Guidance on EMC Testing for Refrigerators in Vietnam

On July 16, 2021, the Directorate for Standards, Metrology and Quality (STAMEQ) – Ministry of Science and Technology granted the Registration Certificate for Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Testing Operations for household electrical and electronic products and similar purposes according to QCVN 9:2012/BKHCN and Amendment 1:2018 QCVN 9:2012/BKHCN to Phuc Gia Laboratory, with the list of products detailed in the appendix attached to Certificate No. 2242/TĐC-HCHQ.

Consequently, Phuc Gia Laboratory is now a fully authorized Testing laboratory for Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) evaluations. We provide comprehensive solutions, including EMC Testing for Refrigerators in Vietnam, as well as testing for: Handheld motor-operated drills, Vacuum cleaners, Washing machines, Freezers, Air conditioners, Hair dryers, Blenders, meat grinders, juicers, hand mixers, and Electric stoves (including induction hobs).

Phuc Gia Laboratory is pleased to serve our Valued Customers in the field of Electromagnetic Compatibility testing – QCVN 9:2012/BKHCN!

See more: Capacity Profile Of Phuc Gia Laboratory Corporation

Table of contents

1. What is Electromagnetic Compatibility?

Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) refers to the capacity of electrical and electronic devices to function correctly within their electromagnetic environment while ensuring they do not interfere with the performance of surrounding equipment.

Without rigorous quality control, electrical and electronic products may generate electromagnetic interference (EMI), compromising electromagnetic compatibility and leading to major disruptions in the standard operation of other electronic devices. For high-power household appliances, conducting EMC Testing for Refrigerators in Vietnam is a critical step to ensure system stability and regulatory compliance.

2. Why is it mandatory for Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) to be managed according to QCVN 9:2012/BKHCN for Refrigerators and Freezers?

Any electrical and electronic product generates electromagnetic interference and affects electromagnetic compatibility, whether at a large or small scale. Refrigerators and freezers are no exception.

When electrical and electronic equipment in general, as well as refrigerators and freezers in particular, are in operation—even under normal conditions—they emit electromagnetic radiation (emission), also known as electromagnetic interference waves, with varying wavelengths and interference intensities. The higher the radiation intensity, the greater the impact on the normal operation of other equipment and the surrounding environment.

Harmful effects of electromagnetic interference and electromagnetic compatibility issues from electrical and electronic equipment

Practical examples of the harmful effects of electromagnetic interference and electromagnetic compatibility in our daily lives include: distorting blood pressure monitor results; causing malfunctions in the operation of escalators, automatic doors, elevators, and cameras; or even significantly affecting human health. These health impacts may include nervous system dysfunction, immune system dysfunction, reproductive health issues, or even cancer and many other diseases.

To address these concerns regarding electromagnetic radiation, the Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) enacted the National Technical Regulation QCVN 9:2012/BKHCN. This official standard establishes the emission limits and quality management requirements for household electrical and electronic appliances. Under this regulation, EMC Testing for Refrigerators in Vietnam is mandatory to ensure technical regulation compliance and safeguard both public health and the environment.

3. Currently Effective Regulations

– Circular No. 11/2012/TT-BKHCN: The Circular promulgating the “National Technical Regulation on Electromagnetic Compatibility for Household Electrical and Electronic Equipment and Similar Purposes” issued by the Ministry of Science and Technology on April 12, 2012.

– QCVN 9:2012/BKHCN: National Technical Regulation on Electromagnetic Compatibility for Household Electrical and Electronic Equipment and Similar Purposes issued by the Ministry of Science and Technology on April 12, 2012.

Under these regulations, since April 12, 2012, regulated products—including those requiring EMC Testing for Refrigerators in Vietnam—must comply with statutory labeling requirements. Enterprises are mandatory required to perform testing and obtain a Certificate of Conformity under QCVN 9:2012/BKHCN. Furthermore, products must display the CR mark (conformity mark) and are subject to quality oversight by the Regulatory Authority to ensure full technical regulation compliance within the market.

ORD	Electrical and electronic devices that must comply with QCVN 9	Technical Requirements	Effective Dates and Mandatory Compliance
1	Instant Electric Water Heaters	TCVN 7492-1 (CISPR 14-1)	01/06/2013
2	Electric Motor-operated Handheld Drills	TCVN 7492-1 (CISPR 14-1)	01/06/2013
3	Self-ballasted Lamps (Integrated Ballast Lamps)	TCVN 7186 (CISPR 15)	01/06/2014
4	Vacuum Cleaners	TCVN 7492-1 (CISPR 14-1)	01/06/2014
5	Washing Machines	TCVN 7492-1 (CISPR 14-1)	01/06/2014
6	Refrigerators, Freezers, and Commercial Refrigerators	TCVN 7492-1 (CISPR 14-1)	01/06/2014
7	Air Conditioners	TCVN 7492-1 (CISPR 14-1)	01/06/2014

– Amendment 1:2018 QCVN 9:2012/BKHCN: This updated National Technical Regulation, issued by the Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) on June 06, 2018, enhances the standards for electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) in household and similar electronic appliances.

To broaden the scope of technical regulation compliance, Amendment 1:2018 QCVN 9:2012/BKHCN officially incorporates 04 additional product categories into the mandatory management list. This inclusion necessitates EMC Testing for Refrigerators in Vietnam and other newly regulated devices to ensure they meet national interference limits, including:

ORD	Electrical and electronic devices that must comply with QCVN 9	Technical Requirements	Effective Dates and Mandatory Compliance
1	Hairdryers	TCVN 7492-1:2010 (CISPR 14-1:2009)	01/09/2019
2	Blenders, Meat Grinders, Juicers, Hand Mixers	TCVN 7492-1:2010 (CISPR 14-1:2009)	01/7/2020
3	Microwave (including combination types)	TCVN 6988:2006 (CISPR 11:2004)	01/07/2021
4	Electric hobs (including induction hobs)	TCVN 7492-1:2018 (CISPR 14-1:2016)	01/07/2021

– Circular No. 01/2022/TT-BKHCN: Circular amending Circular No. 07/2018/TT-BKHCN and Circular No. 08/2019/TT-BKHCN, issued by the Minister of Science and Technology on February 16, 2022.

– Decision No. 1983/QĐ-TĐC: Decision on the issuance of guidelines for certification of conformity with the National Technical Regulation QCVN 9:2012/BKHCN on electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) for household electrical and electronic equipment and similar purposes, issued by the Ministry of Science and Technology on October 15, 2014.

4. Regulated interference limits/testing criteria for Refrigerators and Freezers

Terminal disturbance voltage limits at the power supply port;
Disturbance power limits (30-300MHz);
Discontinuous interference limits.

5. Testing standards and mandatory application timeline of QCVN 09 for Refrigerator and Freezer products

Testing standard: TCVN 7492-1 (CISPR 14-1);
Mandatory application date: June 01, 2014.

6. Where to test your Refrigerators?

The Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Testing Chamber at Phuc Gia Laboratory Corporation (Vilas 1212) is a designated Testing lab. It has been officially recognized and issued a Registration Certificate by the Ministry of Science and Technology’s Directorate for Standards, Metrology and Quality to perform Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) testing. This facility provides testing for household electric and electronic appliances in full compliance with QCVN 9:2012/BKHCN and Amendment 1:2018 QCVN 9:2012/BKHCN.

You can view the Designation Certificate from the Commission for the Standards, Metrology and Quality of Vietnam – Ministry of Science and Technology for Phuc Gia Laboratory Corporation here:

The Ministry of Science and Technology Designates Phuc Gia Lab to Perform EMC Testing According to QCVN 9:2012/BKHCN

7. Notes on Electromagnetic Compatibility according to QCVN 9 for Refrigerators and Freezers

Required sample quantity: 01 sample.

After testing, the Testing laboratory will return the sample to the customer.

Note: The sample’s wires may be cut for connection to the absorbing clamp system to perform the Disturbance power test.

Testing costs: The Electromagnetic Compatibility testing costs are listed by Phuc Gia Laboratory in the following article: Phuc Gia Lab Quotation for Testing.

8. Test Report for Refrigerators

To refer to a sample of the Test/Certification Reports for Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) according to QCVN 9:2012/BKHCN and Amendment 1:2018 QCVN 9:2012/BKHCN, your Enterprise can refer to the articles in the following links: