
Asia
Bahrain
Pearl of the Gulf
Population:
1.5 million
Capital:
Manama
Official Language:
Arabic
1. Bahrain Standards and Metrology Directorate (BSMD)
Operating under the Ministry of Industry and Commerce (MOIC), the BSMD is responsible for developing and implementing national standards, often by adopting international or Gulf standards. It oversees conformity assessments, market surveillance, and regulates products such as electrical appliances, toys, cement, and automotive parts.
2. Bahrain Customs Affairs
This agency has implemented a compliance program categorizing companies based on their adherence to customs laws. The categories include Authorized Economic Operators (AEOs), Compliant Operators, and others, with benefits such as expedited processing for higher compliance levels.
3. Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA)
The TRA regulates telecommunications and electronic devices, requiring type approval for equipment that connects to public networks or uses radio frequencies. It ensures that such devices meet technical standards and are appropriately labeled.
4. National Health Regulatory Authority (NHRA)
The NHRA oversees the registration and licensing of medical devices, pharmaceuticals, and healthcare professionals. It ensures that health-related products meet safety and efficacy standards before they can be supplied in Bahrain.
5. Ministry of Health
Through its Public Health Directorate, the Ministry of Health implements food safety regulations, conducts inspections, and oversees the import and production of food products to ensure compliance with health standards.
Product Certification and Compliance Requirements
Standards and Labeling: Products must comply with Bahraini standards and be properly labeled in English. The BSMD checks regulated products upon import to ensure compliance.
Conformity Assessment: Manufacturers must carry out risk analyses and ensure their products comply with applicable rules before placing them on the market. This involves technical documentation and, where required, third-party assessment by a notified body.
Type Approval for Telecommunications Equipment: Devices that connect to public networks or use radio frequencies require type approval from the TRA to ensure they meet technical standards.
Medical Device and Pharmaceutical Registration: Medical products must be registered and licensed by the NHRA before they can be marketed in Bahrain.
Food Safety Compliance: Food products are subject to safety inspections and must comply with regulations set by the Ministry of Health and the BSMD.

EU ETSI Standards Update: 5 New Radio & ICT Deliverables
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Canada ISED Adopts ETSI EN 301 893 V2.2.1 for 5 GHz DFS
Canada's ISED has ended the transition period for 5 GHz WAS/RLAN Dynamic Frequency Selection (DFS) testing. From July 20, 2026, new equipment certifications under RSS-247 must demonstrate DFS compliance using ETSI EN 301 893 V2.2.1 (2024-11); the older V1.8.1 (2015-03) is no longer accepted for new applications. Manufacturers, importers, and test labs placing 5 GHz wireless products on the Canadian market should confirm their DFS test evidence reflects the new version.
12 Aug 2026
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Vietnam Cybersecurity Law Now in Effect: Compliance Guide
Vietnam Cybersecurity Law No. 116/2025/QH15 took effect 1 July 2026, merging the 2018 Cybersecurity Law and 2015 Network Information Security Law into one framework led by the Ministry of Public Security. For most radio and telecom device makers this is not a type-approval change, but the Vietnam Cybersecurity Law creates direct duties for cybersecurity-product and cryptography vendors, covered service providers, and owners of higher-tier systems. Covers scope, impact, and next steps.
12 Aug 2026
Asia

Nepal 5G Roadmap: NTA Draft Plan & 3G Phase Out
Vietnam Cybersecurity Law No. 116/2025/QH15 took effect 1 July 2026, merging the 2018 Cybersecurity Law and 2015 Network Information Security Law into one framework led by the Ministry of Public Security. For most radio and telecom device makers this is not a type-approval change, but the Vietnam Cybersecurity Law creates direct duties for cybersecurity-product and cryptography vendors, covered service providers, and owners of higher-tier systems. Covers scope, impact, and next steps.
12 Aug 2026
Asia

Indonesia 5G BWA 3.3 GHz Standards: Komdigi Draft
Indonesia's Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs (Komdigi) has released draft Indonesia 5G BWA 3.3 GHz technical standards for public consultation, covering subscriber and base stations operating at 3300-3312.5 MHz. The draft decree sets RF output limits, 4T4R base station configuration, mandatory filter testing, antenna gain caps, and safety and EMC compliance. Written comments are open to Komdigi until 14 August 2026 before the standard is finalised.
11 Aug 2026
Asia

Bahrain License Exempt Spectrum: TRA Position Paper
The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) of Bahrain has issued a Position Paper (Ref LAD/0726/023) clarifying its treatment of Bahrain license-exempt spectrum. Dated 1 July 2026, the non-binding paper confirms that devices in bands such as Wi-Fi (2.4/5/6 GHz), Bluetooth, Zigbee and PMR446 must be TRA type-approved unless exempted, operate on a non-interference basis, and remain subject to enforcement including confiscation and fines. Private imports for personal use are exempt.
10 Aug 2026
Asia
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