Philippines NTC 77-81 GHz SRD Rules for Radar

Philippines: NTC Finalizes 77–81 GHz SRD Rules for Movement-Detection Radar

The Philippines has closed the loop on a rule that manufacturers of automotive and industrial radar have been tracking since the spring. The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) has issued Memorandum Circular No. 004-06-2026, dated 29 June 2026, amending Section 2 of the long standing Memorandum Circular No. 03-05-2007 and formally opening the 77–81 GHz band for Short Range Devices (SRDs) in the "Equipment for Detecting Movement and Alert" category, at a maximum of 50 mW EIRP.

This moves the Philippines from a consultation draft which GMA Labs covered when the public hearing was announced in mid-2026 to an enacted technical rule. For manufacturers, importers, and test labs handling 77/79 GHz radar and motion sensing hardware, the change removes a long standing point of uncertainty in the Philippine market-access pathway.

The Philippines NTC 77-81 GHz SRD Amendment at a Glance

The amendment revises the table of permitted frequency bands and maximum power limits for the Detecting Movement and Alert SRD category the class that covers motion sensors, radar, and comparable alert systems. The headline change is the inclusion of the 77–81 GHz band, capped at 50 mW EIRP the millimeter-wave range already used internationally for short range automotive radar (including 77/79 GHz distance, blind-spot, parking, and lane departure systems) and for industrial level and movement sensing.

Key parameters:

• Instrument: Memorandum Circular No. 004-06-2026 (amends Section 2 of MC No. 03-05-2007)

• Date of issuance: 29 June 2026

• Regulator: National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), Philippines

• Band affected: 77–81 GHz

• Maximum power: 50 mW EIRP

• SRD category: Equipment for Detecting Movement and Alert (low-power radar for radiodetermination)

• Prior stage: Public consultation, with a public hearing held 2 June 2026

  
  

The circular also states that any prior circular, memorandum, order, or provision inconsistent with the update is deemed amended or superseded.

What This Means for Manufacturers

The practical effect is a clear, defined legal pathway for millimeter wave radar and movement detection products in the Philippines, aligning the country more closely with markets such as the United States and India, which already accommodate radar services across the 76–81 GHz range.

• A defined type approval route exists. Products that previously sat in a regulatory grey area 77/79 GHz automotive radar, ADAS sensors, and industrial radar now have an explicit band allocation and power ceiling to certify against.

• 50 mW EIRP is the hard ceiling. Devices operating in 77–81 GHz for movement detection and alert must not exceed 50 mW EIRP. Hardware design, RF front end tuning, and test protocols should be validated against this limit before submission.

• Product scoping matters. The allocation applies specifically to the "Detecting Movement and Alert" SRD category. Confirm that your device's function and radiated parameters fall within that category and within the 77–81 GHz / 50 mW EIRP envelope.

• Documentation alignment is the differentiator. Manufacturers who prepare compliance documentation and test reports against the updated parameters ahead of the effectivity date will be best positioned to launch without market-access delays.

• Watch for a cross linked prior stage. If your team already engaged during the consultation phase, note that this circular is the enacted successor to that draft align internal records to the final MC No. 004-06-2026 parameters rather than the consultation text.

  
  

Certification Impact Summary

Area	Impact	Manufacturer Consideration
Band access	77–81 GHz now formally allocated for Detecting Movement and Alert SRDs	Confirm your device operates within this band and category
Power limit	Maximum 50 mW EIRP	Validate radiated power in test reports; retune if margins are tight
Instrument type	Type-approval / equipment-authorization technical parameter (not a spectrum-licensing instrument)	SRD approval obligations apply to the device, not operator licensing
Applicable devices	77/79 GHz automotive radar, ADAS, industrial/level/movement sensors	Scope your product portfolio against the updated Section 2 table
Legacy status	MC No. 03-05-2007 amended; inconsistent prior provisions superseded	Refresh compliance references to MC No. 004-06-2026
Standards basis	Product must meet applicable radio standards for the band	Coordinate testing against the relevant mmWave radar standard

Timeline and Required Actions

Date / Trigger	Event	Required Action
2 June 2026	Public hearing on the proposed amendment (consultation stage)	Completed, no action now
29 June 2026	NTC issues Memorandum Circular No. 004-06-2026	Review the final parameters against your product
Publication + ONAR filing	Circular published in a newspaper of general circulation and filed with the ONAR	Confirm publication date to fix the effectivity clock
15 days after publication/filing	Circular takes legal effect	Ensure devices meet 77–81 GHz / 50 mW EIRP before this date
Ongoing	Type-approval submissions to NTC	Align test reports and documentation to MC No. 004-06-2026 and engage your certification partner early