May Regulatory update
2026-04-24
It was published on April 16, 2026.
This report on batteries addresses technology development, EU research and innovation activities, global and EU markets and market players and assesses the competitiveness of the EU battery sector and its positioning in the global battery market. Special attention is given to provide a broad overview of battery technologies. This report also contains an assessment of market developments, production, trade, patenting, and sustainability of Li-ion batteries. The report shows that the EU does not have a competitive advantage over its main competitors. To change the current situation and improve the competitiveness of battery production in the EU, the following key actions should be taken to address the key drivers of competitiveness: increase the currently limited internal supply of raw and processed materials, significantly reduce the cost of energy, labour, and investment, urgently develop skilled and experienced work force, simplify legislation reduce times to set up new production and secure demand for EU-produced batteries. The EU is also not leading anymore in battery research. Despite this, the EU makes an effort to build its battery sector and increase its ability to cover at least part of battery demand from internal sources. This applies mainly to the high-performance batteries for premium-class Electric Vehicles (EVs), while batteries for lower-classes EVs and stationary energy storage are falling short. This report is an output of the Clean Energy Technologies Observatory (CETO) and provides an evidence-based analysis of the overall battery landscape to support the EU policy making process. It is part of the series of reports on clean energy technologies needed for the delivery of the European Green Deal, and it is a continuation and extension of earlier editions of the CETO report on batteries.
2026-04-24
It is in force since April 1, 2026. It affects descriptions, definitions, and equipment lists.
On April 1, 2026, the Brazilian National Institute of Metrology, Standardization and Industrial Quality (INMETRO/CONMETRO) issued a rectification notice of the Inmetro Ordinance No. 148. It corrects technical descriptions, scope definitions, and equipment lists within the regulation for household and similar electrical appliances.
The most relevant changes are:
- Technical Testing (Disruptive Discharge)
- Subitem 3.2.1: it maintains the standard limit for disruptive discharge at 5 mA, which can be increased to 30 mA for appliances with high leakage current.
- Clarification: it defines "appliances with high leakage current" specifically as stationary Class I motor-operated or heating appliances.
- Scope and Equipment Categories (Annex III)
- The rectification clarifies that the list of appliances in Table 1 is illustrative and non-exhaustive.
- Commercial Cooking (Item 25): it explicitly adds ovens to the scope. It adds commercial electric ovens with nominal power exceeding 20 kW to the list of specific appliances.
- Steam & Convection (Item 30): it expands the description to include forced convection electric ovens and combi ovens. It Adds specific entries for commercial combi and forced convection ovens with power exceeding 20 kW.
- High-Pressure Cleaners (Item 61)
- Pressure Limits: Adjusts the maximum nominal pressure from 25 MPa to 35 MPa.
- Power/Energy: Includes various motor types such as battery-powered, internal combustion, hydraulic, and pneumatic.
- Usage: Clarifies the scope covers both domestic and commercial use (previously cited as domestic, industrial, and commercial).
2026-04-27
The deadline is May 31, 2026.
All manufacturers and permittees registered under the Standards & Labeling (S&L) Program of the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) must submit production data and corresponding labeling fees of FY 2024-25, for all registered models, on or before May 31, 2026.
Non-submission by the deadline will result in:
a. Suspension of portal access,
b. Action as per applicable provisions of Regulations / schedule, and operational guidelines of the BEE S&L Program.
2026-04-27
This Notice postpones the revised date for compliance with IS 302 (Part 1): 2024 IEC 60335-1: 2020 Household and Similar Electrical Appliances - Safety Part 1 General Requirements to October 1, 2026.
On April 6, 2026, the Indian Ministry of Commerce and Industry published the Safety of Household, Commercial & Similar Electrical Appliances (Quality Control), Order 2026, which supercedes the 2025 Order.
This Order acts as a postponement notice; moving the revised date for compliance with IS 302 (Part 1): 2024 IEC 60335-1: 2020 Household and Similar Electrical Appliances - Safety Part 1 General Requirements to October 1, 2026. The initial date was approximately six months earlier. However, the list of 90 categories of electrical appliances remains identical between the two versions, ranging from vacuum cleaners and cooking ranges to air purifiers.
It shall apply to all electrical appliances intended for household, commercial or similar application with rated voltage not exceeding 250 V for single-phase appliances and 480 V for other appliances including direct current supplied appliances and battery-operated appliances.
It shall not apply to electrical appliances which fall under the scope of any other Quality Control Order issued by the said Act or notified for mandatory Bureau of Indian Standard certification under any other Act.
Compulsory use of Standard Mark: Goods or articles specified in column (2) of the Table shall conform to the corresponding entry specified in column (3) of the Table and shall bear the Standard Mark under a licence from the Bureau as per Scheme-1 of Schedule-II of the Bureau of Indian Standards (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018.
2026-04-23
The translated standards are available since April 14, 2026.
On April 14, 2026, Mainland China started sharing for free 2,613 National standards (such as GB standards) in foreign languages (mostly in English).
2026-04-27
It entered into force on April 24, 2026. It replaces Resolution 81/016 and its amendments
On March 25, 2026, the Uruguayan Energy and Water Regulator URSEA issued Resolution No. 101/026, which approves the new 2026 Steam Generator Safety Regulations in Uruguay.
It establishes the requirements and procedures for the registration, authorization, maintenance, and safe operation of all steam generators.
Generators are classified based on their Maximum Allowable Working Pressure (MAWP or PMTA in Spanish):
- Small (P): MAWP Greater than 1 bar and less than or equal to 7 bar.
- Medium (M): MAWP Greater than 7 bar and less than or equal to 28 bar.
- Large (G): MAWP Greater than 28 bar.
- Special Categories: Includes small specific designs (E1), black liquor recovery boilers (E2), and electric generators (E3).
- Low Pressure: MAWP Less than or equal to 1 bar (governed by Annex 10).
The owner (or titleholder) is legally responsible for the operation and maintenance of the equipment. Obligations include:
- Only operating equipment that has a current URSEA authorization.
- Maintaining an updated Generator Folder and Daily Log Book.
- Employing certified operators (stokers or foguistas) and ensuring service companies are registered with URSEA.
- Notifying URSEA of significant accidents within 24 hours.
The absence or malfunctioning of these elements is considered an imminent and grave risk, requiring the immediate cessation of operation :
- Must be properly calibrated and sealed.
- Must have a valid calibration certificate and a red line indicating the MAWP.
- Shutdowns for low water level, very high pressure, and flame failure (if required).
- Direct measurement of the water state inside the pressure vessel.
Every steam generator must undergo an in-depth integrity study 25 years after its manufacture. That includes thickness measurements, non-destructive testing (NDT), and a recalculation of the MAWP. Also, a study must be repeated at least every 10 years thereafter.
This regulation replaces all previous rules (Resolution 81/016 and its amendments).
2026-04-24
The WTO Notification deadline is June 1, 2026. They are PROY-NOM-037-ENER-2025 , PROY-NOM-038-ENER-2025 and PROY-NOM-040-ENER-2025 .
In December 2025, the competent commissions in Mexico (CONUEE, CCNNPURRE) proposed the following standards:
PROY-NOM-037-ENER-2025 - Commercial Clothes Washers and Washer-Dryers
- Purpose: Establishes energy-efficiency limits, test methods, and mandatory labelling requirements for commercial clothes washers and washer-dryers, aiming to promote the rational use of energy and water in commercial settings (proposed by CCNNPURRE/CONUEE on 2 December 2025).
- Scope: Applies to commercial-use clothes washers and washer-dryers intended for use in laundries and residential complexes that accept coins, cards, or other payment for operation, with a maximum capacity of 226.5 litres, that are imported, manufactured, or marketed in Mexico.
- Core performance requirements: Sets minimum required values for the Modified Energy Factor (MEF).
- Declared label metrics: Requires the Integrated Water Factor (IWF) and the product’s annual energy consumption to be stated on the label (in addition to meeting MEF requirements).
- Verification & conformity: Includes test methods to verify compliance and specifies the required content for the user information label, along with procedures for conformity evaluation.
PROY-NOM-038-ENER-2025 - Microwave Ovens
- Purpose: Establishes minimum energy-efficiency limits, standardised test methods, and mandatory energy-efficiency labelling requirements for microwave ovens marketed in Mexico.
- Scope: Applies to domestic microwave ovens, microwave ovens with grills, combination microwave ovens, and similar appliances rated at ≤130 V AC that are imported, manufactured, or sold in Mexico. Excludes appliances with only convection heating, steam, or hot steam functions.
- Referenced standards: Requires consultation/application of NMX-CH-140-IMNC-2002 (measurement uncertainty) and NMX-Z-012/2-1987 (attribute sampling for inspection), or their replacements.
- Energy efficiency & power requirements: Defines standby power limits and measurement tolerances. For products consisting of separate units (e.g., cooking units plus microwave), only the microwave function is tested.
- Labelling obligations: Products must include an Energy Efficiency (EE) label plus basic model information. The label must be legible, indelible, and affixed to the appliance, packaging, or both (adhesive or cord; if corded, it must be rigid enough not to flex under its own weight). Indelibility is verified by rubbing with a water-damp cloth for 15 seconds with no ink loss/fading. Labels must remain with the product/packaging until purchase by the end consumer and follow the content/layout specified in Section12.2 and Figure 2.
- Conformity assessment: Certification is performed by Accredited and Approved Certification Bodies under the LIC and applicable regulations. Applicants may choose Mode 1 (periodic testing) or Mode 2 (production-line quality management system), by model or family, providing required documentation per Sections 14.2.2/14.2.3. Certificate validity: 1 year (Mode 1) and 3 years (Mode 2). Ongoing monitoring occurs at least annually for both modes via documentation, sampling, and testing; certificates may be suspended or cancelled per Sections 14.5.1–14.5.2
PROY-NOM-040-ENER-2025 - Electric Water Heaters
- Purpose: Establishes minimum integrated energy efficiency requirements, test methods to verify compliance, mandatory user-information labelling, and conformity-assessment procedures for electric water heaters for domestic and commercial use in Mexico (proposed by CONUEE/SENER in December 2025).
- Scope: Applies to storage and instantaneous electric water heaters manufactured, imported, or sold in Mexico. Domestic units: up to 12.0 kW (single- or two-phase). Commercial units: 12.0–50.0 kW (three-phase).
- Exclusions: Electric showers (regaderas eléctricas), pool heaters, boilers (power > 50 kW or high pressure/temperature), and products already covered by other energy-efficiency standards.
- Key concept (Integrated Efficiency, m): Measures the ratio of heat absorbed by the water to the total energy supplied over 24 hours, including standby energy consumption.
- Minimum integrated efficiency requirements (examples): Storage heaters vary by storage volume (e.g.,<10: 45%; 10–<25: 60%; 40–<62: 74%; ≥210: 82%). Instantaneous heaters: 96%.
- Testing approach: Uses a 24-hour simulated-use test with specified water-extraction profiles based on
- the heater’s capacity.
- Labelling obligations: Requires a clearly visible yellow “Energy Efficiency” label for the final consumer. Mandatory information includes brand, model, power, capacity, and integrated efficiency. A horizontal 0%–20% “Energy Savings” scale must show the additional savings versus the minimum required by the standard.
2026-04-27
It entered into force on April 2, 2026. Products already homologated before new requirements become mandatory do not need to comply with the amended rules during certification maintenance.
On April 2, 2026, the Brazil National Telecommunications Agency (ANATEL) published Act No. 4746 to amend Act No. 14158, 2025 that amends Act No. 14448 on Technical Requirements and Test Procedures for Restricted (Low Power) Radio Communication Equipment.
This Act changes Article 19 of Act 14158, establishing that products already homologated (approved) before new requirements become mandatory do not need to comply with the updated rules during certification maintenance. Instead, they may continue to follow the requirements under which they were originally certified.
Also, it adds a paragraph to Article 20, establishing that item III of Article 11 will be mandatory starting October 6, 2026.
2026-04-23
It entered into on March 27, 2026. The updated PNF aligns Ecuador’s national spectrum framework with outcomes of the World Radiocommunication Conference 2023 (WRC‑23) and the 2024 ITU Radio Regulations, reinforcing state sovereignty over the radio spectrum.
On March 27, 2026, Ecuador’s Telecommunications Agency (ARCOTEL) adopted Resolution No. 03‑02SO‑ARCOTEL‑2026, approving Version 7.0 of the National Frequency Plan (PNF). The PNF serves as Ecuador’s principal technical and regulatory instrument for radio spectrum management and formally repeals prior updates from 2021 and 2023. The revision aims to normalize spectrum use, improve technical efficiency, and minimize harmful interference across terrestrial and satellite services, while enabling next‑generation mobile communications.
Structural Overview
PNF Version 7.0 is organized into four chapters:
1. Terms and Definitions, harmonized with ITU terminology
2. Technical Characteristics, including emission classifications and mandatory station standards
3. Frequency Allocations, incorporating the National Frequency Allocation Table (CNABF) and service priority classifications
4. Notes to the Allocation Table, covering ITU Region 2 provisions and Ecuador‑specific national notes (EQA)
The spectrum is divided into nine frequency bands, spanning from 3 kHz (VLF) to 3000 GHz.
Key Regulatory and Technical Changes
International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT / 5G / 6G):
- Ecuador designates extensive low, mid, and high frequency bands for exclusive IMT use, including mmWave ranges up to 71 GHz.
- The 10–10.5 GHz band is identified for priority IMT deployment, without protection against legacy radiolocation services.
- Mandatory TDD synchronization applies to networks operating in the same or adjacent bands, with ARCOTEL recommending a 5 ms frame structure.
Satellite Services – C‑Band (3720–4200 MHz):
- Existing satellite systems must adjust operations within one year of the resolution’s publication.
- All new assignments must implement filtering to reject frequencies below 3700 MHz, protecting adjacent IMT deployments.
- The plan sets strict EPFD and interference protection thresholds to safeguard geostationary satellite systems.
Fixed Services and Radio Links:
- Multiple VHF, UHF, microwave, and millimeter‑wave bands are reserved exclusively for primary‑level fixed radio links, supporting critical backhaul and point‑to‑point communications.
Broadcasting and Specialized Uses:
- Dedicated bands remain reserved for AM/FM radio, television broadcasting, and Citizen Band (CB) radio.
- Certain bands (e.g., 2.4 GHz and 5.8 GHz) are designated for free or shared use, permitting coexistence under defined technical constraints.
Public Utilities, Private, and Community Networks:
- Specific sub‑GHz and L‑band frequencies are prioritized for private IMT networks supporting essential public services (electricity and water).
- The 1427–1518 MHz band is earmarked for private and community IMT network deployments.
- Compliance and Impact
The PNF 2026 introduces heightened technical requirements, stricter interference controls, and clear timelines for satellite and mobile operators. Stakeholders—particularly IMT licensees, satellite operators, broadcasters, and utilities—must review network designs and operational parameters to ensure compliance within mandated transition periods.
2026-04-27
The new deadline is July 6, 2026. The corresponding Notice was published on April 2, 2026.
On April 2, 2026, the WPC Wing of India's Department of Telecommunications extended the deadline for the recertification of 6 GHz enabled wi-fi devices that were certified prior to the opening of the lower 6 GHz band for unlicensed use to July 6, 2026.
Manufacturers and importers must follow the specific transition process:
- Mandatory Recertification: Stakeholders must apply to cancel their existing Equipment Type Approval (ETA) and obtain a fresh ETA that explicitly includes the 5925-6425 MHz band.
- Notification: Applicants must inform the WPC Wing of both old and new ETA numbers via email.
- Deadlines & Fees: Compliance must be completed within 30 days (by early April 2026). Fees paid for original ETAs are non-refundable.
- Restrictions: The 5925-6425 MHz band must not be activated or marketed until the new certificate is granted. Unauthorized use constitutes a statutory violation subject to enforcement measures, including approval cancellation.
2026-04-23
DEKRA in Mexico is accredited by EMA to certify products according to Energy Efficiency, Safety and Telecommunications regulations.
This accreditation was granted by the Mexican Accreditation Entity (EMA) and approved by the telecommunications authority CRT (former IFT).
As a result, the current scope related to telecomunnications covers the following standards:
- IFT-004-2016
- IFT-005-2016
- IFT-008-2015
- IFT-011-2017 (Parte 1)
- IFT-011-2017 (Parte 2)
- IFT-011-2022 (Parte 3)
- IFT-012-2019
- IFT-015-2018
- IFT-016-2024
- IFT-017-2023
DEKRA maintains a strong presence across the Americas, with accreditations to certify electrical and electronic products in Brazil, Chile, and Colombia. Our energy efficiency services cover 12 countries across Latin America: Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Chile, Ecuador, El Salvador, Honduras, Guatemala, Mexico, Nicaragua, Peru, and Panama.
2026-04-22
Global ACI has assumed the former roles of the International Accreditation Forum (IAF) and the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC).
The Global Accreditation Cooperation Incorporated (Global ACI) introduced its new global identity April 14, 2026. Watch the full event recording here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOBEq7Xvy7cS37qgAF46VrA
You can find more information about logo and digital presence here
The following video explains very clearly the use of IAF/ILAC Marks during the transition period to the new mark.
Full members may continue using the IAF/ILAC Marks under the temporary conditions in MRA-006 Annex 1
During the transition period, the use of the IAF and ILAC Marks are governed by (referenced in the MRA-006 Annex 1 Document)
- IAF ML 2 – General Principles on the Use of the IAF MLA Mark
- ILAC R7 – Rules for the Use of the ILAC MRA Mark
- ILAC P8 – Supplementary Requirements for the Use of Accreditation Symbols and Claims of Accreditation Status
2026-04-22
They cover ETSI EN 304 223 (AI-specific Cybersecurity), ISO/IEC 42001 (AI Management Systems) and ISO/IEC 42006:2025 (Certification of AIMS).
UKAS, in collaboration with the AIQI Consortium), is offering free, self-paced training on the foundational AI standards impacting our industry. These courses are highly relevant for anyone involved in quality, audit, certification, or accreditation.
Courses Available:
- ETSI EN 304 223 (AI-specific Cybersecurity): Covers 13 security principles and 72 provisions for the full AI lifecycle.
- ISO/IEC 42001 (AI Management Systems): A deep dive into the requirements and implementation of an AIMS, following the ISO 9001/27001 approach.
- ISO/IEC 42006:2025 (Certification of AIMS): Essential for CABs, ABs, and auditors—covers competence, impartiality, and certification processes.