Many countries are currently struggling to regulate and control the rapid development of modern digital technology, largely related to AI (artificial intelligence) and cybersecurity, and the balancing of risks against opportunities.
However, there are others who are inclined to limit regulatory intervention in order to stimulate innovation and maximize business opportunities. This situation is reflected in the second and third articles below.
The different approaches between countries/regions may naturally pose challenges, not least for global trade.
Growing market for EMC testingThe future of the global economy may presently be unclear, but there is at least some “bright light” for those in the EMC testing business. EMC (Electromagnetic Compatibility) refers to the ability of electrical equipment and systems to function satisfactorily in their electromagnetic environment. Testing is crucial for ensuring that electrical and electronic devices do not emit excessive electromagnetic interfence (EMI) and can operate correctly in the presence of EMI from other devices.
In an internally contentious ruling, the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has rescinded a previous Commission action intended to hold telecommunications carriers legally responsible for implementing and certifying cybersecurity protocols.
According to an Order on Reconsideration issued in late November 2025, the Commission called a January 2025Declaratory Rulingby the Commission “based in part on the Declaratory Ruling’s flawed legal analysis,” thereby making it “unlawful and ineffective.” At the same time, the Commission also withdrew aNotice of Proposed Rulemaking(NPRM) that accompanied the Declaratory Ruling.
Organizations may find that in 2026, the next wave of adopting AI (Artificial Intelligence) will not simply be a continuation of 2025 but mark a shift toward more structured, more accountable and more scalable AI operations. AI is moving from experimental workflows and deployment into core business processes, which brings a new set of responsibilities.
Digital platform for market clearance of telecom equipment in Burundi
In Burundi, Agence de Régulation et de Contrôle des Télécommunications (ARCT) is the governmental body responsible for amongst other type approval of telecom equipment in the country. In April last year, ARCT implemented new regulations, including Ministerial Ordinance No. 580/01 which mandates type approval and import controls for radio and terminal devices connectable to public networks.
After several periods of suspension, their Ministry of Telecommunications and Information Technology (MTIT) has now officially resumed its Type Approval operations. This marks an important reopening of the national approval system, allowing manufacturers and importers to once again submit and process applications for telecommunication and radio equipment.
MTIT has confirmed that all previously submitted applications are currently under review. The authority follows a first-come, first-served processing order, meaning that older applications are being handled first.
2-4 Febr. 2026: Medical Device Compliance & Certification Summit in Carlsbad, California, USA
For information and registration, please clickhere.
25-26 Febr. 2026:Hazardex Live 2026Conference & Exhibition in Harrogate, UK
26 Feb 2026 - Managing AI & Data in Smart Products – What You Need to Know Webinar
For information and registration, please clickhere.
12-14 May 2026: IEEE International Symposium on Product Compliance Engineering (ISPCE 2026)
in Boston, Massachusetts, USA
IEC Academy courses and webinars For information and registration, please clickhere.
GSO courses in the Arabic Gulf Region
Information about themes, places and times may be seen here.
Receive invitations to Nemko webinars on current compliance matters The webinars will be conducted in English, and one will be able to access the recordings afterwards, for own use and sharing with others please register here.
Hopefully, you are finding these topics to be of interest.