SRRC - New WiFi/Bluetooth Regulations (MIIT [2021] No.129)

In China, up until 15 October 2023 we have been living with two regulatory frameworks for the 2400 MHz, 5100 MHz, and 5800 MHz bands, coexisting at the same time: the previous regulation, with which almost all manufacturers were familiar, and the new regulation MIIT [2021] No.129 which was revealed in October 2021 and came into force on 1 January 2022.

The time of coexistence of the two regulations has been a great unknown for many manufacturers and in many cases they have chosen to certify following the framework offered by the previous regulation. ?

Since the 15th of October 2023 however, the previous regulation is no longer valid for new SRRC applications and therefore we are seeing a lot of questions from our clients on this topic.

?Our engineer Francisco José Zurita Sanchez has prepared this article to help offer some guidance.

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Q1. Which devices are affected by the new regulation?

The devices that are the subject of this regulation are:

·??????? Devices operating in the 2400-2483.5 MHz frequency band and used as radio systems using wideband radio access,

·??????? Bluetooth transceivers and point-to-point transmission systems

·??????? Devices using the 5150-5350 MHz frequency band and used as radio systems using wideband radio access (with use restricted to indoor use only, vehicles being considered as indoor), and,

·??????? Devices using the frequency band 5725-5850 MHz, being used as radio systems using wideband radio access, point-to-point transmission and electronic toll collection devices operating in this band.

As a general summary, we can state that if your device operates in the 2400 MHz, 5100 MHz or 5800 MHz bands and is used as a radio communication system using broadband radio access (e.g. WLAN) or as a Bluetooth transceiver, it will be under the scope of this new regulation, which is why this new regulation of the 2400 MHz, 5100 MHz and 5800 MHz bands has become popularly known as the "SRRC's new BT/WiFi regulation".

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Q2. What will happen to existing certificates issued under the regulatory framework of the previous regulations?

All such certificates issued as of 1 January 2022 were issued with a limited validity period; (historically?the validity period of SRRC certificates was 5 years, but for certificates issued under the previous regulation frameworks as of 1 January 2022, the validity date was limited to 31 December 2025).??

For this reason, all certificates issued in this way will be valid until this date and the devices covered by these certificates can be marketed as normal until the expiry date.

Once this date has been reached, in order to continue marketing the products, the regulatory framework offered by the old regulation will have to be transitioned to the new one. The different options for transitioning from one to the other will be discussed in future posts once the processes are fully defined by the MIIT.

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Q3. How does the new regulation differ from the previous one?

Very broadly speaking, the difference between regulations lies in:

·??????? Obligatory compliance with one of the stipulated adaptability mechanisms, or in specific cases, implementing the indicated "Equivalent Use" mechanism.

·??????? The need to comply with the DFS and TPS requirements specified in the new regulation.

·??????? Spurious emission limits are applied to additional frequency bands and in a more pronounced way.

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Q4. What are the common issues I may face when trying to certify my device under the new regulation?

This issue is closely linked to the answer given in the previous question. Generally, most of the problems arising from the entry into force of the new regulation are closely related to the differences between regulations mentioned above. During testing phase (probably the phase of the certification process that is most susceptible to these changes), any device prepared for the previous regulations could be facing problems to be able to pass the test if:

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-???????? It lacks adaptability mechanisms.

-???????? Lacks DFS or TPC incorporation,or

-???????? If the new restrictions on spurious emissions cause the device to fall outside the established emissions mask.

Again, all these problems can be mitigated by having proper advice during the early stages of the certification project.

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For any questions or further information, please contact [email protected]