Hong Kong OFCA 920–925 MHz RFID Update: Full Regulatory Breakdown

On 18 March 2026, the Office of the Communications Authority (OFCA) issued updated technical performance specifications for:

• HKCA 1078 – Short Range Devices (SRD) operating in the 920–925 MHz band

• HKCA 1049 – RFID equipment

  
  

This Hong Kong OFCA 920–925 MHz RFID update represents a major step toward modernizing the territory’s wireless regulatory framework, ensuring that certification requirements keep pace with rapid growth in IoT, smart logistics, and industrial wireless applications.

Hong Kong OFCA 920–925 MHz RFID Update: Key Changes

1. Expanded Scope for 920–925 MHz Devices (HKCA 1078)

The 920–925 MHz band is increasingly critical for low-power, short-range communications, particularly in IoT ecosystems. The updated specification introduces:

• Refined frequency allocation and channelization schemes

• Updated duty cycle limitations and transmission control mechanisms

• Improved spectrum sharing conditions to reduce congestion

  
  

These changes support broader deployment of:

• LPWAN technologies (e.g., LoRa-type systems)

• Smart metering solutions

• Industrial IoT and automation platforms

  
  

2. Stricter RF Performance Requirements

A core component of the update is the tightening of RF performance thresholds. Devices must now comply with more demanding limits on:

• Maximum output power and power control behavior

• Spurious and unwanted emissions

• Receiver blocking and adjacent channel interference

  
  

These enhancements are designed to ensure efficient spectrum utilization and coexistence, especially in dense urban environments like Hong Kong.

3. RFID Performance Enhancements (HKCA 1049)

RFID systems, widely used in logistics and retail, are subject to more robust performance expectations, including:

• Enhanced anti-collision algorithms and multi-tag handling

• Improved read accuracy, consistency, and range stability

• Defined performance benchmarks in multi-reader environments

  
  

This ensures reliable operation in increasingly complex deployments such as:

• Automated warehouses

• Smart retail environments

• Supply chain tracking systems

  
  

4. Updated Testing and Certification Procedures

OFCA has refined certification processes to improve transparency and consistency:

• Standardized test configurations and measurement methodologies

• Greater emphasis on repeatability and reproducibility of results

• Alignment with international RF testing practices

  
  

These updates help reduce interpretation gaps between manufacturers and testing laboratories.

5. Improved Documentation and Compliance Clarity

The revised specifications provide:

• Clearer technical parameter definitions

• Structured compliance documentation requirements

• More detailed submission guidelines for certification

  
  

This reduces the likelihood of application rejections or delays, improving overall certification efficiency.

What This Means for Manufacturers

Manufacturers planning to enter or continue operating in the Hong Kong market must take a proactive approach:

• Conduct a full compliance review of existing and upcoming products

• Update RF design parameters to meet stricter emission and power limits

• Revise test reports and technical files in line with new methodologies

• Prepare for partial or full re-certification of legacy devices

  
  

Strategically, companies should also:

• Integrate updated requirements into product development cycles

• Coordinate early with accredited test laboratories

• Monitor for additional OFCA guidance or transitional policies

  
  

Certification Impact Summary

Area	Impact
RF Performance	Significantly stricter requirements
Product Design	Possible redesign or tuning needed
Testing	More comprehensive and standardized
Certification Timeline	Potential increase due to retesting
Documentation	More detailed and structured
Market Access	Dependent on compliance with updated specs

Timeline + Required Actions

Effective Date: 18 March 2026

Immediate Actions

• Review updated HKCA 1078 and HKCA 1049 specifications

• Perform a gap analysis against current product portfolio

• Engage with OFCA-recognized RF testing laboratories

  
  

Short-Term (0–3 months)

• Update RF testing and validation procedures

• Modify product configurations if required

• Prepare and submit updated certification documentation

  
  

Mid-Term Actions

• Integrate compliance requirements into R&D and product design processes

• Establish internal compliance monitoring frameworks

• Track future regulatory updates from OFCA

  
  

Strategic Takeaway

The Hong Kong OFCA 920–925 MHz RFID update reflects a broader regulatory trend toward:

• Higher technical performance standards

• Improved spectrum efficiency and interference management

• Stronger alignment with global wireless certification practices

  
  

For manufacturers, the message is clear: early compliance planning and technical alignment are essential to maintain seamless access to one of Asia’s most advanced and tightly regulated wireless markets.