Malaysia: New EMC Requirements to Take Effect on November 5

On October 13, 2026, SIRIM announced new EMC requirements for telecommunications equipment that will take effect in Malaysia on November 5, 2026.

Regulation MCMC MTSFB TC T022:2026 – Communication Equipment: Essential Requirements requires communication equipment subject to Malaysian type approval requirements to comply with the new electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) emission and immunity requirements.

The previous EMC renewal process is no longer applicable, requiring manufacturers and importers to prepare for the new requirements. Understanding these changes will help them assess whether the telecommunications devices they intend to bring into Malaysia require additional testing or documentation.

An Overview of EMC Emission and Immunity Requirements

Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) is one of the requirements that telecommunications equipment may need to meet for type approval. EMC testing assesses whether a device’s emissions remain within applicable limits and whether it can operate as intended when exposed to electromagnetic disturbances.

EMC requirements generally cover two aspects: emissions and immunity. Emissions testing measures the electromagnetic disturbances generated by a device, while immunity testing evaluates its ability to operate as intended when exposed to external electromagnetic disturbances.

Excessive emissions can interfere with surrounding equipment and negatively impact network performance. Meanwhile, products with insufficient immunity can cause communication failures or be disrupted by high levels of electrical interference.

EMC emission testing is commonly required for type approval applications, while EMC immunity requirements are being introduced or expanded in some markets. In Malaysia, both types of EMC requirements will soon be mandated as part of type approval certification. 

Regulatory Changes

Previously, Standard and Industrial Research Institute of Malaysia (SIRIM) type approval certification required only EMC emission compliance. Under MCMC MTSFB TC T022:2026, applicants must also meet the applicable EMC immunity requirements.

This new regulation covers two aspects: EMC immunity requirements for new type approval applications and for existing type approvals. For new type approval applications, applicants must submit test results for both EMC emissions and immunity.

Test results may be obtained from a SIRIM laboratory or an accredited external laboratory. However, submitting test results from an external laboratory will incur an additional evaluation fee of RM500. 

For existing type approvals, a Parallel by Comparison (PBC) application must be submitted upon certificate renewal. This is done to evaluate and demonstrate compliance with applicable immunity requirements. 

If the applicable EMC immunity requirements have not yet been met, testing must be conducted either at a SIRIM laboratory at no additional cost or at an external laboratory for an additional fee.

For the new applications subject to EMC immunity requirements, the following evaluation fees shall apply:

Impact on Type Approval in Malaysia

Full implementation of the MCMC MTSFB TC T022:2026 regulation will begin on November 5, 2026. This will have a direct impact on SIRIM certification, both for new applications and existing certifications.

Manufacturers and importers planning to apply for type approval in Malaysia should prepare the required EMC immunity test reports in advance. Applications submitted before the effective date may continue to be assessed based on EMC emission test results alone.

The EMC immunity test report must comply with applicable standards. If the applicant already has an EMC test report but it does not cover the applicable immunity requirements, the applicant must resubmit the immunity test.

What Manufacturers and Importers Should Do

New EMC requirements in Malaysia will soon take effect; manufacturers and importers must assess the impact and take several steps to adapt.

Here are some actions to consider:

• Identify products that may be affected by the new requirements
• Review EMC test reports for devices already on the market in Malaysia
• Determine whether additional EMC immunity evidence may be required
• Evaluate certificate renewals that may be affected by the PBC requirements
• Coordinate with local representatives or certification partners regarding compliance planning
• Incorporate potential testing and certification updates into product launch schedules

By taking these preparatory steps, manufacturers and importers can adapt before the MCMC MTSFB TC T022:2026 regulations take full effect. This will help avoid certification delays and potential disruptions to product availability in the Malaysian market.

The Importance of This Update

Malaysia is one of the most important telecommunications markets in Southeast Asia. The country continues to strive to develop its digital infrastructure, communication services, and technology adoption.

Regulatory authorities around the world are increasingly emphasizing the importance of EMC performance for reliable telecommunications operations and for reducing the risk of interference between connected devices. In an effort to support existing trends, SIRIM is working to keep pace with current trends in an effort to establish reliable, low-interference telecommunications performance within the country. 

For manufacturers, this trend drives innovation in designing products that go beyond mere functional requirements. Products with robust EMC performance are also necessary to enhance user safety.