Updated SRRC Testing Standards for Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3

China’s State Radio Regulatory Commission (SRRC) has released updated testing standards for wireless devices operating in the newly opened 6GHz band (Wi-Fi 6E) and for Bluetooth 5.3 technologies. Effective from May 1, 2026, all wireless products incorporating Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax in 6GHz) or Bluetooth 5.3 (including LE Audio, isochronous channels) must undergo revised SRRC testing procedures. These changes affect routers, access points, smartphones, laptops, IoT devices, and audio peripherals. This guide explains the key updates, new technical requirements, and how foreign manufacturers can ensure smooth SRRC certification.

1. Background: SRRC’s Role and 2026 Regulatory Drivers

SRRC certification is mandatory for any device containing radio transmitters (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, cellular, Zigbee, etc.) sold or imported into China. In 2023, China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) opened the 6GHz band (5925-7125 MHz) for Wi-Fi 6E, but testing standards were provisional. The 2026 updates finalize those provisional measures and introduce new requirements for Bluetooth 5.3, which features isochronous channels (used for LE Audio) and enhanced advertising extensions.

The new standards (officially titled “SRRC Test Methods for 6GHz Band Wireless Access Devices” and “Supplemental Test Requirements for Bluetooth 5.3”) aim to ensure coexistence with existing services (e.g., satellite links) and to manage the increased data throughput and lower latency of modern wireless technologies.

2. Key Updates for Wi-Fi 6E (6GHz Band)

The updated SRRC testing for Wi-Fi 6E introduces several critical changes:

  • Permitted frequency range: 5925 MHz to 6425 MHz only (not the full 5925-7125 MHz). The upper 700 MHz (6425-7125 MHz) is reserved for future 5G/6G services and is not allowed for Wi-Fi. Manufacturers must ensure their devices lock out the restricted sub‑band.
  • Maximum conducted output power: Limited to 250 mW (24 dBm) for indoor access points and 50 mW (17 dBm) for client devices. Outdoor use is prohibited; devices must have indoor‑only labeling and software enforcement.
  • Dynamic Frequency Selection (DFS): Mandatory for all 6GHz devices to avoid interference with fixed satellite services. DFS testing includes radar detection and channel move time (<10 seconds).
  • Automatic Power Control (APC): Devices must reduce transmit power when operating near the band edges (within 10 MHz of 5925 MHz). This is a new requirement not found in FCC or CE rules.
  • Spurious emissions: Stricter limits outside the 6GHz band – for frequencies below 1GHz, emissions must be below -50 dBm/MHz; for 1-5.9GHz, below -40 dBm/MHz. These are 6-10 dB stricter than previous SRRC limits for 2.4/5GHz bands.

Manufacturers planning to export Wi-Fi 6E products to China must ensure hardware and firmware can enforce these power and frequency restrictions. Many chipsets (e.g., Qualcomm, Broadcom, MediaTek) already support geo‑fencing features – ensure the China‑specific profile is loaded.

⚠️ Critical note: Products that were previously certified under the provisional 6GHz rules must be re‑tested for the new power limits and DFS requirements. A simple firmware update is not sufficient; a full SRRC re‑certification is required, with a transition period ending December 31, 2026.

3. Key Updates for Bluetooth 5.3 Testing

Bluetooth 5.3 introduces new features that affect SRRC testing:

  • LE Audio isochronous channels: These use more frequent and predictable transmission timing. SRRC now requires additional tests for channel occupancy and timing jitter to ensure compatibility with other narrowband systems.
  • Enhanced advertising extensions (up to 255 bytes of data): The new standard measures duty cycle and maximum transmit duration during extended advertising events. Devices that send long advertising bursts may exceed the 10% duty cycle limit.
  • Connection subrating: Feature that allows rapid switching between low‑duty and high‑duty modes. SRRC tests include a “subrating stress test” to ensure the device does not inadvertently create interference during mode transitions.
  • Simultaneous operation with Wi-Fi: For combo chips, SRRC now measures Bluetooth‑Wi-Fi coexistence performance. Any packet collision or desensitization above 1% error rate fails the test.

Additionally, Bluetooth 5.3 devices must still meet the same basic RF requirements (power, modulation, frequency accuracy) as previous versions. However, the new tests add approximately 2‑3 weeks to the certification timeline.

4. Updated Testing Procedures and Documentation Requirements

SRRC has also revised the application and testing process for all wireless devices, including those with 6GHz and Bluetooth 5.3:

  • Mandatory “radio environment lock” test: Devices must be shown to prevent operation outside of China’s permitted bands (e.g., no 6GHz operation in the 6425-7125 MHz range). This is verified by changing the device’s perceived location using a GPS simulator.
  • Software security declaration: Manufacturers must declare that no user or third‑party software can modify the radio parameters (frequency, power, DFS settings) beyond the certified limits. The declaration must be signed by a senior engineer.
  • Updated test sample quantity: For Wi-Fi 6E devices, 5 units are required (previously 3) to allow for DFS and power margin testing. For Bluetooth 5.3, 3 units suffice unless the device also has 6GHz, then 5 units.
  • Additional documentation: Chipset datasheets, antenna specifications (including gain patterns), and a “frequency restriction justification” letter explaining how the device complies with the 5925-6425 MHz limitation.

Foreign manufacturers should work closely with their SRRC agent to ensure all new documents are prepared. Many labs now offer a “pre‑evaluation” of software restrictions – strongly recommended.

5. Transition Periods and Certification Pathways

SRRC has published the following implementation schedule:

  • May 1, 2026: New applications for Wi-Fi 6E or Bluetooth 5.3 devices must follow the updated standards. Old provisional certifications are no longer accepted for new imports after this date.
  • August 1, 2026: Any device already on the market (imported or manufactured before May 1) must have its SRRC certificate updated to the new standards. Customs will begin random checks at ports, and non‑compliant shipments may be detained.
  • December 31, 2026: Final deadline for all devices (including those already sold in China) to be compliant. After this date, uncertified devices cannot be legally sold even through online marketplaces.

For products that contain both Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3, a combined application is possible, saving time and cost. The testing lab can run both standards in parallel; total testing time is usually 8‑10 weeks.

6. Testing Laboratories and Costs

Only SRRC‑accredited laboratories with updated scopes for 6GHz and Bluetooth 5.3 can perform the required tests. As of March 2026, 12 labs have received accreditation, including:

  • China Telecommunication Technology Labs (CTTL) – Beijing
  • TÜV Rheinland (Shanghai) – now equipped with 6GHz anechoic chambers
  • SGS (Guangzhou)
  • Intertek (Shanghai)
  • BACL (Shenzhen)

Estimated costs for SRRC testing (excluding agent fees):

  • Wi-Fi 6E only: $8,000 – $15,000
  • Bluetooth 5.3 only: $4,000 – $8,000
  • Combined (Wi-Fi 6E + Bluetooth 5.3): $12,000 – $20,000

Agent fees (for foreign manufacturers) add $2,000 – $5,000. Lead times for testing are currently 6‑10 weeks, but labs report increasing demand; early booking is advised.

7. Practical Compliance Roadmap for Foreign Manufacturers

To navigate the updated SRRC testing standards for Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3, follow this five‑step plan:

  1. Identify affected products: Review your portfolio for any device with Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax on 6GHz) or Bluetooth 5.3 (including LE Audio). Note that many recent chipsets support these features but may be disabled in software – if the hardware is capable, SRRC still requires certification.
  2. Conduct a gap analysis: Compare your current design against the new frequency range (5925‑6425 MHz), power limits (250/50 mW), DFS requirements, and software locking mechanisms. Work with a lab to identify needed hardware or firmware changes.
  3. Update firmware and declare software restrictions: Ensure your device cannot operate outside the permitted band and that output power is limited via APC. Prepare the required software security declaration.
  4. Select an accredited lab and schedule testing: Book lab time early – slots for 6GHz testing are filling up through Q3 2026. Send 5 samples for Wi-Fi 6E devices, 3 for Bluetooth‑only devices.
  5. Submit application through a local agent: If you do not have a China office, appoint an SRRC agent to submit the application and communicate with the lab. After testing passes, the agent will receive the SRRC certificate (digital copy) within 2‑3 weeks.

After certification, maintain compliance by keeping the same software/firmware version as tested. Any OTA update that changes radio parameters must be re‑certified.

🚀 Need help with SRRC certification for Wi-Fi 6E or Bluetooth 5.3? Contact a China compliance partner for a free gap assessment. We will review your product’s wireless design, recommend necessary modifications, and coordinate testing with an accredited lab – ensuring you meet the 2026 deadlines. Request your free quote today.

Summary: Updated SRRC testing standards for Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 bring stricter frequency limits (5925‑6425 MHz only), power caps (250/50 mW), mandatory DFS, new Bluetooth 5.3 tests for LE Audio and extended advertising, and software security declarations. Foreign manufacturers must act quickly to update their designs, book lab time, and complete certification before the December 31, 2026 deadline. Early preparation will ensure uninterrupted market access for next‑generation wireless products in China.