2026/05/08

GMA News - 2026/5

The Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs (KOMDIGI) released Regulation No. 197 of 2026 on Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) requirements for Mobile Telecommunication Devices and Tablet Devices. Regulation No. 177 of 2024 will cease to be effective on April 22, 2026, upon the entry into force of Regulation No. 197 of 2026.

Brazil

Brazil ANATEL Released Act No. 4746 to Update Testing Requirements

Agência Nacional de Telecomunicações (ANATEL) released Act No. 4746 on April 2, 2026, which amends Act No. 14158. This new Act establishes that products which completed certification before Act No. 14158 came into effect (April 6, 2026), and the testing was conducted under the alternative requirements (Clause 10.3.4 of Act No. 14448), then no additional bandwidth testing (Clause 10.3.1) is required. In addition, these products do not need to comply with the newer and stricter spurious emission requirements (Clause 10.6).

Brazil ANATEL Released Act No. 5018 Updating SLMM Spectrum Rules

Agência Nacional de Telecomunicações (ANATEL) released Act No. 5018 on April 8, 2026, amending Act No. 883 and updating the technical and operational requirements for the use of radiofrequency spectrum by stations under the Limited Mobile Maritime Service (SLMM). The Act introduces several key updates, including revisions to the existing frequency allocation table, the adoption of the new NAVDAT system, and enhancements to the technical standards for the Automatic Connection System (ACS).

Cape Verde

Cape Verde ARME Issues Updated National Frequency Allocation Plan

Agência Reguladora Multissetorial da Economia (ARME) released the Resolution No. 09/CA/2026 on March 16, 2026, approving an updated National Frequency Allocation Table, which defines the usage and technical parameters for frequency bands ranging from 8.3 kHz to 3,000 GHz. The main changes are as follows:

Detailed provisions for the 700 MHz, 2.3 GHz, 2.6 GHz, and 3.5 GHz bands to support 4G expansion and 5G deployment.
Defined frequency ranges and transmission power limits for low-power short-range devices, IoT, and satellite communication equipment.
Including the public safety network requirements in the spectrum plan, to ensuring dedicated channels for emergency and disaster communications.

China

China published GB 47372-2026 Safety Technical Specification for Power Bank

The State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) and the Standardization Administration of China (SAC) published the standard GB 47372-2026 “Safety technical specification for power bank” on March 31, 2026, which will come into effect on April 1, 2027. From that date, all non-compliant power banks will be prohibited from production, sale, and import.

Colombia

Colombia ANE Released PMGE 2026-2030 and Regulatory Agenda 2026-2027

Agencia Nacional del Espectro (ANE) released the “Spectrum Management Master Plan 2026-2030 and Regulatory Agenda 2026-2027” on March 31, 2026, establishing the overall strategic direction for future radio spectrum management. The main points are as follows:

Conducting medium-to long-term assessments of spectrum demand for 5G, 6G, and Internet of Things (IoT) applications.
Promoting strategies for Direct-to-Device (D2D) communications, along with spectrum planning for High Throughput Satellite (HTS) and Very High Throughput Satellite (VHTS) systems.
Introducing artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) technologies to analyze spectrum usage and enhance allocation flexibility, while evaluating the feasibility of spectrum markets and dynamic spectrum sharing mechanisms.

Ecuador

Ecuador ARCOTEL Released National Frequency Plan 2026

Agencia de Regulación y Control de las Telecomunicaciones (ARCOTEL) released the 7th edition of the “National Frequency Plan” through the official gazette on March 27, 2026. The update plan took effect upon publication. The main changes are as follows:

Introduction of 6G related terms and definitions.
Enhanced regulations for private networks and high-frequency band applications, including:
♦ 910-915 MHz / 955-960 MHz: designated for IMT private network use
♦ 71-76 GHz / 81-86 GHz: allocated for Radio Links
♦ 535-1,705 kHz / 76-108 MHz: prioritized for audio broadcasting services

Eswatini

Eswatini ESCCOM Strengthens Type Approval Management for Electronic Communications Equipment

Eswatini Communications Commission released General Notice No. 4/2026 to further strengthen the control of importation, type approval and distribution of electronic communications equipment. The notice reinforces regulatory requirements and takes effect on April 13, 2026. From the effective date, all entities intending to import or use electronic communications equipment must hold valid Type Approval Certificates. ESCCOM will collaborate with the Eswatini Revenue Service to conduct inspections at all ports of entry in accordance with customs regulations, and will enhance declaration and management procedures through the customs declaration system. In addition, ESCCOM provides a publicly accessible database of approved equipment, enabling importers and distributors to verify product compliance.

Indonesia

Indonesia KOMDIGI Releases Regulation No. 197 of 2026 on SAR Requirements for Mobile and Tablet Device

Tablet devices that do not support voice communication using a speaker placed next to the ear may be exempted from Head SAR testing, provided that a declaration statement and product specification documents clearly indicating such design characteristics are submitted.
If a SAR test report is not available at the time of certification application, a statement issued by the laboratory may be submitted as a temporary substitute. This measure will remain valid until July 31, 2027.

Kenya

Kenya CA Released Technical Specifications for Mobile Devices

The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) released the “Technical Specifications for Mobile Cellular Devices” in March, 2026. All mobile devices applying for type approval must now be equipped with a USB Type-C charging interface. Furthermore, charging cables must feature a detachable design to ensure that chargers are compatible across different brands and models. The main points are as follows:

These requirements apply only to new applications submitted in or after March, 2026. Older device models already in the market or those that have previously obtained certification may still be sold and used as usual.
The regulations strengthen the requirements for Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) and battery performance to ensure that all devices on the market meet health and safety standards.

Kenya CA Strengthens Type Approval Requirements

The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) recently implemented stricter type approval requirements and no longer grants blanket exemptions. All devices operating in 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, ZigBee, Short Range Devices (SRD) and RFID are required to obtain certification. In addition, all applications must be submitted with a fully functional physical sample for official inspection. Applications without a sample will not be accepted.

Oman

Oman TRA Launches Self-Declaration of Conformity Service

Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) announced on January 7, 2026, the introduction of a “Declaration of Conformity” service under its type approval framework to streamline review procedures and improve operational efficiency. The service took effect on the date of announcement. Under this mechanism, applicants may submit a formal declaration confirming that the product complies with applicable technical and regulatory requirements when applying for equipment certification, without the need to provide prior test reports, thereby shortening the approval timeline. Applicants are legally responsible for the accuracy of the submitted information and must undertake to withdraw the product from the market if it is later found to be non-compliant.

The product categories eligible for this service are as follows:

Wireless Keyboard
Wireless Mouse
Printer
Speaker
Smart Pen
Wireless Charger
Printer
Unmanaged Switch
Smart Watch
Assistive devices for the hearing-impaired
Projector

Philippines

Philippines DTI Released Draft Technical Regulation for Power Banks and Portable Power Packs

Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) released a draft “Technical Regulation for the Mandatory Product Certification of Power Banks and Portable Power Packs” on February 24, 2026. Power banks and portable power packs with an input voltage not exceeding 60 Vdc, or those powered by an AC mains power source are included within the scope of mandatory certification under the Bureau of Philippine Standards (BPS). All manufacturers, assemblers and importers shall be required to undergo the mandatory PS, SOC and/or ICC procedures twelve (12) months after the date of effectivity of this Order.

Qatar

Qatar CRA Updates National Frequency Allocation Plan

Communications Regulatory Authority (CRA) released the updated “National Frequency Allocation Plan” on February 8, 2026, to address evolving technological developments and future spectrum demand. The update includes revisions to the National Frequency Allocation Table (NFAT), as well as changes to the frequency bands designated for Short Range Devices (SRD).

Togo

Togo ARCEP Updates National Frequency Allocation Plan

Autorité de Régulation des Communications Électroniques et des Postes (ARCEP) released Decree No. 2026-037/PC, announcing the revised “National Frequency Allocation Plan” on April 15, 2026, the, replacing the previous spectrum framework established under Decree No. 2022-030/PR. The new plan will be overseen and implemented by ARCEP, with key updates covering major technology sectors such as mobile communications, satellite systems, and aerospace. The main changes are as follows:

New dedicated frequencies for Maritime Safety Communications (NAVDAT): 6,337.5 kHz, 8,443 kHz, 12,663.5 kHz, 16,909.5 kHz, and 22,450.5 kHz.
Priority adjustments in the 117.975 - 137 MHz aeronautical communication band, along with updated regulations for the aeronautical mobile-satellite service in the 1,610 - 1,626.5 MHz band.
New interference limits for Non-Geostationary Orbit (non-GSO) satellite systems, along with enhanced protection of Earth exploration services in the 37.5 - 38 GHz band.
Regulatory updates for High Altitude Platform Systems (HAPS) in the 31 - 31.3 GHz and 38 - 39.5 GHz bands.

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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.