Guidance on Testing for Set Top Box in Vietnam According to QCVN 132:2022/BTTTT

QCVN 132:2022/BTTTT is the Technical Regulation on electrical safety for telecommunications and information technology equipment, including: DECT cordless phones, Desktop computers, Set Top Boxes, Televisions (iDTV), Laptops, and Tablets.

Phuc Gia® – On November 30, 2022, the Ministry of Information and Communications promulgated Circular No. 24/2022/TT-BTTTT along with QCVN 132:2022/BTTTT, the National Technical Regulation on electrical safety for telecommunications and information technology terminal equipment. Television signal decoding equipment (Set Top Box) is one of the ICT terminal devices required to undergo Testing for Set Top Box in Vietnam in accordance with QCVN 132:2022/BTTTT.

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See more: Capacity Profile Of Phuc Gia Laboratory Corporation

I. SET TOP BOX USAGE STATUS IN VIETNAM

In today’s digital era, the use of Set Top Boxes (STB) in Vietnam is more than just a tool for watching television; it is an indispensable part of modern life. With the diversity and abundance of digital television services—ranging from pay-TV to online streaming—the STB has become a versatile device that helps consumers access entertainment content more easily and conveniently than ever before.

However, the growth of the STB market necessitates strict regulations to ensure quality and safety for consumers. QCVN 132:2022/BTTTT plays a vital role in establishing a uniform quality standard system for STB products on the market, while simultaneously creating a healthy competitive environment and enhancing the digital television experience for the Vietnamese people. By applying these standards and conducting rigorous Testing for Set Top Box in Vietnam, consumers can feel more secure in selecting and using STB products. This also contributes to the sustainable development of the digital television industry in Vietnam.

II. GUIDANCE ON TESTING FOR SET TOP BOX IN VIETNAM ACCORDING TO QCVN 132:2022/BTTTT

1. When is it mandatory for businesses to conduct electrical safety testing for Set Top Boxes according to QCVN 132:2022/BTTTT?

Pursuant to Circular No. 02/2024/TT-BTTTT, which stipulates the list of potentially unsafe products and goods under the management responsibility of the Ministry of Information and Communications:

In Appendix II, it is clearly stated that Television signal decoding equipment (Set Top Box) belongs to the group of specialized information technology and communications products and goods that must undergo a Declaration of Conformity according to QCVN 132:2022/BTTTT.
Since January 1, 2024, businesses have been required to conduct electrical safety Testing for Set Top Box in Vietnam according to QCVN 132:2022/BTTTT.

2. Does the Ministry of Information and Communications provide standards for conducting electrical safety testing for Set Top Boxes?

The Ministry of Information and Communications issued the National Technical Regulation QCVN 132:2022/BTTTT “On Electrical Safety for Telecommunications and Information Technology Terminal Equipment.” The regulation includes General Provisions, Technical Regulations, Management Regulations, Responsibilities of organizations and individuals, and Appendices for detailed testing guidance.

3. Which types of Set Top Boxes must undergo testing and Declaration of Conformity according to QCVN 132:2022/BTTTT?

According to Circular 02/2024/TT-BTTTT and QCVN 132:2022/BTTTT, the Set Top Boxes within the mandatory scope are:

Television signal decoding equipment (Set Top Box) in digital cable television networks. The equipment may or may not have information interaction functions with the service provider.
Television signal decoding equipment (Set Top Box) in IPTV (Internet Protocol Television) networks. The equipment may or may not have information interaction functions with the service provider.
HS Codes: 8528.71.11/ 8528.71.19/ 8528.71.91/ 8528.71.99

4. What are the technical requirements for Set Top Boxes?

All technical requirements for television signal decoding equipment (Set Top Box) are specified in detail in QCVN 132:2022/BTTTT.

Furthermore, television signal decoding equipment must also undergo testing, certification, and Declaration of Conformity procedures according to other prevailing regulations as detailed in Circular No. 02/2024/TT-BTTTT. These procedures are integral to the overall Testing for Set Top Box in Vietnam.

5. Where can electrical safety testing for Set Top Boxes according to QCVN 132:2022/BTTTT be conducted?

According to Circular No. 02/2024/TT-BTTTT, Appendix II explicitly states: “Test reports from domestic or foreign laboratories that have not been designated or recognized, or test results provided by the manufacturer, shall not be used to assess conformity with this technical regulation.”

=> Therefore, the procedure for Testing for Set Top Box in Vietnam according to QCVN 132:2022/BTTTT must be performed by a testing organization that is officially Designated or Recognized (under Mutual Recognition Agreements – MRA – by the Ministry of Information and Communications).

The Ministry of Information and Communications has designated Phuc Gia Testing Center to perform electrical safety Testing for Set Top Box in Vietnam in accordance with QCVN 132:2022/BTTTT (See details here).

6. What is the cost of electrical safety testing for Set Top Boxes according to QCVN 132:2022/BTTTT?

Depending on the listed prices of each laboratory, the cost for Testing for Set Top Box in Vietnam according to QCVN 132:2022/BTTTT at Phuc Gia has been listed at: QUOTATION – Testing and Other Certification Services [2026]

7. How long does the electrical safety testing for Set Top Boxes according to QCVN 132:2022/BTTTT take?

The testing time will depend on each unit you wish to test with.

However, Phuc Gia always provides the best support to customers regarding testing time; therefore, the expected time for Testing for Set Top Box in Vietnam according to QCVN 132:2022/BTTTT is approximately 15–17 days per model (including weekends and holidays, as Phuc Gia arranges additional personnel and overtime to maximize testing services).