Vietnam: New SAR Regulation Under QCVN 134:2024/BTTTT

A new SAR Regulation in Vietnam was issued under QCVN 134:2024/BTTTT. The Technical Regulation focused on the SAR for handheld and body-worn radio equipment.

The Ministry of Information and Communications of Vietnam (MIC) published the New SAR Regulation On Dec 31, 2024.

National Technical Regulation focused on the Specific Absorption Rate for handheld and body-worn radio equipment, QCVN 134:2024/BTTTT, is effective from February 15, 2025.

What is SAR and Why Is It Important?

Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) is a compliance test that may be required as part of the type approval process for certain categories of wireless products. Not all countries have implemented this test yet. Typically, this test is conducted in addition to the three mandatory tests: Radio Frequency (RF), Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC), and Electrical Safety. 

SAR is a test that measures the level of RF energy absorbed by the human body when using wireless devices. SAR regulations are used to protect user health and ensure that RF exposure levels remain within permitted limits. 

Many countries have implemented SAR requirements for cell phones, tablets, and portable radio devices. Vietnam has also begun enforcing these requirements for products in the handheld category.

Key Compliance Dates for New SAR Regulation in Vietnam

Vietnam’s SAR control will be implemented in stages, requiring producers, merchants, and telecom industry partners to follow the taking after the due dates:

• February 15, 2025 – QCVN 134:2024/BTTTT officially takes effect. At this stage, testing, conformity certification, and conformity declaration for SAR compliance begin.
• July 1, 2026 – All terrestrial mobile phones must comply with QCVN 134:2024/BTTTT before they can be circulated in the market.
• July 1, 2027 – All products and goods falling under QCVN 134:2024/BTTTT must meet the regulation’s requirements before being sold in Vietnam.

Scope of QCVN 134:2024/BTTTT

QCVN 134:2024/BTTTT does not apply to all products. This regulation applies to handheld products, including:

• Handheld radio equipment
• Body-worn radio equipment
• Mobile phones
• DECT phones
• Laptops
• Tablets

Here is the HS code for the product as follows:

• Mobile phones using E-UTRA (4G) or 5G technology with the HS codes 8517.13.00 or 8517.14.00;
• DECT phones with the HS code 8517.11.00;
• Laptop and portable computers with the HS code 8471.30.20;
• Tablets with the HS code 8471.3090.

Implementation and Industry Responsibilities

The enforcement of QCVN 134:2024/BTTTT is overseen by government agencies, provincial departments, and relevant regulatory organizations. Industry stakeholders, including manufacturers, importers, and telecom providers, must ensure compliance by meeting testing and certification requirements before the respective deadlines.

To avoid regulatory compliance issues and potential market access restrictions, manufacturers and importers should evaluate the SAR performance of their devices. They must arrange testing where necessary and prepare the required certification documentation before the applicable deadlines.

What Manufacturers Should Do Before the Deadline

Before this regulation takes effect, manufacturers should take several steps to ensure that the distribution of their devices in the Vietnamese market continues to run smoothly. Manufacturers need to review their product portfolio of devices that are already on the market or will be distributed.

From there, you can identify which devices fall within the scope of mandatory SAR testing. These products can then be prepared for SAR testing to obtain a test report.

Manufacturers may coordinate with local compliance partners, certification consultants, or accredited testing laboratories to better prepare for the upcoming requirements. Testing will require some technical documentation and samples; you can prepare these in advance to streamline the process.

New SAR Regulation Limit

Under QCVN 134:2024/BTTTT, SAR limits shall be as follows:

SAR Testing Requirements 

Every product falling within the scope of QCVN 134:2024/BTTTT must demonstrate compliance through SAR testing. The testing is conducted in accordance with predetermined limits and technical standards.

The testing will result in a test report used in the conformity assessment. Products that pass the testing may proceed to submit the required documentation to the authorities for evaluation before a certificate is issued and the product is marketed.

Impact on Type Approval Certification in Vietnam

This policy affects type approval and market access requirements, imports, customs, trade, market surveillance, and technical standards. SAR testing is now a mandatory requirement as part of the conformity assessment process in Vietnam.

Once Regulation QCVN 134:2024/BTTTT takes effect, products falling within the scope of the regulation must demonstrate compliance with SAR requirements. Products that do not meet the new regulatory standards cannot proceed through the relevant conformity assessment and approval processes.

Failure to meet these requirements will also affect market access. This will delay the smooth marketing of your telecommunications products in the Vietnamese market.

Why the Phased Implementation Is Important

Since the regulation became effective in February 2025, the MIC has not immediately required all devices within its scope to meet SAR standards. This is being implemented in phases to give the industry time to adapt.

We are currently entering Phase 2, in which all terrestrial mobile phones must comply with the regulation before they can be sold on the market. This is an opportunity for manufacturers to redesign their products if necessary.

The new regulation affects not only manufacturers but also laboratories directly. Gradually, laboratories will also need to build testing capacity in accordance with the specified standards.

Preparations by both parties will certainly take time. By the time everything is ready and the regulation is fully implemented—by July 1, 2027—all products in Vietnam will meet the established standards.