With regulatory landscapes across Asia tightening in response to new safety, sustainability, and digitalization priorities, manufacturers must act quickly to stay compliant and competitive. In 2025, a series of significant policy updates across East and South Asia are setting new benchmarks for product certification and market access.
This is the first of a two-part series that breaks down the most impactful regulatory changes you need to know. Part 1 focuses on four key markets—China, India, Korea, and Taiwan—outlining compliance requirements, deadlines, and how Nemko can support your entry into these high-potential regions.
China: Updated Implementation Rules for Microwave Ovens and New Labeling Requirements for Servers
China continues to strengthen its energy efficiency labelling program under the China Energy Label (CEL) framework. In January 2025, the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) released the 17th batch of the “Catalogue of Products Implementing Energy Efficiency Labelling in the People’s Republic of China,” updating several product categories and their corresponding implementation rules.
Microwave ovens, originally included in the 14th batch (CEL 023-2017), remain within the scope of mandatory labelling. However, the 17th batch notification revises the implementation rule to CEL 023-2025, effective February 1, 2025. This update does not significantly alter the scope but modernizes the technical framework and testing references for microwave ovens operating under the 2450 MHz ISM frequency band and with input power not exceeding 2500 W. Products must display an energy efficiency label that includes the grade (Levels 1–5), a QR code linking to the national CEL database, and performance data aligned with GB 24849-2025.
In addition to this revision, the 17th batch introduces a new mandatory labelling requirement for tower and rack-mounted servers. These products must comply with the Implementation Rules for Energy Efficiency Labelling of Tower and Rack-mounted Servers, which take effect on December 1, 2025, and remain valid for five years. Products shipped or imported before this date may defer labelling compliance until December 1, 2027.
These developments reflect China’s continued focus on energy efficiency across both household appliances and digital infrastructure. Non-compliance can result in customs delays, fines, or market access restrictions.
Nemko supports manufacturers by interpreting the updated CEL requirements, coordinating testing with CELC-recognized laboratories, verifying label accuracy, and managing registration submissions with the China Energy Label Centre (CELC). Our in-market expertise ensures manufacturers meet evolving regulatory expectations efficiently and reliably.
India: BIS Certification and Scheme-X Highlights
India is expanding its regulatory regime with new product certification requirements under the Order on Technical Regulation (OTR) 2024. By August 28, 2025, more than 400 types of machinery and mechanical devices will require mandatory certification by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). These measures are part of India’s broader strategy to strengthen product quality, enhance user safety, and promote industrial standardization.
Nemko assists manufacturers in identifying applicable scope under the OTR, reviewing documentation, and coordinating testing and certification under either the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS) or the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS). Additionally, Quality Control Orders (QCOs) have become increasingly relevant for common consumer products such as kitchen appliances, electronics, fasteners, and chemicals. Non-compliance can result in customs seizures and outright bans from the Indian market.
Of particular interest is the expanded use of BIS Scheme-X, which offers an alternate certification route that simplifies factory inspections and post-certification surveillance. Initially made mandatory for low-voltage switchgear and controlgear from April 1, 2023, the Scheme-X pathway has now been extended to broader machinery categories under OTR 2024, with compliance deadlines set for August 28, 2025. In some cases, extensions have been granted until November 10, 2025. Nemko helps manufacturers determine their eligibility for Scheme-X and supports the end-to-end certification process to ensure timely and cost-effective market access.
Korea: EMC and Safety Access via KC Certification
South Korea continues to modernize its product certification system under the Korea Certification (KC) framework. As of January 3, 2025, the Korean standard KS C 9832 for electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) was updated to include revised testing protocols for multimedia equipment, including smartphones, laptops, and speakers. This revision aligns Korea’s technical requirements more closely with evolving global EMC practices, even though it does not represent a wholesale regulatory overhaul.
Another notable development is the proposed mandate to require USB Type-C connectors for portable electronic devices. The first phase, covering small devices, is targeted for February 14, 2025, while the second phase for laptops is proposed for April 1, 2026. However, as of May 2025, this regulation is still in draft form and awaits approval by the Korean National Assembly.
Meanwhile, market surveillance activities are intensifying. The Korea Agency for Technology and Standards (KATS) has ramped up inspections of both domestic and imported products. Manufacturers whose products do not meet applicable KC requirements risk removal from retail shelves or customs delays.
Nemko supports manufacturers entering the Korean market by leveraging formal memorandums of understanding (MoUs) with Korean national conformity assessment bodies (CABs), enabling CB test reports issued by Nemko to be accepted for KC safety certification. For KC EMC and Radio certifications, Nemko North America, Inc. is the only independent third-party certification body currently recognized by the Korean Radio Research Agency (RRA). This status allows Nemko to offer manufacturers a streamlined, reliable path to full KC compliance.
Taiwan: Revised Safety Standards for Household Electrical Products Under RPC Scheme
In 2025, Taiwan’s Bureau of Standards, Metrology and Inspection (BSMI) introduced revised safety standards for specific categories of household electrical appliances under the Registration of Product Certification (RPC) scheme. On April 24, 2025, BSMI published a notification updating the inspection regulations for seven types of electrical products, with immediate effect. These changes reflect Taiwan’s ongoing alignment with international safety expectations concerning fire hazards, electrical stability, and product durability.
The updated safety requirements now apply to electric insect traps, electric blankets, electric heating devices for personal use, electric mattresses, coffee bean grinders, electric shavers, and electric hair clippers. Any new type approvals or batch declarations for these products must comply with the latest CNS (Chinese National Standards) as of the date of the notification. Existing certifications issued under earlier CNS versions remain valid until their expiration, but no new approvals will be accepted under outdated standards.
Nemko helps manufacturers by interpreting revised CNS technical requirements, coordinating testing with BSMI-designated laboratories, and preparing technical documentation that satisfies updated regulatory benchmarks. With Nemko’s experience and established local relationships, manufacturers can ensure a smooth and compliant entry into the Taiwanese market.
Continue to Part 2: Regulatory Changes in Southeast Asia – Indonesia, Malaysia, and Vietnam to explore what’s changing in 2025 for market access in the ASEAN region.