deadline. Ensure EMC compliance processes are ready for the 2027 mandatory implementation.
Update product labeling to include the CR conformity mark for EMC-compliant devices. Prepare Declaration of Conformity documentation for submission to the Ministry of Science and Technology. Review supply chain and import procedures to ensure compliance with updated safety rules under Circular 29/2025/TT-BKHCN.
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