Vietnam Issues New Regulation: All Mobile Phones Must Comply with Radiation Safety Standards from July 2026

The Ministry of Information and Communications of Vietnam has recently issued Circular No. 19/2024/TT-BTTTT, officially enacting the National Technical Regulation on Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) for Handheld and Wearable Wireless Devices (QCVN 134:2024/BTTTT). This standard aims to regulate radiation absorption limits for wireless communication devices such as mobile phones, ensuring public health and safety.

The new standard applies to wireless communication devices with transmission power exceeding 20mW and an operating distance of less than 200mm from the human body. It sets SAR limits for frequencies ranging from 30MHz to 6GHz as follows:

- Head and torso: Maximum SAR of 2W/kg (averaged over 10g of tissue)

- Limbs: Maximum SAR of 4W/kg (averaged over 10g of tissue)

The standard adopts internationally recognized IEC 62209-1528:2020 measurement methods and follows the ICNIRP 2020 electromagnetic exposure guidelines, ensuring alignment with global practices.

The new standard will be implemented in phases:

- February 15, 2025: Officially comes into effect, allowing for testing, certification, and compliance declarations

- July 1, 2026: All mobile phones sold in the Vietnamese market must comply with the standard

- July 1, 2027: Full compliance required for all regulated products

The regulation applies to all organizations and individuals manufacturing, importing, distributing, or developing relevant devices in Vietnam. It primarily covers mobile phones, DECT phones, laptops, and tablets.

Appendix E outlines the specific devices subject to regulation, including:

- Mobile phones using E-UTRA (4G) and 5G technologies

- Electronic devices supporting wireless transmissions in the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands

The regulation also defines certification procedures, requiring that mobile phones and wireless communication devices undergo testing and certification by designated agencies before they can be marketed.

The Ministry of Information and Communications of Vietnam will oversee implementation, while local Departments of Information and Communications, as well as businesses and individuals, must ensure compliance.

This new standard represents a significant step in Vietnam's electronic product safety regulations and is expected to have a major impact on mobile phone and electronics manufacturers looking to enter the Vietnamese market.