Vietnam's New ITE Equipment Standards: QCVN 132 Update and Certification Process

On November 30, 2022, the Minister of Information and Communications signed and promulgated Circular No. 24/2022/TT-BTTTT to introduce new technical regulation QCVN 132:2022/BTTTT "national technical regulations on electrical safety for telecommunications terminal equipment", which aligns with IEC 62368-1:2018, with effective date as Jan 1, 2024. This technical regulation targets a range of ITE equipment crucial in today's digital landscape.

Covered ITE Equipment:

The QCVN 132:2022/BTTTT applies to various ITE equipment, including but not limited to:

1. Desktop computers
2. Laptops and portable computers
3. Tablets
4. DVB-T2 integrated TVs (iDTV)
5. Set-top boxes for digital cable television networks
6. Set-top boxes for IPTV television networks
7. Amplifiers in cable television distribution systems
8. Wireless telephone equipment, DECT Extension Type (not apply to explosion-proof communication equipment)
9. Wireless telephone equipment (extended subscription type)

Certification Requirements:
On May 31, 2023, MIC released conformity assessment management regulation Circular 04/2023/TT-BTTTT, effective July 15, 2023. To ensure compliance with QCVN 132, manufacturers have until January 1, 2024, to meet the stipulated standards. Additionally, Circular 04/2023/TT-BTTTT outlines the certification requirements for ICT equipment under MIC management, except for items 7 and 9 listed above.

Certification Process:
Manufacturers seeking compliance with QCVN 132 have two options. They can either test their products in Vietnam MIC domestically accredited labs or obtain a test report from MIC MRA Labs. As of now, the Nemko USA lab stands out as the only laboratory accredited by MIC for QCVN 132 under the Vietnam-USA MRA agreement.

Navigating Certification Challenges:
One notable challenge in the mandatory MIC certification regulation exclusion of items 7 and 9. While these items are listed under technical regulation QCVN 132, they are not under MIC certification management regulation scope, this is pending confirmation from MIC. Efforts are underway, with inquiries sent to MIC certification department for clarification as well as in-person meetings.

How can Nemko help:
In navigating Vietnam's recent regulatory update, Nemko plays a pivotal role in assisting companies to comply with the new QCVN 132 standards. Nemko San Diego lab, as the sole MIC-accredited facility under the Vietnam-USA MRA agreement, provides a streamlined certification process. Manufacturers can leverage Nemko's expertise to conduct rigorous assessments of their ITE equipment. This ensures adherence to the QCVN 132:2022/BTTTT standards and facilitates compliance with the broader ICT regulations outlined in Circular 04/2023/TT-BTTTT. Nemko offers a valuable resource for companies, aiding them in obtaining test reports efficiently, meeting certification deadlines, and staying ahead of compliance challenges in a dynamic regulatory environment. Our expertise simplifies the certification journey, allowing companies to focus on delivering safe and compliant products to the Vietnamese market.

For any inquiries or concerns, feel free to reach out to Nancy Tran at Nancy.Tran@nemko.com.