Attention manufacturers exporting Bluetooth products (earphones, speakers, smart wearables, etc.)! The Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) has released the 2026 BQB certification new rules, with three core changes: a new membership tier, across-the-board fee increases, and time-limited DID usage—all taking effect on March 1, 2026!
Many exporters have not yet noticed these updates, which directly impact costs and certification efficiency: for example, the product certification fee for standard Adopter members will rise from $11,040 to $12,000, new membership application fees will increase, and even unused pre-purchased DIDs (Device Identification Numbers) may require a price difference supplement upon expiration. This guide breaks down the new rules clearly, with actionable takeaways for both BQB beginners and seasoned exporters.
Previously, the SIG offered only two membership tiers: the basic Adopter and the premium Associate Member. A new middle tier—Contributing Adopter—has been added, creating a high-value cost option.
Key Contributing Adopter Benefits
1.Eligibility to participate in SIG working groups, with the opportunity to contribute to Bluetooth specification development (a benefit not available to basic Adopter members).
2.33% discount (67% of the full price) on the first product certification each year—$8,000 after the discount in 2026, with subsequent certifications at the full $12,000 price.
3.Lower annual membership fees: $3,500/year for small businesses and $16,500/year for large businesses (far lower than Associate Member fees: $11,250/year for small businesses, $52,500/year for large businesses).
Who Should Select the Contributing Adopter Tier?
This tier is ideal for companies with 1+ BQB certifications per year that do not want to pay the high Associate Member fees. For example, a single annual certification saves $4,000 in fees—enough to cover the annual membership cost quickly. For companies that only need basic certification (no specification development participation), the free basic Adopter tier still suffices.
Across-the-Board Fee Hikes Effective March 1, 2026 – Critical Timelines to Avoid Delays
The fee increase covers all categories: membership fees, certification fees, and application fees. Below is a plain-language breakdown of the most impactful changes for exporters:
1.New membership application fee: $230 now, increasing to **$250** on March 1—submit new membership applications before the hike to save $20.
2.Annual membership fees: All tiers except the free basic Adopter are increased—e.g., small Associate Member fees rise from $10,350 to $11,250/year, and large Contributing Adopter fees rise from $15,200 to $16,500/year.
3.Product certification fees: The full price for basic Adopter members rises from $11,040 to **$12,000**; the 50% discount for Associate Members remains (rising from $5,520 to $6,000)—Associate Members still get the best per-certification value.
Critical Reminder: Use Unused DIDs Immediately
If you have pre-purchased but unused Device Identification Numbers (DIDs), use them as soon as possible! Upon expiration, a price difference supplement (for the 2026 hike) will be required for continued use—avoid this unnecessary cost, especially for large manufacturers with large DID inventories (verify expiration dates immediately).
2026 BQB Membership Tier Selection – Tailored Solutions for 3 Business Types
The key to choosing the most cost-effective tier is annual certification volume and desire to participate in industry standard development. Below is a direct matching guide:
1.Low-volume shipments: 1–2 certifications per year → Contributing Adopter. 33% savings on the first certification, full price for subsequent ones, and low annual membership fees.
2.High-volume shipments: 5+ certifications per year → Associate Member. 50% savings on all certifications (the most cost-effective long-term option), plus eligibility for voting and leading SIG working groups.
3.Occasional shipments: Fewer than 1 certification per year → Basic Adopter. $0 annual membership fee—higher per-certification costs, but the lowest total cost for companies testing the Bluetooth market.
3 Final 2026 BQB Compliance Pitfall Reminders – Avoid Unnecessary Costs
1.The fee hike takes effect on March 1, 2026, but the new membership application fee is already $230 (not the old rate)—submit new applications now to save $20.
2.For existing SIG members, 2026 renewals (on or after March 1) will be charged at the new rates—budget for this increase in advance.
3.Prioritize tracking DID expiration dates, especially for DIDs purchased before 2025—check the SIG platform immediately and avoid post-expiration price difference supplements.
The core of 2026 BQB certification is act early to save money, and select the right membership tier for maximum savings. If your company is planning Bluetooth product exports, or has specific questions about the new rules (e.g., how to check DID expiration dates, how to apply for the new Contributing Adopter tier), BLUEASIA at +86 13534225140 offers professional certification consulting services.
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