Algeria, Malaysia, Moldova, Hong Kong, Singapore, Bolivia, South Korea, Australia

Author: Global Market Access Update

Mar 01, 2026Global Market Access

Algeria ARPCE Updates Type Approval Requirements

The Autorité de Régulation de la Poste et des Communications Électroniques (ARPCE) in Algeria issued Decree No. 26-97 on February 22, 2026, which updates Type Approval procedures. The main changes include:

Certificate validity has been extended from 3 years to 5 years.
The launch of a new online platform for submitting applications

A local Algerian company is still required for application submission and delivery of samples.

Malaysia MCMC Cancels UWB Use of 3300-3400 MHz Band

The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) previously issued a notice cancelling the class assignment for Ultra-Wideband (UWB) communication devices in the 3400-3700 MHz frequency band. MCMC issued a notice on February 11, 2026, cancelling the class assignment for UWB communication devices operating in the 3300-3400 MHz frequency band. Starting April 1, 2026, UWB devices will no longer be permitted to operate in the 3300-3400 MHz band.

Moldova Amendment Recognizing CE Mark and EU DoC Now In Effect

The Republic of Moldova previously amended Law 235/2011 on accreditation and conformity assessment on August 28, 2025. According to the amendment, radio equipment, electric equipment, and electronic devices that have undergone the conformity assessment process by notified bodies in the EU, are compliant with EU directives, and have the CE Mark and an EU DoC will be recognized in Moldova and will not need any additional conformity assessment to enter the market. The amendment came into effect on February 28, 2026.

Hong Kong OFCA Updates Specifications for Devices in the 865-868 MHz and 920-925 MHz Bands

The Office of the Communications Authority (OFCA) in Hong Kong published the following Performance Specifications on March 18, 2026:

HKCA 1078 – Issue 2 – Performance Specification for Radio Equipment operating in the 920-925 MHz Band
HKCA 1049 – Issue 2 – Performance Specification for Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Equipment Operating in the 865-868 MHz and/or 920-925 MHz Bands

Singapore IMDA Publishes Cellular Mobile Terminal Technical Specification

The Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) in Singapore has published the Technical Specification for Cellular Mobile Terminal (IMDA TS CMT Issue 1 Rev 4) on March 6, 2026. Updates to the Technical Specification include:

Mobile handsets must have 2G disabled by default starting December 31, 2026
Mobile handsets must have emergency cell broadcast starting April 1, 2026.

Devices that reach End of Life (EOL) prior to the dates above are excluded from the requirements above.

Bolivia Updates Telecommunications Equipment Certification List

Bolivia's Telecommunications and Transportation Regulatory Authority (ATT) released its latest type certification list for telecommunications equipment on January 29, 2026. According to the Technical Regulations for Telecommunications Equipment, only equipment that forms part of a telecommunications network or provides telecommunications services requires certification. Equipment that solely uses radio frequency (RF) technology, or uses RF only for local/internal functions without connecting to public networks or providing telecommunications services, is no longer subject to certification.

South Korea KATS Amends Electrical Appliances Safety Management Act, Relaxes Certification Requirements for Some Home Appliances

The Korea Agency for Technology and Standards (KATS) recently issued Notice No. 2026-95, partially amending the *Electrical Appliances Safety Management Act*. The key change is shifting the certification system for home appliances such as vacuum cleaners, washing machines, dryers, microwave ovens, and bathroom electrical products from "Safety Certification" to "Safety Confirmation."
The main difference between the two is that "Safety Certification" requires factory inspections, whereas "Safety Confirmation" does not, thereby reducing the compliance burden on businesses.

Australia Releases Amendment A1:2026 to AS/NZS 4417.2:2020

On February 12, 2026, Standards Australia and Standards New Zealand published Amendment A1:2026 to AS/NZS 4417.2:2020 *Regulatory compliance mark for electrical and electronic equipment – Part 2: Specific requirements for particular regulatory applications*. This amendment introduces definitions for several new product categories, revises definitions for some existing product categories, and provides a transitional period.
The following new product category definitions have been added:

B.2.74 Electric vehicle supply equipment

Electrical equipment that:

(a) is portable or fixed;
(b) supplies AC or DC power for electric vehicle charging, or is capable of bidirectional energy transfer;
(c) includes control and protection devices integrated into the cable (IC-CPD), vehicle adapters, or charging cable assemblies; and
(d) does not include equipment permanently connected to the electric vehicle.

B.2.75 Battery energy storage system

Electrical equipment that:

(a) incorporates a battery system containing one or more cells, modules, or batteries;
(b) provides AC or DC output;
(c) is fixed in position;
(d) has an interface for connection to an electrical installation;
(e) may incorporate isolation and protective devices;
(f) may incorporate power conditioning equipment; and
(g) may be equipped with output ports to supply other equipment, in addition to the facility for connection to an electrical installation.

B.2.76 Extension cord device

Electrical equipment that:

(a) has the primary function of extending the supply from a socket-outlet;
(b) is portable; and
(c) consists only of:
- (i) a plug or a plug adaptor;
- (ii) a sheathed flexible cord; and
- (iii) one extension socket-outlet;
but does not include:
(d) control or regulating devices; or
(e) socket-outlet devices.

B.2.77 Heat pump water heater

Electrical equipment that:

(a) is intended for heating and storing water for bathing, washing, or similar purposes;
(b) incorporates a motor-compressor and a refrigeration system;
(c) is non-vented;
(d) has a storage water capacity of not less than 4.5 L and not greater than 680 L; and
(e) is a component of the heat pump water heater as described in (a) to (d);
but does not include:
(f) heat pump water heaters incorporating a heating element;
(g) swimming pool/spa heat pumps.

B.2.78 Portable power storage unit

Electrical equipment that:

(a) incorporates a fixed or replaceable battery system containing one or more cells, modules, or batteries, or has provisions for placing batteries inside the equipment;
(b) provides AC output;
(c) is portable or transportable;
(d) is equipped with output ports to supply other equipment and/or has a supply interface for connection to an electrical installation;
(e) incorporates isolation and protective devices; and
(f) incorporates power conditioning equipment.

In addition, the regulation also revises the product definitions for arc welders, double-capped LED lamps, and water heaters.

Number	Equipment Name	Risk Classification	Definition	Transition Period Until
B.2.74	Electric vehicle supply equipment	Class 3	New	2028/2/12
B.2.75	Battery energy storage system	Class 3	New	2028/2/12
B.2.76	Extension cord device	Class 2	New	2027/2/12
B.2.77	Heat pump water heater	Class 2	New	2027/2/12
B.2.78	Portable power storage unit	Class 3	New	2028/2/12
B.2.4	Arc welder	Class 3	Revised	2027/2/12
B.2.19	Double-capped LED lamp	Class 3	Revised	2027/2/12
B.2.73	Water heater	Class 3	Revised	2027/2/12