EXTENDMAX - On April 25, 2024, the Vietnam MIC announced the draft of the QCVN 134:2024/BTTTT standard regarding the specific absorption rates (SAR) for mobile phones to solicit public comments. The technical standard QCVN 134:2024/BTTTT is a safety regulation that sets limits on the absorption of radio waves from mobile phones into the human body. This is the second standard from the Ministry of Information and Communications regarding safety limits for exposure to electromagnetic waves, following the QCVN 8:2022/BTTTT standard applicable to base stations.
What is Specific Absorption Rate (SAR)
The Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) is a metric that measures the rate at which energy is absorbed by the head, body, or limbs of a mobile device user when they are exposed to a radio frequency electromagnetic field. The SAR value is expressed in watts per kilogram (W/kg). This index helps in assessing the exposure levels of electromagnetic fields emitted by mobile devices to ensure they are within safety standards.
Why is it necessary to issue QCVN 134:2024/BTTTT?
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), electromagnetic waves can heat human body tissues and affect brain activity, cognitive functions, sleep, heart rhythm, and blood pressure in volunteers. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has also classified some cases where electromagnetic frequency fields may adversely affect the human body.
Source: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/electromagnetic-fields-and-public-health-mobile-phones
Currently, most advanced countries around the world, including the Schengen area, the United States, Japan, Australia, and many APAC countries, have implemented technical standards for the Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) to protect users when using handheld radio-frequency devices close to the ear, such as mobile phones and walkie-talkies.
Scope of application of QCVN 134:2024/BTTTT
QCVN 134:2024/BTTTT applies to mobile phones with the following HS codes:
| No. | Name of goods according to QCVN | HS code | Goods and product description |
| 1 | Land mobile terminal | 8517.13.00 8517.14.00 |
Terrestrial mobile phones use E-UTRA (4G) technology and may integrate one or more of the following functions: - W-CDMA FDD (3G) mobile communication terminal; - GSM mobile communication terminal (2G and 2.5G); - Fifth generation mobile communication terminal (5G); - Broadband data transmission operates in the 2.4 GHz band; - 5 GHz radio access; - Short-range radio transmission and reception. |
| 2 | Fifth-generation (5G) mobile terminal | 8517.13.00 8517.14.00 | Terrestrial mobile phones using fifth generation (5G) mobile communication technology with or without integrating one or more of the following functions: - Terrestrial mobile communication terminal; - Broadband data transmission operates in the 2.4 GHz band; - 5 GHz radio access; - Short-range radio transmission and reception. |
Effective date of QCVN 134:2024/BTTTT
Based on the Draft Circular issued, QCVN 134:2024/BTTTT is expected to take effect from July 1, 2025. Imported and domestically produced mobile phones must meet regulations on specific absorption levels according to QCVN 134:2024/BTTTT before circulating on the market.
Download and give comment to QCVN 134:2024/BTTTT: https://mic.gov.vn/van-ban-phap-luat/du-thao/2190.htm
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