Global Market Access Regulatory Newsletter – Q4 2025

On Oct. 10, 2025, the government of Moldova approved the Technical Regulation on the Restriction of Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment (EEE), published in the Official Gazette No. 526-528.

Compared with existing provisions for restricted substances in EEE included in Regulation on Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (Decision No 212 of March 7, 2018), this regulation expands its scope to include all EEE (open-scope RoHS). It also expands the list of restricted substances from six to 10.

Key highlights:

• Scope: Applies to all EEE listed in Annex 1.
  • Substance limits:
    • Lead, mercury, hexavalent chromium: 0.1%
    • Cadmium: 0.01%
    • PBB, PBDE: 0.1%
    • Phthalates (DEHP, BBP, DBP, DIBP): 0.1% 
      
      Certain applications and reused spare parts under defined timelines are exempted from substances restrictions.
  • Marking and documentation
    All EEE in scope must:
    • Be accompanied by an EU Declaration of Conformity (Annex 6) in Romanian.
    • Bear the CE marking visibly and indelibly.
    • Affix CE marking to the product or, if not possible, to packaging and documents.
    • Include manufacturer details (name, trademark, address) on the product or accompanying documentation.
    • Until EU accession, SM marking remains permitted, but CE marking overrides SM marking.

Manufacturers must prepare technical documentation and follow Annex 7 principles. A single declaration can be drawn up if multiple technical regulations apply.

This regulation transposes EU Directive 2011/65/EU (RoHS) and will enter into force on Oct. 10, 2026.

https://www.legis.md/cautare/getResults?doc_id=151148&lang=ro

From August to October 2025, the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) issued three amendment regulations to requirements for minimum energy performance standard (MEPS) and energy efficiency rating labeling and inspection.  

Water chilling packages using the vapor compression cycle  

• Published and implemented on Aug. 28, 2025
• Revised Paragraphs 6 and 14, and Illustration 1 of Paragraph 9:
  • Paragraph 6: Manufacturers who produce or import chiller units for domestic use must reapply for energy efficiency rating labelling and registration numbers under the following conditions:
    • If product design changes affect the rated cooling capacity or coefficient of performance
    • If the product model or energy efficiency grade changes
  • Paragraph 14: Products that received approval for energy efficiency labeling from the central competent authority before the effective date of this announcement may continue using the old label design for up to one year from the date this amendment takes effect.
  • Illustration 1 of Paragraph 9: The amendment updates the energy efficiency label diagram to reflect the new name and emblem of the Energy Administration, following its restructuring from the Bureau of Energy under the Ministry of Economic Affairs on Sept. 26, 2023.

Air compressors

• Published and implemented on Sept. 16, 2025
• Revised Paragraph 4:
  • The Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) officially renamed its Bureau of Energy (BOE) to the Energy Administration (EA) on Sept. 26, 2023. As a result, the regulation was updated to reflect the new agency name in Paragraph 4.
  • This change is purely editorial — there are no new procedures or requirements. The existing rules still apply:
    • Manufacturers must submit energy efficiency test reports for either two designated models (if registering more than two) or all models (if registering two or fewer).
    • These reports must come from accredited institutions like Taiwan Accreditation Foundation (TAF), International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC) members, UL Solutions, TÜV, or approved government laboratories.
    • Any variation in motor specifications, cooling method, brand or performance counts as a different compressor type.
  • In addition, the regulation, now titled “Requirements on Minimum Energy Performance Standard and Energy Efficiency Rating Labeling and Inspection for Air Compressors,” replaces the previous title, “Requirements on Minimum Energy Performance Standard, Energy Efficiency Rating Labeling and Inspection of Air Compressors.”

Chilled-warm-hot drinking water dispensers  

• Published on Oct. 17, 2025
• Implemented on Jan. 1, 2028
• Revised the following requirements:
  • Renaming the title
    • New: Requirements on Minimum Energy Performance Standard, Energy Efficiency Rating Labelling and Inspection for Chilled-Warm-Hot Drinking Water Dispense  
    • Old: Requirements on Labeling and Inspection of Energy Consumption and Energy Efficiency Rating and Minimum Energy Performance Standards for Drinking Water Dispenser  
  • Point 2: Technical Requirements
    • The actual measured value of 24-hour standby energy loss (E24) must be rounded to three decimal places and must not exceed the labeled value or the allowed baseline (see Appendix 1).
    • Appendix 1: Minimum Energy Performance Standard (MEPS)
      • The new 24-hour standby energy loss, E24 (kWh) is 0.081 × Veq + 0.405, replacing the old MEPS = 0.09 × Veq+0.45
  • Point 4: Application
    • The safety and energy efficiency test report submission by compact disc (CD) is replaced by electronic copies or scanned files uploaded to the management system.  
    • If the test model differs from the product model being registered but both are under the same certification, the applicant must attach a Declaration of Conformity (Appendix 4) and accept full responsibility for its accuracy.
  • Point 5: Efficiency Grade Approval
    • The central authority will determine the product’s energy efficiency grade based on the submitted E24 value and the grading table (Appendix 5).
    • Appendix 5: Energy Efficiency Rating Classification
      • Revised the table of Energy Efficiency Rating Standards for Chilled-Warm-Hot Drinking Water Dispenser by introducing updated classification thresholds, with separate criteria for products with equivalent volume (Veq) below and above 8 liters.
  • Point 6: Label Placement
    • The energy efficiency label (Illustration 1) must be attached to the instruction manual, the smallest sales package or affixed to a prominent location on the front of the product.
    • Manufacturers must post, hang or otherwise disclose the energy efficiency labeling diagram in a conspicuous position on the front.
  • Illustration 1: Energy Efficiency Rating Label Diagram
    • Updated the agency name from “Bureau of Energy” to “Energy Administration” and revised the official emblem and label design reflecting the new regulation number 11458004360, replacing 10504606280.
  • Point 11: Random Inspections
    • If the manufacturer fails to complete inspection or retesting and does not fix the issue on time, the authority will revoke the energy efficiency label. However, when a manufacturer is unable to conduct an inspection due to the cessation of manufacturing or import, and with the consent of the central competent authority, the energy efficiency classification label of the product is revoked, this does not apply.

The applicant must pay attention to these changes when applying for MEPS in Taiwan. 

https://gazette.nat.gov.tw/egFront/detail.do?metaid=159743&log=detailLog

https://gazette.nat.gov.tw/egFront/detail.do?metaid=160781&log=detailLog

https://gazette.nat.gov.tw/egFront/detail.do?metaid=160120&log=detailLog

On Oct. 16, 2025, the Ministry of Business, Innovation, and Employment (MBIE) published amendments to the Electricity (Safety) Regulations 2010 and Gas (Safety and Measurement) Regulations 2010.

Electrical safety

The amendments expand the scope of cited standards (Schedule 4) to include electric bikes, personal e-transporters, electric vehicle supply equipment and lithium batteries. The cited standards (Schedule 4) for other products were also updated to the current versions of the product safety standards.

Key changes include increasing the allowable voltage variation in low-voltage distribution networks from ±6% to ±10% and updating references to standards such as AS/NZS 3000 (national wiring rules) and AS/NZS 3001.

These changes are intended enhance safety, align with international norms and support emerging technologies in New Zealand’s electrical landscape.

Amendments to the regulation took effect on Nov. 13, 2025, with a transitional period until Nov. 12, 2026.

Gas safety

The amendment updates the standards referenced in the principal regulations, replacing NZS 5258 with AS/NZS 4645 and updating safety management system requirements. Key changes include the replacement or removal of references to outdated standards, updates to safety requirements for high-capacity gas installations, and revisions to the list of recognized certification bodies.

A new Schedule 1AA introduces transitional provisions allowing continued compliance with previous standards until Nov. 12, 2026, and permits certification by bodies under older EU directives during this period.

The regulations also clarify that existing or in-process gas systems and appliances may continue to be used under the previous rules, provided they are not unsafe. Additionally, Schedules 1, 2A and 3 are amended to reflect updated standards and certification requirements for a wide range of gas appliances.

Amendments to the regulation took effect on Nov. 13, 2025, with a transitional period until Nov. 12, 2026. 

Electricity (Safety) Amendment Regulations 2025 (SL 2025/225) – New Zealand Legislation

Gas (Safety and Measurement) Amendment Regulations 2025 (SL 2025/226) – New Zealand Legislation

On Oct. 28, 2025, the Ministry of Economy (SE) issued an amendment to the Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) with the United States; the amendment updates Annex I of the original 2011 agreement to include three new technical provisions issued by Mexico’s Federal Telecommunications Institute (IFT):  

• IFT-012-2019
• IFT-016-2024
• IFT-017-2023 

https://www.dof.gob.mx/nota_detalle.php?codigo=5771085&fecha=28/10/2025#gsc.tab=0

On Oct. 30, 2025, the Government of Morocco approved decrees granting 5G network licenses to three major telecom operators. This approval allows the operators to begin developing and deploying 5G infrastructure across the country.

Commercial rollout of 5G services started in November 2025, focusing first on major cities and airports before expanding nationwide in the coming years. 

https://www.anrt.ma/a-propos/communiques/attribution-des-licences-pour-letablissement-et-lexploitation-de-reseaux-de?csrt=5589499570920240157

On Oct. 3, 2025, the Ministry of Trade (MOT) of the Republic of Indonesia published Regulation No. 33/2025 on Standards for Business Activities and/or Product/Service Standards in Risk-Based Business Licensing for the Trade and Legal Metrology Sector. The regulation consolidates licensing requirements and introduces mandatory registration for products impacting safety, security, health and the environment (K3L). It revokes MOT 51/2017, MOT 14/2006, and MOT 26/2021 (as amended by MOT 21/2023). The regulation took effect on Oct. 5, 2025.

K3L product registration creates preconditions for market access with strict marking and after-sales obligations. For electrical equipment, the new regulation does not introduce any changes in the list of products mandatory to do K3L registration. Therefore, the list remains the same:

1. Vacuum Cleaner (SNI IEC 60335-2-2:2012)
2. Toaster (SNI IEC 60335-2-9:2010)
3. Hair Dryer (SNI IEC 60335-2-23:2010)
4. Microwave Oven (SNI IEC 60335-2-25:2010)
5. Shaver (SNI IEC 60335-2-8:2012)
6. Massager (SNI IEC 60335-2-32:2012)
7. Electric Pan (SNI IEC 60335-2-15:2011)
8. Electric Portable Oven (SNI IEC 60335-2-9:2010)
9. Food Processor (SNI IEC 60335-2-14:2010)
10. Hand Dryer (SNI IEC 60335-2-23:2010)
11. Curling Combs (SNI IEC 60335-2-23:2010)
12. Electric Drill (SNI IEC 60745-2-1:2014)
13. Electric Grinding (SNI IEC 60745-2-3:2015)
14. Planers (SNI IEC 60745-2-14:2016)
15. Chain Saws (SNI IEC 60745-2-13:2009; SNI IEC 60745-2-20:2008; SNI IEC 60745-2-5:2015; SNI IEC 60745-2-11:2016) 

Peraturan Menteri Perdagangan Republik Indonesia nomor 33 tahun 2025 tentang Standar Kegiatan Usaha dan/atau Standar Produk/Jasa pada Penyelenggaraan Perizinan Berusaha Berbasis Risiko Sektor Perdagangan dan Metrologi Legal - JDIH Kementerian Perdagangan RI

On Aug. 29, 2025, Hong Kong's Office of the Communications Authority (OFCA) published HKCA 1081 Issue 2, “Performance Specification for Radiocommunications Apparatus Operating in the 6 GHz Band for Wireless Local Area Network.”

This specification defines the minimum performance requirements for radiocommunications apparatus operating in the 6 GHz band for wireless local area network.

Compared with the first version, HKCA 1081 Issue 2 revised Clause 2 to removed electrical safety requirement and revised Clauses 2.1 and 2.3 to clarify the guard band requirements and the equipment categories requirements.

Details of revision:

1. The electrical safety requirements, “Compliance Test Specification — Safety and Electrical Protection Requirements for Subscriber Telecommunications Equipment,” have been removed.
2. Technical requirement changes:
   • Changed the operating frequency band
     • Before, the operating frequency band was 5.925-6.425 GHz.
     • Now the operating frequency band is 5.945-6.425 GHz, the 5.925-5.945 GHz frequency band is reserved as a guard band.  
   • New requirement: The apparatus must operate in the equipment categories as defined in ETSI EN 303 687: 6 GHz WAS/RLAN: Harmonized Standard for Access to Radio spectrum, specifically Low Power Indoor (LPI) and Very Low Power (VLP).

https://www.ofca.gov.hk/filemanager/ofca/en/content_401/hkca1081.pdf

https://www.ofca.gov.hk/en/whats_new/index.html

On Oct. 2, 2025, the European Commission published Regulation (EU) 2025/1960, introducing standardized tools to strengthen consumer rights and promote sustainable choices.

The regulation defines, pursuant to Article 22a(5) of Directive 2011/83/EU (Consumer Rights Directive), the design and content of:

• Harmonized Notice on the Legal Guarantee of Conformity
• Harmonized Label for Commercial Guarantee of Durability

The legal guarantee of conformity is a statutory right under EU law, ensuring that goods purchased by consumers conform to the contract of sale: the minimum duration is two years, but this may be longer under national laws.

The commercial guarantee of durability is a voluntary commitment by producers to guarantee a product’s durability beyond the legal guarantee period, typically for more than two years, at no extra cost to the consumer.

Starting Sept. 27, 2026, to keep consumers throughout the EU well informed and help them easily understand their rights, they shall be informed about:  

• The existence of the legal guarantee of conformity for goods and its main elements  
• When a producer offers the consumer a commercial guarantee of durability at no extra cost — covering the entire good for more than two years — and provides that information to the trader, the good’s coverage under that guarantee, its duration and a reminder of the existence of the legal guarantee of conformity  must be clearly stated

Both notice and label include fixed elements, color schemes, and QR codes to Your Europe Portal linking to further information. Editable fields (e.g., guarantee duration) apply only to the label.

The design and content of the notice and label are provided under the Annexes to Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/1960 of September 25, 2025: information shall be given as per harmonized format in a prominent manner to the consumer before the consumer is bound by a contract, including distance or off-premises contract or a corresponding offer.

This initiative supports the EU’s Empowering Consumers for the Green Transition strategy, making rights clearer and encouraging the purchase of durable goods. Standardized information and digital access aim to boost transparency, consumer confidence and market sustainability. 

Implementing regulation - EU - 2025/1960 - EN - EUR-Lex

The European Commission published an amendment to the lists of harmonized standards for Regulation (EU) 2016/426 on appliances burning gaseous fuels.

The standards published in the Official Journal (OJ) as harmonized standards grant presumption of conformity to the relevant European regulations and directives. Therefore, manufacturers commonly use them to demonstrate that their products comply with the enforced requirements.

The amendment of Sept. 10, 2025 (Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2025/1793) adds the following standards, introduced for the first time:

• EN 30-2-1:2024 Domestic Cooking Appliances Burning Gas — Part 2-1: Rational Use of Energy — General
• EN 88-2:2022+A1:2024 Safety and Control Devices for Gas Burners and Gas Burning Appliances — Part 2: Pressure Regulators for Inlet Pressures above 50 kPa up to and Including 500 kPa
• EN 88-3:2022+A1:2024 Safety and Control Devices for Gas Burners and Gas Burning Appliances — Part 3: Pressure and/or Flow Rate Regulators for Inlet Pressures up to and Including 500 kPa, Electronic Types
• EN 125:2022+A1:2024 Flame Supervision Devices for Gas Burning Appliances — Thermoelectric Flame Supervision Devices
• EN 15502-2-2:2024 Gas-Fired Central Heating Boilers — Part 2-2: Specific Standard for Type B1 Appliances
• EN 16304:2022+A1:2024 Automatic Vent Valves for Gas Burners and Gas-Burning Appliances

The corrected version of EN 15502-2-1, EN 15502-2-1:2022+A1:2023/AC:2024, is also included.

When used to demonstrate the conformity of the products, the standards are mentioned in the EU Declaration of Conformity and in the EU Type Examination certificates issued by an approved Notified Body. 

https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=OJ:L_202501793

https://single-market-economy.ec.europa.eu/single-market/goods/european-standards/harmonised-standards/gas-appliances_en

On Sept. 25, 2025, the National Health Commission (NHC) and the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) of the People's Republic of China issued 32 national food safety standards, including four national mandatory standards: two standards on food contact materials and two testing methods.

GB 4806.10-2025 Paints and Coatings for Food Contact Materials and Articles

This standard replaces the previous version of GB 4806.10-2016. This applies to paint and coatings intended to be coated on food contact materials and articles, directly or indirectly contacting food. It details the technical requirements for paint and coatings, including sensory requirements, physical and chemical indicators, and raw material requirements. Appendix A contains the expanded raw material requirements compared to the list in GB 4806.10-2016.

GB 4806.16-2025 Food Contact Silicone Rubber Materials and Products

This standard replaces GB 4806.11-2016 National Food Safety Standard for Food Contact Rubber Materials and Products. This standard revises the physical and chemical indicators by adding a limit for volatile matter (0.5 g/100 g) and revising the test conditions for other parameters. Appendix B, Determination of Volatile Substances, was added.

GB 31604.21-2025 Determination of Migration of Benzoic Acid, Phthalic Acid and Trimellitic Acid from Food Contact Materials and Articles

This standard replaces GB 31604.21-2016 National Food Safety Standard for Food Contact Materials and Articles — Determination of Migration of Terephthalic Acid. This standard specifies the testing method for determining the migration in food contact materials of benzoic acid, phthalic acid, isophthalic acid, terephthalic acid, trimesic acid, trimellitic acid and styrene trimesic acid.  

GB 31604.64-2025 Determination of Migration of Citrate and Sebacate Compounds in Food Contact Materials and Articles

This standard specifies the testing method for the determination of migration in food contact materials of triethyl citrate, di-n-butyl sebacate, acetyl tributyl citrate, di(2-ethylhexyl) sebacate, diisooctyl sebacate and di(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidinyl) sebacate.  

The two testing method standards will be effective on March 2, 2026, while the other two product standards will take effect on Sept. 2, 2026. 

https://www.nhc.gov.cn/sps/c100088/202509/5dc5e1e2b26d4d27a7913b9e71bbe931.shtml

On Sept. 29, 2025, the China Cybersecurity Review and Certification (CCRC) and Market Supervision Big Data Center published a notice on the implementation of the new standard GB/T 45409-2025 Technical Specifications for Network Security Technology Operation and Maintenance Security Management Products.

GB/T 45409-2025 specifies the technical requirements for network security technology operation and maintenance (O&M) security management products in network critical equipment and dedicated products for network security certification scope.

• Issued on March 28, 2025
• Based on National Standards Announcement No. 6 of 2025
• Went into effect on Oct. 1, 2025

The CCRC clarified the certification implementation requirements as follows:

Certification implementation requirements:

• From the date of this notice (Sept. 29, 2025), CCRC will accept certification applications for key network equipment and O&M security management products listed in Network Critical Equipment and Specialized Network Security Products Catalog, in accordance with GB 42250-2022 and GB/T 45409-2025 standards. Certification evaluation will be conducted, and certificates will be issued accordingly.
• For certificates issued before the implementation of the new standard that do not include GB/T 45409-2025 (old certificates), certified enterprises may submit a modification application for certification conversion through the product certification system (https://p.isccc.gov.cn). After completing the GB/T 45409-2025 full test and certification evaluation, new certificates will be issued.
• Conversion must be completed before Sept. 30, 2027. If the certificate has not been converted within this time frame, the old certificate’s validity will be suspended.

Submit applications to:

• Product Certification Division I
• Consultation hotline: 010-88652515
• Email: huy@isccc.gov.cn 

https://www.isccc.gov.cn/wlaqrz/cprz/wlgjsb/tzgg_7/202509/t20250929_8696.htm