China MIIT Frequency Allocation Regulations: WRC-23 Draft
China MIIT Frequency Allocation Regulations: Draft Revision Brings WRC-23 Changes to Spectrum and Devices
The China MIIT frequency allocation regulations are getting their first update since 2023. On 14 September 2026, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology's Radio Administration Bureau published a draft revision of the Radio Frequency Allocation Regulations of the People's Republic of China, based on the results of the 2023 World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC-23). Comments closed on 14 October 2026. The final text and its start date haven't been published yet.
Background: why the allocation table matters for equipment
The regulations set which radio services can use each band in mainland China. They apply to anyone who develops, produces, imports, sells, tests or uses radio equipment there, and they sit behind the band and emission conditions checked during SRRC radio type approval. The current version is MIIT Order No. 62, published on 23 May 2023 and in force since 1 July 2023. The draft would replace it, updating references to the 2024 edition of the ITU Radio Regulations.
Key Changes in the China MIIT Frequency Allocation Regulations Draft
New WRC-23 footnotes for mobile and satellite use
High-altitude platform stations used as IMT base stations (HIBS) are identified in parts of 703–733, 758–788, 890–915 and 935–960 MHz in China and other listed countries, and in 2500–2655 MHz in Region 3. HIBS can't claim protection from existing services.
Aeronautical and maritime earth stations in motion (ESIM) can communicate with geostationary satellites in 12.75–13.25 GHz (Earth-to-space). In parts of 17.7–20.2 GHz and 27.5–30 GHz, ESIM communicating with non-geostationary satellites must follow WRC-23 Resolution 123.
Inter-satellite links are added in parts of 18.1–30 GHz, and earlier HAPS footnote 5.388B is deleted.
China footnotes
CHN46: the 24.75–27.5 GHz band stays identified for IMT. The draft adds that it may also be used for IMT integrated sensing and communication (ISAC), but ISAC base stations are limited to small-scale deployment in important sensitive areas.
CHN49 and CHN50 (new): 5030–5091 MHz and 5091–5150 MHz may be used for aeronautical mobile (R) systems. Nothing will be deployed until usage modes, frequency plans and coexistence conditions are set.
CHN36: aeronautical telemetry in 4400–4500 MHz around Xi'an's Yanliang district now has until the end of 2030 to leave the band, instead of the end of 2025.
Spurious emission limits (Appendix 2)
Appendix 2 sets the maximum spurious emission levels for transmitters. The draft only clarifies it: a narrower reference bandwidth can apply near the carrier for fixed and land mobile services, and a new note lets land mobile equipment use a reference bandwidth narrower than 250% of the necessary bandwidth on both sides of the emission. The limits for micro-power (short-range) devices are unchanged. So is the rule that the separable ITE part of a radio product is tested to GB/T 9254.1.
New definitions
The terms chapter gains definitions for many radar types, including air traffic control, weather, marine, hydrological and traffic roadside radars.
What This Means for Manufacturers
Most consumer radio products, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, short-range devices and handsets, see no change in their spurious emission limits.
Makers of aeronautical and maritime satellite terminals get a clearer path for Ku-band and Ka-band ESIM, subject to the WRC-23 resolutions.
26 GHz equipment with sensing functions should expect ISAC base stations to be restricted to small, controlled deployments.
5 GHz aviation systems (5030–5150 MHz) can't be deployed until MIIT sets the detailed conditions.
Test plans and SRRC applications should track the final text, since the effective date is still open.
Certification Impact Summary
Area | Before | After | Impact level |
Legal basis | MIIT Order No. 62 (2023), ITU RR 2020 | New regulations aligned with WRC-23 and ITU RR 2024 | Medium |
Satellite terminals (ESIM) | No WRC-23 ESIM footnotes | Ku-band (GSO) and Ka-band (non-GSO) ESIM footnotes added | Medium |
24.75–27.5 GHz | IMT, may be used for ISAC | IMT; ISAC base stations only in small deployments in sensitive areas | Medium |
5030–5150 MHz | No aeronautical mobile (R) footnotes CHN49/CHN50 | Aeronautical mobile (R) possible once conditions are set | Low |
Spurious emission limits | Appendix 2 limits | Same limits, with reference bandwidth clarifications | Low |
Short-range devices | Micro-power spurious limits | Unchanged | Low |
Timeline and Required Actions
Key Dates
Date | Milestone |
1 July 2023 | Current regulations (MIIT Order No. 62) in force |
14 September 2026 | MIIT publishes the draft revision for comment |
14 October 2026 | Comment period closes |
To be confirmed | Final regulations published and in force |
31 December 2030 | 4400–4500 MHz aeronautical telemetry must leave the band (CHN36) |
Required Actions for Manufacturers
Check whether any product operates in a band with a new or changed footnote, especially Ku-band and Ka-band satellite terminals and 26 GHz equipment.
Confirm that spurious emission test plans for China still follow the current Appendix 2 limits.
Watch for the final regulations and their start date before planning SRRC submissions for affected products.
For satellite terminals, review the WRC-23 Resolutions 121 and 123 referenced in the draft.
Conclusion
The China MIIT frequency allocation regulations draft is mostly a spectrum-planning update, but it settles WRC-23 items that matter for satellite terminals, 26 GHz sensing and aviation systems. Everyday radio products keep their current emission limits. Contact our team, working with the agency in China, for support with SRRC type approval and band checks.
