This month’s updates cover Hong Kong, Japan, Mexico, Brazil, the United Arab Emirates, South Africa, Niger, the Philippines, Thailand and Canada, with developments involving 6 GHz restrictions, electrical safety requirements, mandatory NOM compliance, energy-efficiency labeling proposals, spectrum planning, short-range device parameters, WLAN test-standard acceptance and updated ISED testing laboratory requirements.
These International Approvals September 2026 updates are intended to help manufacturers and product developers identify regulatory changes that may affect global certification and market access planning.
View Full International Approvals September 2026 PDF
In This Issue
- Hong Kong: Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7 Devices Restricted to the Designated 6 GHz Band
- Japan: METI Revises Interpretation of Technical Standards under the Electrical Appliance and Material Safety Act
- Mexico: Courier-Channel Mobile Phone NOM Mandatory Compliance
- Brazil: ANATEL Act No. 10,400 — 6-GHz RLAN / Wi-Fi Frequency Band Restriction Updated
- UAE: Proposed Mandatory Energy Efficiency Labeling for Computer Monitors, Televisions and Electronic Displays
- South Africa: ICASA Publishes National Radio Frequency Plan 2026
- Niger: Launches 2027–2029 Spectrum Reorganization Plan to Pave Way for 5G
- Philippines: NTC Revises Operating Parameters for Short Range Devices
- Thailand: NBTC Will Accept ETSI EN 301 893 as Certification Standard for 5.8 GHz WLAN Equipment
- Canada: ISED Updates Testing Laboratory Assessment Requirements
Hong Kong: Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7 Devices Restricted to the Designated 6 GHz Band
香港：Wi-Fi 6E 及 Wi-Fi 7 设备仅允许使用指定 6 GHz 频段
Subject: Hong Kong OFCA Clarifies 6 GHz Band Restrictions for Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7 Devices
Official Issuer: Office of the Communications Authority (OFCA)
Hong Kong OFCA continues to enforce specific spectrum restrictions for Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7 devices operating in the 6 GHz band. Only devices operating within the designated 5.925–6.425 GHz band are permitted for use in Hong Kong.
Devices capable of operating in the upper 6 GHz band (6.425–7.125 GHz) are not permitted. This is particularly important for globally marketed Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7 products that may support the full 6 GHz spectrum in other markets (e.g. the United States and Canada).
Key Highlights
- Permitted 6 GHz Band: Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7 devices may operate within 5.925–6.425 GHz, subject to applicable technical requirements.
- Restricted Upper Band: Operation within 6.425–7.125 GHz is not permitted in Hong Kong.
- Access Point Certification: Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7 access points are subject to applicable certification requirements and mandatory CA labelling.
- Global SKU Risk: Products designed for markets allowing the full 6 GHz band may require regional frequency restrictions or firmware control for Hong Kong.
- Product Scope: Particularly relevant to routers, access points, mesh systems, repeaters, extenders and other WLAN equipment.
Official Source:
Office of the Communications Authority
Japan: METI Revises Interpretation of Technical Standards under the Electrical Appliance and Material Safety Act
日本：METI 修订《电气用品安全法》技术标准解释（2026 年 6 月 1 日实施）
Subject: Japan METI Updates Technical Standards Interpretation for Electrical Appliances and Materials
Released Date / Implementation Date: 01 June 2026
Official Issuer: Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI)
Japan METI has officially revised the Interpretation of the Ministerial Ordinance Prescribing Technical Standards for Electrical Appliances and Materials under the Electrical Appliance and Material Safety Act (DENAN / PSE framework). The amendment took effect on 1 June 2026. For certain revised provisions, METI provides a transition period allowing the previous requirements to continue to be applied until 31 May 2029 for specified appendices.
Key Highlights
- Technical Standard Revision: METI revised the official interpretation of technical standards applicable to regulated electrical appliances and materials.
- PSE Compliance Impact: Manufacturers of PSE-regulated products should review whether the revised provisions affect applicable product standards.
- Transition Period: For specified revised appendices, previous requirements may continue to be applied until 31 May 2029.
- Standards Review: Manufacturers should reassess applicable JIS, IEC-based standards and Japanese national differences.
Official Source:
Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry
Learn more about:
ACB Japan Certification Services
Mexico: Courier-Channel Mobile Phone NOM Mandatory Compliance, Effective 1 July 2026
墨西哥：快递渠道进口手机强制 NOM 合规（2026-07-01 生效）
Mexico’s Secretariat of Economy issued foreign-trade rule amendments on 29 May 2026, removing the practical exemption for mobile phones imported via courier / postal channels. From 1 July 2026, mobile phones under three tariff codes shall meet NOM requirements upon customs entry, irrespective of import channel or shipment value.
Affected tariff codes: 8517.13.01, 8517.14.91, 8517.18.99
Mandatory NOMs: NOM-001-SCFI-2018 (Electrical safety certification, lab test + OC-body approval); NOM-024-SCFI-2013 (Label & documentation compliance, document review only).
Risks for non-compliance: customs detention, storage fees, delays and penalties. CE / UL / FCC cannot replace NOM certificates. Tablets, notebooks and other consumer electronics remain unaffected.
Official Source:
Mexico Secretariat of Economy — Boletines
Brazil: ANATEL Act No. 10,400 (12 August 2026) — 6-GHz RLAN / Wi-Fi Frequency Band Restriction Updated
巴西：ANATEL 第 10400 号法令（2026-08-12）更新 6 GHz RLAN / Wi-Fi 频段使用限制
On 12 August 2026, Brazil’s National Telecommunications Agency (ANATEL) published Ato nº 10,400, amending Ato nº 14,448/2017 and revising the technical requirements for conformity assessment of restricted-radiation radiocommunication equipment.
The permitted 6-GHz operating range for RLAN / Wi-Fi is reduced from 5925–7125 MHz to 5925–6425 MHz (500 MHz of usable spectrum), with the upper 6425–7125 MHz segment reserved for IMT / mobile services (5G-Advanced and 6G), in line with the post-WRC-23 spectrum policy.
- Unlicensed RLAN operation is prohibited in the upper-6-GHz sub-band; only 5925–6425 MHz is permitted for Wi-Fi 6E / Wi-Fi 7 devices.
- For hardware natively supporting the full 5925–7125 MHz spectrum, firmware shall disable transmission in the 6425–7125 MHz band. A delta-test during homologation is required to verify sufficient out-of-band suppression for the prohibited upper segment. RMS spurious emissions and emissions outside 5925–6425 MHz are limited to –27 dBm/MHz.
- Timeline & transition: the Act entered into force upon publication on 12 August 2026, but its application becomes mandatory on 1 March 2027. New homologation applications must comply with the new rules from that date. Existing certified products whose Technical Conformity Certificates remain valid beyond 1 March 2027 must be brought into compliance during their next periodic maintenance / renewal process; products already placed on the market may remain in service, with no mandatory immediate re-assessment.
Official Source:
ANATEL
Official Document Reference:
ANATEL Document Search
UAE: Proposed Mandatory Energy Efficiency Labeling for Computer Monitors, Televisions and Electronic Displays
阿联酋：拟对计算机显示器、电视机及电子显示屏实施强制能效标签要求
On 23 July 2026, the UAE Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MOIAT) notified the WTO of two draft technical regulations: G/TBT/N/ARE/708, “Labeling — Energy Efficiency Label for Electrical Appliances — Part 11: Energy Consumption Efficiency for Computer Monitors” (UAE.S 5010-11:2026), and G/TBT/N/ARE/709, “Part 12: Energy Consumption Efficiency for Televisions and Electronic Displays” (UAE.S 5010-12:2026). The drafts propose mandatory energy efficiency labeling for covered display products placed on the UAE market.
For computer monitors, the scope covers desktop monitors, professional graphics monitors, gaming monitors, and the display section of all-in-one computers. For televisions and electronic displays, the scope covers TVs and standalone electronic displays with a screen area of not less than 100 cm², excluding projectors, built-in displays in smartphones, tablets and laptops, medical imaging displays, VR headsets, security and surveillance displays, and industrial control panels.
The proposed requirements set maximum power consumption limits for on-mode, off-mode, standby and networked standby, together with automatic brightness control, automatic standby after inactivity, and a four-hour power-down function where applicable. The Energy Efficiency Index (EEI) is used to assign a 1-to-5 star rating.
The label must show the star rating, EEI, on-mode power consumption, screen size in inches and centimetres, resolution, model identification and a QR code linking to the national database. Power measurement follows the IEC 62087 series and GSO IEC 62087 equivalents.
Comment Deadline: 21 September 2026
Adoption and effective dates will be announced after the consultation closes. Exporters should prepare ECAS conformity and energy-label documentation in advance; products with wireless or telecom functions must also be checked against TDRA type approval requirements.
Official Source:
MOIAT — UAE Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology
Official TBT Notification:
WTO TBT — ARE/708 & ARE/709
South Africa: ICASA Publishes National Radio Frequency Plan 2026
南非：ICASA 发布《2026 年国家无线电频率规划》
The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) has published the National Radio Frequency Plan 2026 (NRFP-26) in July 2026, replacing the 2021 edition. Covering frequencies from 8.3 kHz to 3000 GHz, the plan was developed under Section 34 of the Electronic Communications Act and approved by the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies on 2 July 2026.
The updated plan aligns with the ITU Radio Regulations (2024 Edition) and WRC-23 decisions, while incorporating AfriSAP and SADC harmonisation measures. The plan followed a two-phase public consultation initiated in April 2025. ICASA has also launched the Electronic Frequency Information System (EFIS) for online spectrum access.
Official Source:
ICASA
Niger: Launches 2027–2029 Spectrum Reorganization Plan to Pave Way for 5G
尼日尔：启动 2027–2029 频谱重组计划，为 5G 商用铺路
Niger has launched a public consultation on spectrum reorganization to prepare for future 5G deployment. Regulator ARCEP plans to reform the 600 MHz, 700 MHz and 3.5 GHz bands to support 4G and future 5G services, with a focus on improving rural coverage.
The 600 MHz and 700 MHz bands will be migrated from broadcasting to mobile services, while the 3.5 GHz band will be designated as a core 5G spectrum resource, with existing FWA services potentially moving to the 6 GHz band. The spectrum migration is scheduled for phased implementation between 2027 and 2029, with the public consultation running until 31 August 2026.
Currently, 2G covers 87% of Niger’s population while 4G reaches only 40%. ARCEP has identified 5G as a strategic priority, though no commercial launch timeline has been announced.
Official Source:
Ecofin Agency
Philippines: NTC Revises Operating Parameters for Short Range Devices
菲律宾：NTC 修订短程设备工作参数
The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) of the Philippines has issued Memorandum Circular No. 004-06-2026, dated 29 June 2026, amending Section 2 of Memorandum Circular No. 03-05-2007.
The circular revises technical operating parameters for Short-Range Devices (SRDs) for Detecting Movement and Alert, most notably allocating the 77–81 GHz frequency band with a maximum mean EIRP limit of 50 mW.
Under the amended Section 2, the revised operating parameters set the following frequency bands and maximum power limits for equipment for detecting movement and alert:
| Frequency Band | Maximum Power (EIRP) |
|---|---|
| 2400–2483.5 MHz | 25 mW |
| 9200–9500 MHz | 25 mW |
| 9500–9975 MHz | 25 mW |
| 13.4–14.0 GHz | 25 mW |
| 24.05–24.25 GHz | 100 mW |
| 77–81 GHz | 50 mW |
Manufacturers and importers of movement-detection and alert equipment (including automotive radars, industrial proximity sensors and similar Short-Range Devices (SRDs)) intended for the Philippine market shall verify that their products comply with the updated frequency-band and power limits prior to certification.
Thailand: NBTC Will Accept ETSI EN 301 893 as Certification Standard for 5.8 GHz WLAN Equipment
泰国：NBTC 将接受 ETSI EN 301 893 作为 5.8 GHz WLAN 认证标准
Thailand’s National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) will accept ETSI EN 301 893 as an alternative RF test standard for 5.8 GHz (5725–5850 MHz) WLAN equipment.
Previously, devices operating within this frequency range were required to submit test reports against ETSI EN 302 502 for NBTC-SDoC registration. With this update, applicants may use valid test reports to ETSI EN 301 893 for new filings.
Regardless of the test standard adopted, equipment shall still comply with Thailand’s local regulatory requirement of maximum 1 W EIRP for the 5725–5850 MHz band. Manufacturers and importers are advised to confirm report applicability before submitting NBTC-SDoC dossiers for the Thai market.
Note: ETSI EN 301 893 was already accepted for 5.150–5.725 GHz WLAN bands under NBTC TS 1035-2562; this change extends its recognition to the 5725–5850 MHz segment.
Note: This policy change is currently based on verbal confirmation from NBTC officials. A formal written amendment to NBTC TS 1035-2562 is expected to follow the standard regulatory revision procedure.
Canada: ISED Updates Testing Laboratory Assessment Requirements
Following the publication of RSS-Gen, Issue 6, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) released an amended Testing Laboratory Technical Assessment Checklist on 4 September 2026 to align laboratory assessments with the updated requirements.
The revised checklist updates the standards used to assess radiated-emissions test sites. For frequencies from 30 MHz to 1 GHz, laboratories will be assessed using ANSI/USEMCSC C63.25.2. For frequencies from 1 GHz to 18 GHz, ANSI C63.25.1 or CISPR 16-1-4 may be used, based on the editions accepted by ISED.
Laboratories may continue using the previous checklist until 30 July 2027. After that date, only the amended checklist will be accepted.
Although this September update primarily affects testing laboratories, manufacturers planning new or modified Canadian certifications should confirm that their laboratory is ISED-recognized and is using the applicable standards and editions.
Read the September 4 ISED Notice:
Testing Laboratory Technical Assessment Checklist Update
Also see:
ACB September FCC & ISED Regulatory Updates — RSS-Gen, Issue 6 and RSS-310, Issue 6
Global Market Access Support
For manufacturers planning global market access, these International Approvals September 2026 updates highlight important certification, spectrum and compliance developments across multiple markets.
ACB’s International Approvals team helps manufacturers navigate country-specific certification, product approval and regulatory requirements throughout the global market access process.
Disclaimer
The information provided in this International Approvals Update is intended for general informational purposes only and is believed to be accurate as of the publication date. Regulatory requirements, technical standards, certification procedures, and market access requirements may change without notice. Readers should consult the applicable regulatory authority or official publications to verify current requirements before making product design, testing, certification, or market access decisions.
American Certification Body, Inc. (ACB) assumes no responsibility for errors, omissions, or actions taken based on the information contained in this publication.
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