Vietnam is moving closer to standardizing radiation safety for mobile devices as regulations on Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) are set to take effect. This marks an important step in protecting public health while improving the quality of smartphones available on the market.
Under Circular 19/2024, all mobile phones must comply with SAR standards before being circulated in Vietnam starting July 1, 2025. This regulation is part of the national technical standards system and applies to testing, certification, and conformity declarations for wireless devices.
Other devices such as laptops and tablets will follow a later roadmap, with compliance required from July 1, 2027. The extended timeline is intended to give businesses sufficient time to prepare and adapt to the new technical requirements.
During working sessions with major technology companies such as Apple and Samsung, along with distributors and testing organizations, regulators emphasized the importance of close coordination to ensure smooth implementation without disrupting the market.
SAR (Specific Absorption Rate) measures the amount of radiofrequency energy absorbed by the human body when exposed to devices such as mobile phones. It is expressed in watts per kilogram (W/kg) and is tested at body contact points including the head, torso, and limbs.
Controlling SAR has become increasingly important as smartphones are now an integral part of daily life. Although international studies have not conclusively proven long-term health effects, regulators adopt a precautionary approach to ensure user safety.
In Vietnam, the SAR limit is set at 2 W/kg for the head and torso (averaged over 10 grams of tissue), and 4 W/kg for limbs such as hands and feet. The measurement range spans frequencies from 30 MHz to 6 GHz, covering most modern wireless technologies including 4G, 5G, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth.
Currently, Vietnam has around five laboratories capable of conducting SAR testing in accordance with the new standards. These facilities are equipped with advanced systems such as automated robots and high-precision electromagnetic field sensors to ensure accurate measurements.
However, SAR testing is complex and time-consuming. Each device must undergo multiple testing scenarios, requiring manufacturers to optimize product design early in the development process. While this increases initial costs, it ultimately enhances product safety and reliability.
Authorities are also promoting Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRA) with international laboratories. This allows companies to use foreign test results, reducing pressure on domestic facilities and shortening time-to-market.
Globally, SAR regulation is already well established. In the United States, devices must comply with standards set by the Federal Communications Commission, which limits SAR to 1.6 W/kg (averaged over 1 gram of tissue). In Europe, the limit is 2 W/kg under regulations from the European Union.
Across ASEAN, most countries have already implemented SAR management, reflecting a broader global trend in wireless device regulation. Vietnam’s adoption of these standards aligns it with international practices and facilitates smoother trade and market integration.
For businesses, SAR compliance introduces stricter requirements in product design, particularly in antenna optimization and transmission power control. In the long run, however, it strengthens brand credibility and enhances competitiveness in global markets.
For consumers, the new standards provide greater assurance when using devices daily. They also promote transparency regarding product safety, similar to standards applied to batteries and electromagnetic compatibility.
Alongside SAR regulations (QCVN 134:2024/BTTTT), Vietnam is also developing related standards such as electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) requirements for mobile terminal equipment. These efforts reflect a broader vision of building a safer technology ecosystem where performance and user well-being go hand in hand.
The implementation of SAR standards is not just a technical requirement but a milestone in Vietnam’s approach to technology governance, laying the foundation for sustainable growth in the digital era.
