June 30, 2026, marks a critical deadline: the new standard AS/CA S042:2025 will become mandatory for all new applications starting on this date. Compared with the previous version, the new standard imposes stricter requirements on signal stability and EMC limits. Manufacturers planning to submit products for testing for the Australian market in the first half of 2026 must confirm in advance that laboratories are ready to test according to the new standard and schedule testing early, as this period typically sees a surge in submissions.
In-car devices sold in Australia also require additional environmental adaptability tests, including high-low temperature cycling and wide voltage fluctuation tests, extending the testing cycle by 2 to 3 weeks compared with ordinary radios.
Middle East: Three Critical Requirements
Documentation errors in the Middle East most commonly occur in three areas:
·Arabic Language Support: For the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Kuwait, technical files and user manuals must be available in Arabic. Accurate technical terminology and standardized formatting are essential. Starting in 2026, the UAE uses an automated document review system, which directly rejects applications with incorrect formatting or obvious translation errors without manual review.
·Local Certificate Holder: Saudi Arabia mandates that certification certificates must be held by a locally registered company; Chinese enterprises cannot hold certificates directly and must appoint a local agent, with certification completed via the SABER platform. The UAE also requires non-UAE companies to designate a local authorized agent recognized by TDRA, otherwise applications cannot be submitted.
·Technical Compatibility: Saudi Arabia requires devices to support HE-AAC v2 coding; products supporting only v1 will fail testing. The UAE mandates that in-vehicle devices support Emergency Warning System (EWS) with a response time of no more than 3 seconds from signal reception to playback, a requirement enforced since 2025. Retrofitting this function during testing is extremely costly.
Overall certification cycles in the Middle East are longer than in Europe, typically taking 3–6 months from sample submission to certificate issuance. Manufacturers planning exports should start preparations at least six months in advance.
Thailand: Two Deadlines & Localization Rules
Thailand’s NBTC standard NBTC BS 3004-2567 is enforced in two phases: aftermarket devices (portable radios, home audio) became mandatory on February 28, 2025, and factory-fitted in-vehicle DAB devices on October 31, 2025. In 2026, the certification window for new vehicles has closed, and uncertified products are in a retroactive compliance status.
Thailand enforces two localization requirements:
·DLS text must support Thai display, configured at the firmware and display layers.
·User manuals must be in Thai with specified fonts and formatting; English translations are not acceptable.
2. DAB+ Certification Validity Period
Validity varies by region:
·EU, UK, Australia: Typically 3 years. Renewal documents must be submitted before expiration, with additional testing required if standards are updated.
·Saudi Arabia: DAB+ certification is valid for 3 years, while the SABER PC certificate is valid for 1 year and requires annual renewal. The SC shipment certificate is issued per batch and must be obtained before arrival.
·Thailand: No fixed validity period, but supplementary testing is required if NBTC standards are updated.
Important note: Certification becomes invalid if the product is modified (e.g., RF module, antenna, or firmware affecting RF performance), requiring retesting regardless of expiration.
3. Common Pitfalls
·Incomplete documentation leading to laboratory rejection.
·Misusing documents across different markets.
·Failing to archive complete technical files for market supervision.
For DAB digital broadcasting certification, contact BLUEASIA testing and certification consultant: +86 13534225140.
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