IEC Releases New Shielding Foils Testing Guideline for 10–40 GHz

On 17 May 2026, the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) published IEC/TS 63298:2026, a technical specification introducing mandatory measurement uncertainty reporting for shielding effectiveness (SE) of shielding foils in the 10–40 GHz frequency band. This development directly affects manufacturers and exporters of EMI shielding materials—including conductive gaskets and shielding foils—particularly those supplying into EU and UK markets requiring CE or UKCA declarations.

Event Overview

The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) officially released IEC/TS 63298:2026, titled Shielding Foils – Measurement Uncertainty Guidance for 10–40 GHz, on 17 May 2026. The document mandates that suppliers declare measurement uncertainty (expressed as U = ±X dB) for shielding effectiveness values reported within the 10–40 GHz range, in all product technical documentation and CE/UKCA conformity declarations. This is the first IEC technical specification to impose such a requirement. Leading Chinese shielding foil manufacturers have initiated inter-laboratory comparison and verification activities in response.

Industries Affected

EMI Materials Manufacturers (e.g., shielding foil and conductive gasket producers)

These companies are directly responsible for generating SE test reports used in regulatory declarations. The new requirement means existing test protocols and reporting templates must be updated to include validated uncertainty budgets for the 10–40 GHz band. Failure to report uncertainty may lead to non-acceptance of test data by notified bodies during CE/UKCA certification audits.

Testing Laboratories & Certification Bodies

Labs performing SE measurements for shielding foils must now implement and document uncertainty evaluation procedures aligned with ISO/IEC 17025 and the methodology outlined in IEC/TS 63298:2026. Certification bodies will assess whether uncertainty statements meet the specification’s minimum requirements before accepting test reports for conformity assessment.

Export-Oriented Component Distributors & System Integrators

Distributors sourcing shielding foils from third-party suppliers—and integrators specifying these materials in final equipment—must verify that supplier documentation includes compliant uncertainty statements. Absence of such information may delay product compliance sign-off, especially for RF-intensive applications (e.g., 5G mmWave infrastructure, automotive radar modules).

What Enterprises and Practitioners Should Focus On Now

Monitor official interpretations and harmonized standards updates

IEC/TS 63298:2026 is a technical specification—not a full standard—and its adoption into EU harmonized standards (e.g., EN 55032 or EN 61000-4-21) remains pending. Stakeholders should track CENELEC and BSI announcements for timelines on referencing or transposition, as this determines enforceability under CE/UKCA frameworks.

Verify current test reports and supplier declarations for the 10–40 GHz band

Companies should audit existing shielding foil datasheets and test reports issued post-17 May 2026. Reports covering 10–40 GHz must explicitly state measurement uncertainty; generic or omitted uncertainty statements do not satisfy the requirement. Where uncertainty is missing, retesting or supplemental uncertainty analysis may be necessary.

Distinguish between policy signal and immediate operational impact

While the specification entered force on 17 May 2026, enforcement relies on notified body discretion and market surveillance practices. There is no global transition period defined in the document. However, practical implementation may vary by jurisdiction and certification body—making early alignment more critical than urgent overhaul.

Initiate internal lab capability review or external validation planning

Manufacturers relying on in-house testing should assess whether their current VNA-based SE measurement setups (e.g., using waveguide or free-space methods) support full uncertainty budgeting per Clause 6 of IEC/TS 63298:2026. Where gaps exist, engagement with accredited labs for method validation or staff training on uncertainty evaluation is advisable before submitting new declarations.

Editorial Perspective / Industry Observation

Observably, IEC/TS 63298:2026 represents a procedural tightening rather than a technical shift—it does not change how shielding effectiveness is measured, but raises the bar for traceability and transparency in high-frequency EMI material characterization. Analysis shows this is less a sudden compliance deadline and more a signal of growing regulatory emphasis on metrological rigor in RF component qualification. From an industry perspective, it reflects broader trends toward quantified confidence in EMC test data, especially as wireless systems operate deeper into millimeter-wave bands. Current enforcement remains decentralized, meaning sustained monitoring—not immediate system-wide revision—is the more pragmatic posture.

This specification marks a formal step toward standardized uncertainty reporting for high-frequency shielding materials. It does not introduce new performance thresholds or alter test methods, but elevates documentation expectations for a specific frequency range critical to next-generation wireless and sensing applications. For stakeholders, it is best understood as an incremental calibration of compliance expectations—not a disruptive regulatory event—requiring targeted verification and selective process updates where 10–40 GHz SE claims are made.

Source: International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), IEC/TS 63298:2026, published 17 May 2026.
Note: Ongoing observation is required regarding national adoption status, referencing in EU harmonized standards, and notified body interpretation guidelines—none of which are yet publicly confirmed.