Regulatory Compliance News

Vietnam Issues Major Overhaul of ICT and Telecom Regulatory Framework

The Vietnam Ministry of Science and Technology (MST) has officially released Circular 29/2025/TT-BKHCN, signaling a significant transition in the management of Information Technology and Telecommunications products. Effective December 31, 2025, this new regulation replaces the previous Circular 02/2024/TT-BTTTT, aiming to modernize compliance pathways and align with the latest global wireless standards.

A core highlight of the update is the relaxation of testing environments. Starting July 1, 2025, a wide range of ICT products—including those governed by QCVN 41:2016 and QCVN 65:2021—will no longer require testing under extreme or critical conditions. Manufacturers can now conduct assessments under normal operating environments, though Wi-Fi transceiver devices (modems and access points) remain a notable exception and must still undergo severe-condition testing.

The Circular also introduces a strict timeline for Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) compliance under QCVN 134:2024/BTTTT. Smartphones and 5G mobile devices must meet these standards by July 1, 2026, while laptops, tablets, and DECT cordless handsets are granted an extension until July 1, 2027. Additionally, the regulatory scope has expanded to include industrial computers (HS code 8471.41.90), which now require mandatory conformity declarations.

For high-speed wireless technology, the new rules formally integrate Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7 equipment operating in the 5,925–6,425 MHz band, requiring both Type Approval and Self-Declaration of Conformity (SDoC). Crucially, the previous exemption allowing the import of up to three units without conformity verification has been abolished; all imported goods must now demonstrate full regulatory compliance regardless of quantity.