The Ministry of Science and Technology (MST) has published a draft of new technical standard for Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) test for SDoC process. The draft of new EMC standard will be applicable to mobile radio telecommunications equipment with cellular features. This draft regulation also mentions several types of telecommunications devices classified as mobile cellular-based devices such as smartphones, tablets, GPS positioning, narrowband IoT devices, and any type of device connected to a cellular network. Currently, the draft of new EMC standard is still called QCVN 86:2025/BKHCN and is expected to be implemented by early 2026.
In this article we will discuss all important notes from the draft of new EMC standard and the transitional procedure from old EMC standard to new standard QCVN 86:2025/BKHCN.
Key points of draft new EMC standard QCVN 86:2025/BKHCN
Current EMC standards for mobile cellular devices are divided into several technology generations. The standard of QCVN 86:2019/BTTTT is the EMC standard applicable for telecommunications equipment using 2G, 3G, and 4G technologies. This standard is a specialized standard that applies only to older-generation devices and does not cover newer technologies such as 5G or NB-IoT technologies.
In addition to the QCVN 86:2019/BTTTT standard, the standard of QCVN 18:2022/BTTTT serves as the EMC standard for telecommunications equipment using 5G and NB-IoT technologies. Therefore, there are two separate EMC standards governing mobile cellular devices based on different technology generations.
The EMC standard of QCVN 86:2019/BTTTT was issued in the context of Vietnam’s mobile network deployment of 4G technology and covering the operation of 2G and 3G technologies. Meanwhile, the EMC standard of QCVN 18:2022/BTTTT was issued to tackle the new challenges of increasingly widespread adoption of 5G technology and Internet of Things (IoT) ecosystem in Vietnam.
The draft standard of QCVN 86:2025/BKHCN was developed with the aim of unifying and updating the EMC technical standards for all types of mobile cellular-based devices. This new standard expands its scope to not only cover 2G/3G/4G technologies, but also navigate the adaption of 5G and NB-IoT technologies.
Thus, instead of implementing multiple different standards for Vietnam type approval process, applicants can comply with only single unified standard, which helps minimize overlap and save testing costs too. The publication of draft QCVN 86:2025/BKHCN standard is not only helps synchronize EMC technical standards in Vietnam but also ensures alignment with current international standards.
The draft standard of QCVN 86:2025/BKHCN will specifically refer to ETSI EN 301 489-52 V1.3.1 (2024-11). This standard is an EMC standard for radio telecommunications equipment published by European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ESTI). Refer to section 52 of ETSI EN 301 489-52 V1.3.1 (2024-11), it contains specific requirements for EMC of cellular mobile communications equipment.
When the draft standard of QCVN 86:2025/BKHCN comes into effect, all 2G/3G/4G/5G/NB-IoT cellular mobile equipment can implement EMC testing according to the draft standard of QCVN 86:2025/BKHCN. Currently, there are five local labs in Vietnam that can perform EMC testing based on QCVN 86:2019/BTTTT. These five labs can also perform EMC test based on the draft standard of QCVN 86:2025/BKHCN, including:
- Technical Center (Radio Frequency Department)
- DT&C VINA Joint Stock Company
- Bureau Veritas Consumer Products Services Vietnam Co., Ltd.
- Phuc Gia Testing Laboratory Joint Stock Company
- Bay Area Compliance Laboratories Corp., LLC
Transitional of draft new EMC standard QCVN 86:2025/BKHCN
Implementation of the draft QCVN 86:2025/BKHCN standard is estimated to begin in 1 January 2026. In general, the draft standard of QCVN 86:2025/BKHCN will be implemented gradually until its full implementation in the begin of 2027.
Starting from 1 January 2026 to 31 December 2026, applicants can still process SDoC for 2G/3G/4G mobile devices using either QCVN 86:2019/BTTTT or QCVN 86:2025/BKHCN. And for 5G NR/LTE NB-IoT mobile devices, applicants can still using either QCVN 18:2022/BTTTT or QCVN 86:2025/BKHCN. Applicants will be required to fully use the draft QCVN 86:2025/BKHCN standard starting in 2027 for SDoC process.
Conclusion
The draft of new EMC standard is currently in the public consultation phase and has not yet come into effect. It means that manufacturers, importers, or suppliers still have time to provide input before the new EMC standard is officially come into effect. Once finalized, the new EMC standard is estimated to come into effect in early 2026.
It is important for manufacturers and importers to understand the impact of this new EMC standard so that they can adapt their certification strategies early. For companies who want to stay informed about any regulatory changes in Vietnam, feel free to drop an email to info@narmadi.com if you have any questions especially about this new EMC standard.
