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Argentina: Decree No. 892/2025 on New Framework for Recognition of International Technical Standards and Certificates published
2026-02-18
It entered into force on February 15, 2026. For most of goods imported to Argentina, international technical standards and certifications from EU, USA, UK, Japan, Australia, Israel, and EFTA countries will be accepted.
On December 16, 2025, Argentina adopted Decree No. 892/2025, introducing a simplified framework for the importation and commercialization of goods by recognizing international technical standards and certifications.
Under the Decree, most imported goods are deemed compliant with Argentine technical requirements if they:
- Comply with the requirements of at least one high‑surveillance country listed in Annex I (including the EFTA countries, EU, USA, UK, Japan, Australia and Israel), demonstrated through official certificates or approved mechanisms;
- Hold certificates from a recognized certifying body confirming compliance with equivalent Argentine standards; or
- Are supported by test reports from accredited laboratories verifying compliance with equivalent standards (once complementary regulations are issued).
Special rules apply to products regulated by ANMAT and SENASA. Certain medical devices, cosmetics, hygiene products, and diagnostics must be authorized in an Annex I country or supported by equivalent certification or test reports. Phytosanitary and veterinary products must additionally include a sworn declaration confirming they pose no risk to human or animal health.
The simplified regime does not apply to specific categories, including arms and explosives, used goods, prohibited products, unprocessed agricultural goods, certain food products, human medicines, and fertilizers, which remain subject to existing regulations.
The Decree enters into force on 15 February 2026, although the provision allowing the use of accredited laboratory test reports will apply only after the issuance of complementary regulations by the Secretariat of Industry and Commerce.
India: Series Guidelines for Compulsory Certification of Extended Reality Products (Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), Mixed Reality (MR) and others) published
2026-02-16
They have been published recently. Based on them, same type of products may be clubbed together in a series (separate series to be formed for AR product, VR Product and MR product).
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technologies published the guidelines below (also available in the link provided).
Same type of products may be clubbed together in a series (Separate series to be formed for AR product, VR Product and MR product).
2. Maximum 10 models can be accommodated in a series subjected to the following:
I. Same energy source (Power Adapter, Mains Operated, Battery Operated) and safeguard system
a) External Energy Source (Power Adapter/ Power Bank/ Other Input Devices)
i) Alternate models of the power adapter may be included as part of main product’s evaluation but the main product itself must share the same power requirement
ii) Registered power adapter/ power bank is to be provided, with a capacity greater than or equal to the rated capacity
i) Alternate models of the power adapter may be included as part of main product’s evaluation but the main product itself must share the same power requirement
ii) Registered power adapter/ power bank is to be provided, with a capacity greater than or equal to the rated capacity
b) Mains Operated with Internal Power Supply:
i) The mains layout or the SMPS (Switched Mode Power supply) board layout must be the same.
ii) Power transformer (if applicable) must have the same design and insulation system.
i) The mains layout or the SMPS (Switched Mode Power supply) board layout must be the same.
ii) Power transformer (if applicable) must have the same design and insulation system.
c) Battery (Internal) Operated:
i) Models with different battery capacities can come in series, provided the lead model is tested with the highest battery capacity.
ii) Battery to be treated as component (Alternate sources of battery may be evaluated as part of the main product.)
i) Models with different battery capacities can come in series, provided the lead model is tested with the highest battery capacity.
ii) Battery to be treated as component (Alternate sources of battery may be evaluated as part of the main product.)
II. Same class of construction.
III. Same enclosure (The same enclosure material must be used, with an exception for differences that are purely decorative (e.g., colour, minor styling variations).
IV. Same PCB layout design.
V. Same type of Display (LED/LCD/AMOLED etc)
VI. Same IP Rating.
3. In cases where an external energy source is not supplied with the product, the specifications and ratings of the external energy source (e.g., power adapter, power bank, etc.) shall be clearly stated on the product /catalogue.
Russia: Single List of Products Subject to Mandatory Certification and the List of Products Subject to Declaration of Conformity amended
2026-02-16
It entered into force on January 28, 2026. It includes the possibility of replacing the declaration of conformity with certification at the discretion of the applicant.
On January 28, 2026, the Russian Ministry of Industry and Trade issued Resolution No. 63 amending Resolution No. 2425, 2021 Approving the Single List of Products Subject to Mandatory Certification and the List of Products Subject to Declaration of Conformity.
This amendment resolution revises the title of the 'Product Name' column of the List of Products Subject to Declaration of Conformity to acknowledge the possibility of replacing the declaration of conformity at the discretion of the applicant (an individual or legal entity that adopts a declaration of conformity or applies for and receives a certificate of conformity for the purpose of confirming compliance) with certification under certification schemes equivalent to the declaration of conformity schemes provided for such products. The list included in the initial resolution (Resolution No. 2425, 2021) is available in the attachment included.
Resolution No. 63 entered into force on the date of its publication on January 28, 2026, and applies to legal relations arising from September 1, 2025.
South Korea: Korean Industrial Standards (KS) for Photovalic Modules, Inverters and System established
2026-02-18
It entered into force on January 30, 2026. They are aligned with IEC 61215-1-4, IEC 61215-1-3, KSC IEC 61215-1-2, IEC 62894 and IEC 62920.
On January 30, 2026, the South Korean Korean Agency for Technology and Standards (KATS) issued a Notice on the Establishment of Korean Industrial Standards (KS) for Photovoltaic Modules, Inverters, and Systems, according to the Industrial Standardisation Act and its Enforcement Decree.
The Notice establishes the following standards, harmonised with corresponding international standards:
- KSC IEC 61215-1-4 Terrestrial photovoltaic (PV) modules — Design qualification and type approval — Part 1-4: Special requirements for testing of thin-film Cu (In,Ga)(S,Se)₂-based photovoltaic (PV) modules. This standard sets out design qualification requirements for all thin-film Cu (In,Ga)(S,Se)₂-based terrestrial photovoltaic (PV) modules suitable for long-term operation under outdoor climatic conditions.
- KSC IEC 61215-1-3 Terrestrial photovoltaic (PV) modules — Design qualification and type approval — Part 1-3: Special requirements for testing of thin-film amorphous silicon-based photovoltaic (PV) modules. This standard specifies design qualification requirements for all thin-film amorphous silicon-based (a-Si, etc.) terrestrial photovoltaic (PV) modules suitable for long-term operation under outdoor climatic conditions.
- KSC IEC 61215-1-2 Terrestrial photovoltaic (PV) modules — Design qualification and type approval — Part 1-2: Special requirements for testing of thin-film cadmium telluride (CdTe)-based photovoltaic (PV) modules. This standard establishes design qualification requirements for all thin-film cadmium telluride (CdTe)-based terrestrial photovoltaic (PV) modules suitable for long-term operation under outdoor climatic conditions.
- KSC IEC 62894 Photovoltaic inverters — Datasheet and nameplate. This standard specifies the datasheet and nameplate information for photovoltaic inverters operating in parallel with the grid.
- KSC IEC 62920 Photovoltaic power systems — EMC requirements and test methods for power conversion equipment. This standard spect methods for DC-AC power conversion equipment (PCE) intended for use in photovoltaic (PV) power systems.
The details can be checked on the website of KSCI (Korean Standards for Consumer Information/Industrial Standards).
USA: DEKRA´s NRTL (Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory) Scope Expanded with the Addition of Thirty-two Test Standards and a Newly Recognized Test Site in Germany
2026-02-03
It became effective on December 31, 2025. This extension includes essential standards for Household Appliances and Hand-Held Motor-Operated Electric Tools. It complements our existing certification services for Information Technology Equipment, Laboratory and Measurement Equipment, Audio/Video Equipment, Power Supplies, Medical Equipment, Lighting, and more.
DEKRA's expansion covers the addition of thirty-two test standards and one recognized test site to the NRTL scope of recognition. The test site is located in Dresden, Germany.
With this expanded scope, manufacturers can access enhanced support for U.S. market entry across a wider range of product categories. NRTL certification—an OSHA-recognized mark of safety—verifies products meet stringent safety standards, helping manufacturers bring safe, compliant products to market with confidence.
USA: List of Appropriate NRTL Program Test Standards and the Scope of Recognition of Several NRTLs modified
2026-02-17
It was published on February 3, 2026.
OSHA announces the final decision to delete test standards from the Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratories (NRTL) Program's list of appropriate test standards; and modify the scope of recognition of several NRTLs.
Uzbekistan: Measures to Accelerate Reforms in the Field of Technical Regulation Based on International Best Practices published
2026-03-02
It entered into force on February 18, 2026, with a stage approach for compliance until 2028. A new national mark of conformity will be introduced on January 1, 2027 for products subject to technical regulation.
Presidential Decree UP-25, signed on February 16, 2026, establishes priority areas to reform Uzbekistan´s technical regulation system and introduces a new conformity mark. This is part of Uzbekistan's strategy to secure WTO membership by December 2026.
Key aspects:
- abolition of the current ineffective control system and introduction of market control practices for products;
- complete transition to the application of international standards in industry;
- creation of conditions for independent activities of participants in the national quality infrastructure and eliminating conflicts of interest;
- widespread implementation of industrial metrology, verification of measuring instruments and calibration;
- formation of a “quality culture” covering all areas of business and consumers.
The Decree establishes that a new national mark of conformity will be introduced on January 1, 2027 for products subject to technical regulations, and their conformity will be assessed based on a risk-based approach.
A programme for the revision of technical regulations based on international practice is set out in Annex 2. Among the measures targeted for revision are:
- On restriction of the use of hazardous substances in electrical and radioelectronic products (revision by February 1, 2027)
- On the safety of packaging and packaging closures (revision by June 1, 2027)
- On electromagnetic compatibility of technical devices (revision by June 1, 2027)
- On the safety of low-voltage equipment (revision by October 1, 2027)
- On the safety of light industrial products, (revision by December 1, 2027)
- On the safety of wheeled vehicles put into circulation (2028)
- On the security of telecommunications equipment (2028)
Target indicators for the adoption of international standards for 2026–2028 are listed in Annex 3. From May 1, 2026, standards of any level will be applied voluntarily, and international practice for adopting standards will be introduced.
The production and provision of services in the following sectors of the economy will be organised entirely on the basis of international standards, from the dates indicated:
- July 1, 2026 – textile, leather production, furniture industry, electrical engineering, automotive industry, information technology;
- January 1, 2027 – oil and gas industry, metallurgy, transport, construction materials, production of medical products;
- January 1, 2028 – energy, chemistry, ecology, provision of services
India: Call for feedback to review the Mandatory Testing and Certification of Telecommunications Equipment (MTCTE) Procedure, Version 3.0
2026-02-19
Stakeholders are requested to provide inputs/suggestions on the MTCTE procedure filling up an online form by March 4, 2026.
On February 2026, the Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC) under Department of Telecommunications proposed to review the existing MTCTE procedure in light of the Telecommunications (Framework to Notify Standards, Conformity Assessment and Certification) Rules, 2025. Accordingly, all the stakeholders are requested to provide inputs/suggestions on the MTCTE procedure by filling up the online form referred to in Para 4 of the Notice attached to this update by 4 March 2026.
The MTCTE procedure v3.0 (TEC 93009:2024) establishes:
1. Enhancement of validity of Regular MTCTE Certificate from 5 years to 10 years 4. TEC 93009:2024 MTCTE Procedure v3.0
2. Revision of MTCTE labelling requirement changes in Annexure-D
3. Exemption of certification fee for government institutes and removal of test report evaluation fee in Annexure-C.
4. Updated Table A.1 and A.2 of Annexure-A.
5. Updating Family and Associated Models definition for optical fibre cable under MTCTE in Annexure-B
6. Updating SCS scheme for uploading of test reports
7. Acceptance of valid certificate issued by BIS or test reports issued by BIS recognized lab(s) against safety requirements under MTCTE
8. Acceptance of Source Approval Certificate (SAC) under MTCTE
9. Clarification regarding End of Life/ End of Sale for whole unit warranty replacement products under MTCTE
10. Acceptance of test reports of CAB designated for Generic Requirements (GR)/ Interface Requirements (IR) for the parameters of ER under MTCTE
11. Removal of NABL mandate for witness testing by RTEC
12. Notification of ITSARs
13. Addition of part codes of lower configuration cards
14. Test scenarios in case of Split Unit Type models
15. Fresh application for more than 9 associated models
16. Updated MTCTE Flowchart
17. Removal of clauses related to Temporary Certificate
Chapter 7 - Technical Regulations
The technical regulations prescribed under this framework are in the form of Essential Requirements. The Essential Requirements (ER) to be complied for the purpose of certification under this procedure will include following:
I. EMI / EMC: As prescribed by TEC
II. Safety: As prescribed by TEC
III. Technical requirements: As prescribed by TEC
IV. Security Requirements: As mandated by DoT HQ/NCCS, Bengaluru from time to time
V. Other requirements: As notified by TEC/ DoT HQ/ any Government Agency from time to time.
Kenya: Communications Authority (CAK) requiring type approval for all radio equipment, including Short Range Devices (SRDs)
2026-02-16
CAK has not issued yet an official statement of this change. The official guidelines for SRDs (2022) had indicated that SRDs were exempt from type approval subject to conformity with the listed specifications.
This information comes from reliable sources (type approval companies).
Oman: Self-Declaration of Conformity Service under the Type Approval System launched
2026-02-19
This change was published on January 7, 2026.
On January 7, 2026, the Oman Telecommunications Regulatory Authority announced the launch of a new Self-Declaration of Conformity service as part of the Type Approval System, within its ongoing efforts to enhance the framework for approving telecommunications equipment and to adopt modern regulatory tools that contribute to faster procedures and improved efficiency of services provided to beneficiaries.
The service accelerates the type approval process for telecommunications equipment by enabling applicants to submit an official declaration confirming that the devices comply with the approved technical and regulatory standards, without the need to attach prior technical test reports. This reduces the time required to complete approval procedures.
The mechanism for utilizing the service includes submitting a device approval application through the electronic system, attaching the official declaration confirming the device’s conformity with the approved standards, assuming legal responsibility for the accuracy of the submitted information, and committing to withdraw the device from the market if it is later found to be non-compliant.
The introduction of this service within the Type Approval System aligns with the Authority’s direction toward simplifying regulatory procedures and achieving a balance between facilitating the market entry of compliant devices, enhancing regulatory oversight efficiency, and supporting a regulatory environment that keeps pace with the rapid developments in the telecommunications sector.
DEKRA Product Testing and Certification section of global website updated
2026-02-17
DEKRA provides product certification services supported by a global network with local knowledge, over 100 years of experience and fully digital processed through the system DEKRA SolutionPRO. To learn more about DEKRA Product Certification Services, visit:
http://go.dekra.com/cr
.
EU: Proposal of Simplified Rules for Small “Mid-Cap” (SMCs) Companies
2026-03-02
This new category falls between SMEs and large enterprises, with proposed thresholds of 1,000 employees, €200M in turnover or €172M in total assets. The objective is to extend to it exemptions that are currently available only for small and medium enterprises -SMEs (e.g., battery due diligence, F- gases).
New laws seek to boost the competitiveness of EU so-called small “mid-cap” (SMC) enterprises as they grown beyond SME status with targeted measures.
On Wednesday, three EP (European Parliament) committees voted to endorse proposals introducing the concept of small mid-cap enterprises (SMCs) and extending to them various exemptions that so far have been available to small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The aim is to avoid cliff-edge situations where a company’s obligations drastically increase when they grow beyond the SME threshold.
MEPs (Members of the European Parliament) want to see SMCs defined as companies with fewer than 1,000 employees; and either up to €200 million in turnover or up to €172 million in total assets (the Commission proposed 750 employees, €150 million in turnover and €129 million in total assets). At the same time, Parliament wants to ensure that support for SMEs is not diluted, that EU support follows a “think small first” principle, and that the thresholds are reviewed every five years.
Lighter record-keeping obligations for data protection purposes
Under the new law, current SME exemptions from record-keeping obligations under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) would be extended to SMCs when processing data that is not considered high-risk for the subject’s rights. The exemption will not apply to processing sensitive data including biometrics and data on ethnic origin, political opinions, religion, health, or criminal convictions.
Under the new law, current SME exemptions from record-keeping obligations under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) would be extended to SMCs when processing data that is not considered high-risk for the subject’s rights. The exemption will not apply to processing sensitive data including biometrics and data on ethnic origin, political opinions, religion, health, or criminal convictions.
Better access to capital markets
The new definition of SMCs in the Markets in Financial Instruments Directive (MiFID) would reduce administrative burdens. It would allow these companies (SMCs) to access SME growth markets and benefit from simpler prospectus disclosure rules, in line with the updated Prospectus Regulation. This would make it easier for SCMs to raise money on capital markets.
An SME Growth Market is a special type of multilateral trading facility created to help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) access public funding, with rules that are adapted to smaller companies.
The new definition of SMCs in the Markets in Financial Instruments Directive (MiFID) would reduce administrative burdens. It would allow these companies (SMCs) to access SME growth markets and benefit from simpler prospectus disclosure rules, in line with the updated Prospectus Regulation. This would make it easier for SCMs to raise money on capital markets.
An SME Growth Market is a special type of multilateral trading facility created to help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) access public funding, with rules that are adapted to smaller companies.
Simplification measures for batteries and F-gases
Under the Batteries Regulation, SMEs are exempt from certain obligations on battery due diligence policies. To reduce the administrative burden, MEPs want the requirement for economic operators to review, update and make publicly available their due diligence policy to be extended to SMCs and apply every five years or more often if a significant change occurs (instead of every three years as in the Commission’s original proposal).
All importers and exporters of products and equipment containing F-gases are required to register in the F-gas Portal under the EU’s F-gases Regulation, making this burden disproportionate in particular for SMEs and SMCs. MEPs want this registration requirement to be limited to imports for which reporting requirements apply (10 tonnes of CO2 equivalent or more of hydrofluorocarbons or 100 tonnes of CO2 equivalent or more of other fluorinated greenhouse gases) and to exports for which an export limitation exists.
Under the Batteries Regulation, SMEs are exempt from certain obligations on battery due diligence policies. To reduce the administrative burden, MEPs want the requirement for economic operators to review, update and make publicly available their due diligence policy to be extended to SMCs and apply every five years or more often if a significant change occurs (instead of every three years as in the Commission’s original proposal).
All importers and exporters of products and equipment containing F-gases are required to register in the F-gas Portal under the EU’s F-gases Regulation, making this burden disproportionate in particular for SMEs and SMCs. MEPs want this registration requirement to be limited to imports for which reporting requirements apply (10 tonnes of CO2 equivalent or more of hydrofluorocarbons or 100 tonnes of CO2 equivalent or more of other fluorinated greenhouse gases) and to exports for which an export limitation exists.
Support for critical infrastructure entities
The package also applies to legislation on the resilience of critical entities, where member states need to support SMC critical entities as they implement the obligations, and to trade defence instruments, access to which should be made easier for SMCs alongside SMEs.
The package also applies to legislation on the resilience of critical entities, where member states need to support SMC critical entities as they implement the obligations, and to trade defence instruments, access to which should be made easier for SMCs alongside SMEs.
You can read statements by the co-rapporteurs here.
Background
Introducing tailored measures to support SMCs was one of the recommendations of the Draghi report on EU competitiveness, and of the Letta report on the future of the single market.
The two acts voted today form part of the fourth Omnibus package on simplification proposed by the European Commission in May 2025.
Next steps
The economics and civil liberties committees adopted changes to MiFID and the resilience of critical entities directive with 98 in favour, 6 against, and 5 abstentions. Inter-institutional negotiations were authorised with 102 in favour, 6 against, and 1 abstention.
The same committees plus the environment committee adopted changes impacting the GDPR and rules on prospectuses, fluorinated gases, batteries and trade defence instruments with 158 in favour, 9 against, and 10 abstentions. Inter-institutional negotiations were authorised with 166 in favour, 9 against, and no abstentions.
Once the mandates have been endorsed by the EP plenary (planned for March), negotiations with the Council can begin.
New Training available in LMS: GlobAC - Accreditations, Cooperation Agreements and Certifications modules
GlobAC is DEKRA’s central system for managing Accreditations, Certifications and Cooperation Agreements worldwide. This training is structured per module and based on short videos to easily learn how to use the system.