Oman, Brazil, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, China
Author: Global Market Access Update
Oman TRA Completes 3G Shut Down and Upgrades to 4G and 5G
The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) of Oman announced on July 3, 2025, that the shutdown of 3G networks and the upgrade to 4G and 5G in Oman have been completed.
Brazil ANATEL Seizes 140 Illegal TV Box Sets
The Agência Nacional de Telecomunicações (ANATEL) in Brazil shared a press release on July 29, 2025 announcing the dismantling of a criminal organization that imported, distributed, and sold illegal IPTV devices “TV Box” and “Gatonet”. ANATEL seized 140 TV Box sets in the inspection.
Malaysia MCMC Seizes Uncertified Communications Equipment
The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) published a press release on July 28, 2025, that MCMC has opened an investigation into a company suspected of selling uncertified communications equipment. MCMC seized 3,837 uncertified units, including devices such as wireless gaming consoles, wireless remote controls, smart devices, and tablets.
Saudi Arabia SASO Updates RoHS Conformity Rules
Saudi Arabia has introduced updated RoHS conformity rules for electrical and electronic equipment (EEE), marking a significant development in the region’s regulatory landscape. Issued by the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO), this update aims to enhance product safety, environmental protection, and consumer confidence.
What’s New in the RoHS Conformity Rules
The revised regulation now mandates compliance with concentration limits for 10 hazardous substances. It also introduces procedural obligations for manufacturers, importers, and distributors—including the need for Arabic-language safety instructions, robust product labeling, and comprehensive technical documentation.
In addition to aligning with EU RoHS in terms of substance restrictions and conformity assessment, the Saudi regulation imposes stricter administrative requirements. These include the maintenance of a technical file and a Declaration of Conformity for a minimum of ten years.
Transition Timeline and Enforcement
Stakeholders have 180 days to begin implementation and a full year from the publication date in the official gazette to comply entirely. The update includes stronger enforcement mechanisms, empowering authorities to inspect, test, and withdraw non-compliant products from the market. Manufacturers and suppliers should begin reviewing technical documentation, labeling, and internal processes to ensure readiness within the set timeline.
What’s New in the RoHS Conformity Rules
The revised regulation now mandates compliance with concentration limits for 10 hazardous substances. It also introduces procedural obligations for manufacturers, importers, and distributors—including the need for Arabic-language safety instructions, robust product labeling, and comprehensive technical documentation.
In addition to aligning with EU RoHS in terms of substance restrictions and conformity assessment, the Saudi regulation imposes stricter administrative requirements. These include the maintenance of a technical file and a Declaration of Conformity for a minimum of ten years.
Transition Timeline and Enforcement
Stakeholders have 180 days to begin implementation and a full year from the publication date in the official gazette to comply entirely. The update includes stronger enforcement mechanisms, empowering authorities to inspect, test, and withdraw non-compliant products from the market. Manufacturers and suppliers should begin reviewing technical documentation, labeling, and internal processes to ensure readiness within the set timeline.
China CNCA Releases New CCC Certification Rules for Power Banks and Lithium Batteries
The National Certification and Accreditation Administration (CNCA) has officially released the "Compulsory Product Certification Implementation Rules for Power Banks, Lithium-Ion Batteries and Battery Packs (Trial)" (CNCA-C09-02:2025), marking a new phase of supervision for such products. The new rules will officially take effect on August 15, 2025, replacing the previous general certification rules for electronic products. Key Changes and Requirements:
1. Dedicated Certification Rules: Power banks, lithium-ion batteries, and battery packs will no longer fall under the general certification framework for electronic products. Instead, they will be subject to independent certification standards, reflecting heightened emphasis on product safety.
2. Stricter Whole-Process Control: New requirements include "initial factory inspection + post-certification supervision," emphasizing consistent production quality and ongoing compliance. Certification bodies must conduct random sampling and unannounced inspections of production lines.
3. Upgraded Technical Specifications: Full video recording of sampling and testing processes is now mandatory, and samples must be retained for traceability. The clause allowing the use of manufacturers’ own testing resources has been abolished, strengthening third-party supervision.
4. Optimized Marking Usage: Simplified marking methods such as printing or molding are permitted for small lithium battery products, balancing regulatory requirements with practical production processes.
1. Dedicated Certification Rules: Power banks, lithium-ion batteries, and battery packs will no longer fall under the general certification framework for electronic products. Instead, they will be subject to independent certification standards, reflecting heightened emphasis on product safety.
2. Stricter Whole-Process Control: New requirements include "initial factory inspection + post-certification supervision," emphasizing consistent production quality and ongoing compliance. Certification bodies must conduct random sampling and unannounced inspections of production lines.
3. Upgraded Technical Specifications: Full video recording of sampling and testing processes is now mandatory, and samples must be retained for traceability. The clause allowing the use of manufacturers’ own testing resources has been abolished, strengthening third-party supervision.
4. Optimized Marking Usage: Simplified marking methods such as printing or molding are permitted for small lithium battery products, balancing regulatory requirements with practical production processes.