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Hong Kong Regulatory Approval Overview
Regulatory Updates for Hong Kong
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Contact CSIA at (503) 482 9289 or quotes@csiassoc.com
April 2024
The Office of the Communications Authority (OFCA) in Hong Kong having considered the requests jointly submitted by the three spectrum assignees in the 26/28 GHz bands for the provision of large scale public mobile services, namely China Mobile Hong Kong Company Limited, Hong Kong Telecommunications (HKT) Limited and SmarTone Mobile Communications Limited (Spectrum Assignees), decided to further amend the network and service rollout obligations imposed on them by postponing each of the three network and service rollout milestones by two years from 2024-26 to 2026-28. After the amendments, the Spectrum Assignees will be required to install and put into use 20 per cent of the minimum number of radio units (i.e. 500 radio units) by 24 April 2026, an addition of 30 per cent (i.e. 750 radio units) by 24 April 2027, and an addition of the remaining 50 per cent (i.e. 1 250 radio units) by 24 April 2028. Thus the periods of the relevant performance bonds for guaranteeing compliance with the network and service rollout obligations will be amended accordingly.
With the supply of the network equipment and handsets supporting the 26/28 GHz bands remaining in shortage, the CA decided to accede to the request of the Spectrum Assignees having regard to the latest situation. The requirement imposed on the Spectrum Assignees to install and put into use no less than 2 500 radio units within the specified period following the spectrum assignment remains unchanged.
Consultation Document on Proposal to Regulate and Phase Down Hydrofluorocarbons for Implementation of the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol
The proposal sets out different control strategies which facilitates HFC phasedown, and supports an orderly and smooth transition to the use of low Global Warming Potential (GWP) alternatives. One of the strategies is to introduce a new regulation to prohibit the import, manufacture, supply and sale of those equipment and products using HFCs with GWP greater than the prescribed limit.
August 2023
The Office of the Communications Authority (OFCA) has launched a public consultation on the agreements for the assignment of 400 MHz of spectrum in the 6/7 GHz band for the provision of public mobile services.
May 2023
Wi-Fi 6E Access Point devices must comply with the Office of the Communications Authority's (OFCA) Radio Equipment Specifications before they can be launched for sale in the Hong Kong market.
Wi-Fi 6E access points are subject to the Compulsory Certification Scheme (CCS) in Hong Kong, and must conform to the technical standard HKCA 1081 - Performance Specification for Radiocommunications Apparatus Operating in the 6 GHz Band for Wireless Local Area Network, as well as the reference ETSI standard EN 303 687: 6 GHz WAS/RLAN; Harmonized Standard for access to radio spectrum.
Wi-Fi 6E access points sold in Hong Kong must meet the following technical requirements: Frequency Range of 5.925 – 6.425 GHz, with a maximum Output Power of 24 dBm EIRP for indoor use and 14 dBm EIRP for outdoor use.
Contact CSIA should you have any questions or need further details.
May 2022
The Office of the Communications Authority (OFCA) in Hong Kong published its new HKCA 1081 technical specification.
This specification defines the minimum performance requirements for radiocommunications apparatus operating in the 6 GHz band
for wireless local area network.
In the new specification HKCA 1081 allows OFCA the usage of WIFI 6E within the operating frequency band 5925 – 6425 MHz for indoor and outdoor.
The maximum output power for WIFI 6E is regulated in Hong Kong as follows:
Indoor Usage: 24 dBm EIRP
Outdoor Usage: 14 dBm EIRP
The usage of WIFI 6E in Hong Kong shall meet the technical requirements specified in the standard ETSI EN 303 687,
6 GHz WAS/RLAN; Harmonized Standard for access to radio spectrum.
January 2022
The Office of the Communications Authority (OFCA) has released a new version of the regulation that establishes the criteria that must meet 5G New Radio (NR) user equipment operating below the 6 GHz band for Type Approval.
February 2021
The Office of the Communications Authority (OFCA) has published a new version of the Frequency Table of Hong Kong, including new allocations for mobile services in the 26 GHz and 66 - 71 GHz frequency bands.
Contact CSIA for more information on this change.
January 2019
The Communications Authority of Hong Kong (HKCA) has published a new specification for short-range devices (SRD) operating in the 4.2 – 4.8 GHz and/or 6 – 8.5 GHz bands using ultra-wide band technology. The new specification is under HKCA 1080.
According to the publication, it is possible to apply for Type Approval for "Short Range-Devices Using Ultra-Wide Band technology (UWB)" operating in 4.2 – 4.8 GHz and/or 6 – 8.5 GHz, providing that:
- the maximum mean spectral power density (e.i.r.p.) is 41.3 dBm/MHz
- the device meets all the technical requirements in accordance with the appropriate standards (ETSI EN 302 065 series)
For more details on this rules change and to find out if it applies to your products please contact CSIA.
February 2018
In December 2017, Hong Kong’s Communications Authority published HKCA 1078, a new specification for Radio Equipment operating at 920-925 MHz for the provision of Public Telecommunication Services. This new specification co-exists in parallel with specification HKCA 1049, which applies to RFID equipment operating in the same frequency range of 920-925 MHz. Due to the publication of HKCA 1078, it is now possible to apply for Type Approval for ‘Radio Equipment for the provision of Public Telecommunication Services’ operating at 920-925 MHz, provided that the technical requirements outlined in Section 4 of this regulation are met. RFID equipment operating at 920-925 MHz can continue to be approved in Hong Kong in compliance with HKCA 1049.
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Hong Kong is located in Asia.
The current population as of 2024 is 7,414,909.
Cantonese remains dominant language with 96% percent. As for Mandarin, 48% of Hong Kong's population can speak it, compared to 46% of population that can speak English
Type approval in Hong Kong
In Hong Kong, OFCA approval refers to regulatory approval issued by the Office of the Communications Authority (OFCA), which is the government body responsible for overseeing telecommunications, broadcasting, and related industries in the region. OFCA plays a key role in ensuring that telecommunications and broadcasting services in Hong Kong are provided in a competitive, efficient, and consumer-friendly manner, and that they comply with local regulations and standards.
Key Areas OFCA is Responsible For:
Telecommunications: This includes regulating fixed-line and mobile phone services, internet service providers, and other forms of telecommunications.
- Broadcasting: OFCA is involved in overseeing the television and radio sectors, including
licensing broadcasters and ensuring compliance with broadcasting standards.
- Spectrum Management: OFCA manages the allocation of radio frequency spectrum,
which is crucial for mobile networks, wireless communication, and broadcasting services.
- Consumer Protection: The authority ensures that service providers comply with fair
business practices, billing transparency, and other consumer protection regulations.
- Technical Standards: OFCA sets technical standards for telecommunications and
broadcasting services to ensure service quality and interconnectivity.
OFCA approval may be required for various activities, including but not limited to:
License Applications: Companies wishing to operate in the telecommunications or broadcasting sectors in Hong Kong must apply for licenses from OFCA. For example, a company that wants to provide telecommunications services (e.g., mobile networks, broadband internet) must obtain a relevant license from OFCA.
- Radio Frequency Spectrum: Companies seeking to use certain radio frequencies (for mobile communications, Wi-Fi, etc.) must obtain OFCA approval to ensure they do not interfere with other services and that they comply with Hong Kong's spectrum management rules.
- Equipment Certification: Telecommunications and broadcasting equipment (e.g., mobile phones, radio transmitters, broadband routers) must often be certified by OFCA to ensure they meet safety, electromagnetic compatibility, and technical standards required in Hong Kong. For example, equipment that transmits radio frequencies might need OFCA approval to ensure compliance with local frequency allocations and technical specifications.
- Mergers and Acquisitions in Telecom/Media Sector: If a company intends to merge with or acquire another business in the telecommunications or broadcasting sectors, they may need to notify OFCA or seek approval to ensure that the merger complies with Hong Kong's competition laws and regulatory framework.
- Broadcasting License: Companies wishing to operate radio or television services in Hong Kong must go through a licensing process with OFCA, including ensuring content and technical compliance with local regulations.
Examples of Activities Requiring OFCA Approval:
Importing Telecommunication Equipment: If a business plans to import telecom equipment
like mobile phones, routers, or wireless devices into Hong Kong, OFCA approval may be
required to ensure the equipment meets the necessary safety and technical standards.
- Mobile Network Operations: Any company wishing to run a mobile network or offer mobile
telecommunications services must apply for a license from OFCA, which will require
demonstrating technical, financial, and operational capability.
- Radio Broadcasting: To operate a radio station, a company must obtain a broadcasting
license from OFCA, which may involve demonstrating the ability to adhere to content
regulations, technical standards, and other legal obligations.
For specific regulatory inquiries or detailed procedures related to OFCA approval, businesses often consult with CSIA.
- OFCA type approval in Hong Kong requires CE test reports. The two options for test reports are as follows: (1)All Test reports for the end product (RF & safety) EMC not required. (2)Test reports(EN or FCC report RF only, not safety) for the module + radiated tests for end product with module installed + safety report of the end product. All test reports must have the ISO 17025 or A2LA accreditation on them or a declaration letter from the accredited lab, listing its ISO 17025 accreditation and listing the test reports numbers, make and model stating they performed the test. The declaration letter will only be accepted if ALL required supporting documents are supplied. Test reports must be from an ISO 17025 accredited lab.
- Lead time is approximately 3-4 weeks from the time all documents have been collected.
- The OFCA certificate is valid indefinitely.
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Hong Kong OFCA label requirements:
The following guidelines on labelling of telecommunications equipment should be observed:
Only the telecommunications equipment which has been granted a certificate by a CB, or previously by the TA, shall be affixed the prescribed label. Manufacturers, suppliers and dealers shall not represent to consumers the compliance of the equipment with any specification which has not been certified. When a Certificate is granted to a piece of telecommunications equipment, the equipment can be used in Hong Kong no matter who supplies the equipment. Labels should be prepared and printed by the manufacturer, supplier or dealer who intends to place the equipment on the Hong Kong market.
The label should be attached to an outside surface if the equipment. In the case that affixing the label to an outside surface of the equipment is not practical, the manufacturer, supplier or dealer should print the label on the packing materials and/or user manuals.
The OFCA will maintain a register of certified equipment which contains certificate number and equipment identification for public inspection. The equipment to be affixed the label shall prominently display its brand name and model number to facilitate the verification of the equipment by the public.
It is the responsibility of the manufacturer; supplier or dealer to ensure that equipment to be affixed the prescribed label has electrical and mechanical characteristics identical to the equipment certified.
If the Certificate is withdrawn by the CB, or by the TA for Certificate previously issued by TA, the TA will remove the equipment from his register of certified equipment. The manufacturer, supplier or dealer shall stop labelling the equipment upon removal of the equipment from the register.
Frequencies allowed in Hong Kong:
In December 2017, Hong Kong’s Communications Authority published HKCA 1078, a new specification for Radio Equipment operating at 920-925 MHz for the provision of Public Telecommunication Services. This new specification co-exists in parallel with specification HKCA 1049, which applies to RFID equipment operating in the same frequency range of 920-925 MHz. Due to the publication of HKCA 1078, it is now possible to apply for Type Approval for ‘Radio Equipment for the provision of Public Telecommunication Services’ operating at 920-925 MHz, provided that the technical requirements outlined in Section 4 of this regulation are met. RFID equipment operating at 920-925 MHz can continue to be approved in Hong Kong in compliance with HKCA 1049.
Contact CSIA for a more detailed list of frequencies allowed in Hong Kong.