Cambodia’s Ministry of Post and Telecommunications (MPTC) has released a draft Prakas on Technical Standards for Telecommunication Equipment, introducing a comprehensive regulatory framework to govern telecom and radio frequency (RF) devices entering the Cambodian market.

The draft regulation establishes mandatory technical requirements aimed at ensuring network integrity, user safety, and efficient spectrum usage, while aligning Cambodia’s telecom ecosystem with internationally recognized standards.

 Broad Scope Covering Wired and Wireless Equipment

The proposed framework applies to all telecom equipment that is imported, manufactured, supplied, or distributed within Cambodia. It covers both wired telecommunication equipment (WTE) and radiocommunication equipment.

 Key Technical Requirements

The draft Prakas introduces structured technical standards across multiple areas:

• Safety: Compliance with international standards such as IEC 62368-1, IEC 60825, and IEC 62133, covering electrical safety, batteries, and optical/laser risks

• Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC): Devices must operate without causing harmful interference and meet standards like CISPR 32/35, IEC 61000 series, and ETSI EN 300 386

• Electromagnetic Field (EMF) Exposure: Equipment must adhere to international human exposure limits

• Radio Frequency (RF) Performance: Efficient spectrum usage aligned with Cambodia’s National Frequency Allocation Table (NFAT)

• Power Supply: Compliance with national electricity standards (typically 230V, 50Hz)

• User Interface Requirements: Devices such as phones must follow ITU-T E.161 keypad layout standards

Strong Alignment with International Standards

The regulation is based on globally recognized frameworks, including standards from ITU, IEC, ISO, ETSI, CENELEC, FCC, ANSI, ICNIRP, and 3GPP.

In total, the draft references approximately 145 international technical standards, reinforcing Cambodia’s move toward harmonization with global best practices.

Mandatory Testing and Compliance

Manufacturers and importers will be required to ensure conformance testing and verification, supported by a Declaration of Conformity. The requirements apply across network equipment, user devices, and testing instruments.

Once finalized, the regulation will come into force six months after official issuance, providing stakeholders time to align their products with the new requirements.

The introduction of this framework marks a significant step toward strengthening Cambodia’s telecom regulatory landscape. Non-compliant devices may face market entry delays, rejection, or operational risks, making early compliance planning essential for manufacturers and distributors.

Stakeholders are invited to provide feedback on the draft regulation, with comments open until 25 May 2026.