In response to this situation, the Ministry of Science and Technology issued Circular No. 52/2025/TT-BKHCN dated December 31, 2025, along with QCVN 86:2025/BKHCN – National technical standard on electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) for terminal and auxiliary equipment in mobile communication systems.

This is considered an important step in completing the legal framework for managing the quality of telecommunications equipment in Vietnam, and reflects the proactive movement of regulatory agencies in response to the rapid changes in technology.

When "noise" is more than just a technical issue.

In today's digital world, individuals can simultaneously use multiple mobile devices, such as smartphones, smart wearables, and IoT transmitters in homes, businesses, and industrial areas. Each device emits and is affected by electromagnetic fields. Without strict control, electromagnetic "conflicts" can cause signal interference, degrade service quality, and even affect critical information systems such as public telecommunications, aviation, healthcare, and public security.

Therefore, electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) is no longer purely a technical issue, but has become a core element in ensuring the security of digital infrastructure. QCVN 86:2025/BKHCN was created in this context, aiming to establish a "common standard" for all terminal and auxiliary equipment in mobile communication systems when circulating and used in Vietnam.

A key highlight of QCVN 86:2025/BKHCN is the consolidation of all EMC requirements that were previously scattered across different technology generations or product groups. In practice, the existence of numerous different EMC standards for GSM, W-CDMA, LTE, and IoT devices caused considerable difficulties for businesses in the measurement, testing, and conformity assessment process.

The new standard has uniformly integrated EMC requirements for GSM, W-CDMA, LTE, 5G NR, and NB-IoT technologies, thereby reducing legal overlap, saving compliance costs, and creating transparency for both businesses and regulatory agencies.

This also marks the first time new technologies such as 5G and NB-IoT have been included in a unified EMC standard, accurately reflecting the development trends of telecommunications infrastructure and the increasingly dense connectivity needs in the digital economy.

According to regulations, QCVN 86:2025/BKHCN will take effect from February 15, 2026, but its mandatory application will only begin on January 1, 2027. During the transition period from February 16, 2026 to December 31, 2026, businesses have the right to choose to apply the new standard or the corresponding old EMC standards.

This roadmap design demonstrates careful consideration by the regulatory body: it ensures the standardization goal while providing the necessary time for businesses to prepare technically, conduct testing, and declare conformity, avoiding policy "shocks" to the market.

Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) for terminal and auxiliary equipment in mobile communication systems must meet regulatory requirements. (Illustrative image)

Approaching international standards, paving the way for exports.

QCVN 86:2025/BKHCN focuses on two important technical pillars: electromagnetic emission and electromagnetic immunity, i.e., the level at which equipment is permitted to emit and its ability to withstand the influence of electromagnetic fields within safe limits. The testing methods are developed based on international best practices and are compatible with EMC standards widely applied in many countries.

As a result, devices tested and certified in Vietnam will have easier access to international markets, especially for export businesses or multinational corporations that manufacture and assemble telecommunications equipment in Vietnam.

A key issue is that currently there are no officially designated or accredited testing laboratories to conduct testing according to QCVN 86:2025/BKHCN. This necessitates close cooperation between regulatory agencies, conformity assessment organizations, and businesses in the future to build testing capacity and ensure the effective implementation of the standard when it enters the mandatory application phase.

It can be affirmed that QCVN 86:2025/BKHCN is not just a technical standard, but a crucial link in Vietnam's strategy for building a safe, stable, and sustainable digital infrastructure. As the density of wireless devices increases with the development of 5G and IoT, controlling electromagnetic compatibility is a prerequisite for ensuring service quality, system security, and public trust in the digital environment.

From a long-term perspective, this standard contributes to perfecting a modern legal framework for the production, import, and business of telecommunications equipment, while laying an important technical foundation for the national digital transformation process in the next phase.

Center for Science and Technology Communication