GMA News - 2026/9

 Australia

Australia ATA Updates Mobile Device Standard S042.1; NMS Renamed to AusAlert

The Australian Telecommunications Alliance (ATA) published Amendment No. 1/2026 to AS/CA S042.1:2025 on June 26, 2026. This amendment primarily updates terminology related to the emergency alert system, renaming the National Messaging System (NMS) to AusAlert. No technical requirements have been changed. The main changes are as follows:

• NMS is renamed to AusAlert
• NMS Critical Alert is renamed to Critical AusAlert
• NMS Priority Alert is renamed to Priority AusAlert
• Specific definition clauses are renumbered: Clause 4.2.42 and Clause 4.2.43 have been relocated to Clause 4.2.8 and Clause 4.2.9, respectively.

From July 1, 2026, all devices within the scope of AS/CA S042.1 must reference AS/CA S042.1:2025 (incorporating Amendment No. 1/2026) as the applicable standard when newly supplied to the market or undergoing a Declaration of Conformity (DoC). Correspondingly, NMS terminology in compliance documents, test reports, and technical files must also be updated to AusAlert.

 

 Bahrain

Bahrain TRA Issues Position Paper on the Use of Licence-Exempt Frequency Bands

The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) issued its Position Paper on the Use of Licence-Exempt Frequency Bands on July 1, 2026, outlining the operational principles and regulatory framework governing wireless equipment operating in license-exempt frequency bands.  Equipment that complies with TRA technical specifications may operate within designated license-exempt frequency bands without obtaining a frequency license or paying spectrum usage fees. However, such equipment must comply with the applicable frequency, power, and emission limits and operate on a non-interfering basis.  In addition, equipment operating in license-exempt bands is generally required to obtain TRA type approval unless exempted under applicable regulations. Equipment imported by individuals for personal use is exempt from formal type approval requirements. This document represents TRA’s current regulatory position and is not legally binding. The Authority may revise its position in response to market developments and technological advancements.

 

 Brazil

Brazil ANATEL Updates Technical Requirements for 6 GHz Wi-Fi Equipment

Agência Nacional de Telecomunicações (ANATEL) released Act No. 10400 on August 12, 2026, amending the conformity assessment requirements set out in Annex I of Act No. 14448. The amendment specifies that 6GHz Wi-Fi equipment shall operate in the frequency range 5,925-6,425 MHz. Applicable products include client devices, indoor access points, subordinate access points, and very low power (VLP) devices. The new act will come into effect upon publication and become mandatory on March 1, 2027.

 

 Costa Rica

Costa Rica SUTEL Establishes AFC Framework for 6GHz Standard Power Devices

Superintendencia de Telecomunicaciones (SUTEL) published Resolution RCS-137-2026 and Resolution RCS-138-2026 in the official gazette on June 23 and June 26, 2026, respectively. These resolutions established requirements for Standard Power (SP) devices operating in the 5,925-7,125 MHz band via the Automated Frequency Coordination (AFC) system to prevent interference with incumbent fixed microwave links.

 

 Gabon

Gabon ARCEP Launches Market Surveillance Campaign for Telecommunications Equipment

The Regulatory Authority for Electronic Communications and Posts (ARCEP) announced in July 2026 that it will launch a market surveillance campaign to strengthen enforcement against non-approved telecommunications equipment.

The inspections will cover devices such as mobile phones, tablets, routers, and smartwatches, with a focus on verifying whether these products have obtained the required approvals and bear the corresponding approval labels.

 

 India

India BIS Extends the Implementation Date of IS 18112

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) issued a notification on July 31, 2026, extending the mandatory implementation date of IS 18112 “Digital Television Receiver for Satellite Broadcast Transmission Specification” from April 26, 2025 to January 26, 2027.

 

BIS Extends the Implementation Date of IS 16102 (Part 1):2026

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) issued a notification on July 31, 2026, extending the mandatory implementation date of IS 16102 (Part 1):2026 “Self-Ballasted LED Lamps for General Lighting Services Part 1 Safety Requirements” to February 2, 2027.

 

BIS Extends the Implementation Date of the IS 10322 Series Standards

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) issued a notification on July 31, 2026, extending the mandatory implementation date of the IS 10322 series standards applicable to LED luminaires to February 2, 2027.

 

BIS Issues Guidance on Product Categories for Audio Glasses, Smart Glasses, AR Glasses and MR Glasses

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) issued a product classification guidance on August 13, 2026, clarifying the applicable product categories for Audio Glasses, Smart Glasses, AR Glasses and MR Glasses under the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS).

 

India NCCS Extends Security Certification Exemption for Cloud-Based IP Routers and Wi-Fi CPEs

The National Centre for Communication Security (NCCS) issued a notification on August 13, 2026, extending the security certification exemption for cloud-based IP routers and Wi-Fi CPEs from August 31, 2026, to December 31, 2026.

 

India DoT Enables 5.9GHz Band for ITS, Exempting C-V2X OBUs from Licensing Requirements

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) issued the "Use of On-Board Unit for Cellular Vehicle-to-Everything Communication in the 5.9 GHz band (Exemption from Licensing Requirements) Rules, 2026" on June 10, 2026. The rules permit OBU operations in the 5,875-5,905 MHz band, exempting devices from licensing requirements to promote intelligent transport systems (ITS) and V2X technologies. The rules come into effect on the date of publication in the Official Gazette. The main points are as follows:

• OBU Technical Parameters:
  - Maximum power spectral density (PSD) equivalent isotropic radiated power (EIRP) for in-band emissions: 23 dBm/MHz
  - Maximum EIRP for in-band emissions: 33 dBm
  - Out-of-band emissions (maximum PSD): -30 dBm/MHz
• OBUs shall comply with standards set by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) or notified by the Government of India; in the absence of such standards, they must meet relevant international standards.
• Each type of OBU remains subject to Equipment Type Approval (ETA).

 

India DoT Makes 77-81 GHz Band Available for License-Exempt Automotive Radar Systems

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) issued the “Use of Short-Range Automotive Radar System in the 77-81 GHz Band (Exemption from Licensing Requirements) Rules, 2026” on June 11, 2026. Under the new rules, Short-Range Automotive Radar Systems operating in the 77-81 GHz band are exempt from wireless licensing requirements, subject to compliance with the prescribed conditions. The rules took effect upon publication in the Official Gazette. The main points are as follows:

• Short-Range Automotive Radar Systems must comply with the following technical parameters:
  - Maximum Average EIRP: 50 dBm
  - Maximum Peak EIRP: 55 dBm
  - Maximum Emission Bandwidth: 4 GHz
  - Maximum Unwanted Emission Limit: -30 dBm/MHz
  
  
• Short-Range Automotive Radar Systems must comply with standards notified by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) or the Government of India. Where no applicable standards have been published, relevant international standards shall apply.
  
  
• Equipment Type Approval remains mandatory for each type of Short-Range Automotive Radar System.

 

 Israel

Israel Releases Latest Update on “What’s Good for Europe Is Good for Israel” Reform

Ministry of Economy and Industry of Israel announced the latest progress of the “What’s Good for Europe Is Good for Israel” reform on July 1, 2026, continuing its efforts to adopt European regulations as the compliance basis for product imports and market placement. According to the update, certain Israeli standards became eligible for importation through the European Adopted Regulation route from July 1, 2026. Some standards have been reclassified from Import Group 1 to Import Group 2, while the implementation dates for certain standards were postponed to October 1, 2026, January 1, 2027, or July 1, 2027. Furthermore, certain products are required to maintain supporting documentation, including a manufacturer's declaration, technical documentation, and conformity assessment documents, in order to meet import requirements.

 

 Korea

Korea RRA Updates Technical Standards, Enabling 5G NR Operation in Selected LTE Bands

The National Radio Research Agency (RRA) issued and implemented Notice No. 2026-4 on July 24, 2026, amending the “Technical Standards on Wireless Equipment for Telecommunications Business”. The main changes are as follows:

• Allows frequency bands previously allocated exclusively to LTE to be used for 5G NR.
• Expands the LTE occupied bandwidth from 20 MHz to 50 MHz.
• Changes the antenna power measurement point to the antenna tap.

 

 Mauritius

Mauritius ICTA Permits 5G Use in the 2.3GHz Band

The Information and Communication Technologies Authority (ICTA) issued Decision ICTA/DEC/02/2026 on June 4, 2026, opening the 2,300-2,400 MHz band for International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT) networks and making available additional mid-band spectrum in the 2,300-2,400 MHz and 2,500-2,690 MHz bands to support the deployment of 5G and future 5G-advanced technologies.

 

 Republic of Rwanda

Rwanda MINICT Announces Phased 2G and 3G Network Sunset Plan

The Ministry of ICT and Innovation (MINICT) released its Mobile Network Transition Plan on July 28, 2026, announcing the phased retirement of 2G and 3G mobile networks to accelerate the adoption of 4G and 5G technologies.

Under the plan, 3G services will be switched off on June 30, 2027, while the retirement of 2G networks is targeted for December 2028. The final timeline will depend on the outcome of the 3G transition, network coverage, service continuity, and the migration progress of existing 2G/3G applications.

 

 South Africa

South Africa ICASA Releases NRFP 2026

The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) announces the publication of an updated National Radio Frequency Plan (NRFP) 2026 on July 24, 2026.

 

 Thailand

Thailand TISI Initiates Revision of Battery and Power Bank Standards, Implementation Expected in Mid-2027

The Thai Industrial Standards Institute (TISI) conducted a public comment solicitation from July 9 to August 7, 2026 on draft “Specific Criteria for Inspection, Licensing, and Surveillance,” covering three categories of battery-related products, as part of a plan to bring these products under mandatory certification requirements. The main changes are as follows:

• TIS 62133 Part 1-2565 replaces TIS 2217-2548 (2005) and applies to portable sealed nickel-based secondary cells and batteries.
• TIS 62133 Part 2-2565 replaces TIS 2217-2548 (2005) and applies to portable sealed lithium-ion and lithium polymer secondary cells and batteries.
• TIS 2879-2567 replaces TIS 2879-2560 and applies to portable power banks.

After the end of the commenting period, the drafts will be submitted to the Thai Cabinet for approval and published in the Royal Gazette, and are expected to take effect in mid-2027. A transition period will be provided to allow manufacturers, importers, and certification holders to adapt to the new requirements. Existing license holders may also apply for an extension, which may not exceed one year after the new standards take effect.

 

Thailand TISI Announces Mandatory Safety Standards for Six Solar Products Effective September 2026

The Thai Industrial Standards Institute (TISI) announced on its official website that the following six solar-related products will be subject to mandatory safety standards, effective September 2026:

• Photovoltaic (PV) Modules (TIS 61730 Part 2-2567)
• Photovoltaic (PV) Cables (TIS 62930-2564)
• Secondary Lithium Batteries for Energy Storage Systems (TIS 63056-2567)
• Photovoltaic (PV) Inverters (TIS 2603 Part 2-2556)
• Low-Voltage Fuses for Photovoltaic (PV) Systems (TIS 60269 Part 6-2567)
• Circuit Breakers (TIS 60947 Part 2-2569)

 

 Philippines

Philippines NTC Adds 77-81 GHz Band to SRD Technical Requirements

The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) issued Memorandum Circular No. 004-06-2026 on June 29, 2026, amending the Short-Range Device (SRD) technical requirements under Memorandum Circular NO. 03-05-2007 by including the 77-81 GHz band within the scope of Equipment for Detecting Movement and Alert. The main changes are as follows:

Type of SRD	Frequency Band	Power (Maximum)
Equipment for Detecting Movement and Alert	2,400-2,483.5 MHz	25 mW EIRP
	9,200-9,500 MHz	25 mW EIRP
	9,500-9,975 MHz	25 mW EIRP
	13.4-14.0 GHz	25 mW EIRP
	24.05-24.25 GHz	100 mW eirp
	77-81 GHz	50 mW EIRP

The circular will come into effect 15 days after publication and filing with the Office of the National Administrative Register (ONAR).

 

Philippine DOE Postpones PELP Enforcement for Washing Machines and Electric Fans to January 2027

The Department of Energy (DOE) announced on July 16, 2026, that the enforcement date for the Philippine Energy Labeling Program (PELP) covering washing machines and electric fans has been postponed to January 1, 2027, after considerations on testing and implementation readiness. Starting in January 2027, the DOE will conduct Enforcement, Monitoring and Verification (EMV) activities in accordance with the PELP Implementing Guidelines, including on-site inspections and market surveillance. In addition to washing machines and electric fans, the following product categories will also be covered:

• New ECPs: Display Monitors.
• ECPs with Updated Labels: Lighting Products, Air Conditioners, Refrigerators and Refrigerator-Freezers with volume capacity between 113-600 liters, and Television Sets with a screen size less than 60 inches.
• Expanded Scope of ECPs: Refrigerators and Refrigerator-Freezers with a volume exceeding 600 liters, and Television Sets with a screen size greater than 60 inches.

Further details regarding market sample verification activities will be announced separately by the DOE.

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Disclaimer: This publication is issued by SGS GMA & Wireless team and is intended to assist you to quicker access the global market by providing updated on worldwide regulatory certifications. Please properly cite the source whenever reposting or referencing this content. The information contained herein is provided “as is” basis, and we make no warranties as to its accuracy or completeness. In case of any discrepancy due to translations, the original source shall prevail.