The Office of the Communications Authority (OFCA) of Hong Kong has released an updated version of the HKCA 1049 technical specification (Issue 2), establishing revised technical requirements for RFID equipment operating in the 865–868 MHz and 920–925 MHz frequency bands.

The specification defines key radiofrequency parameters, including transmission power limits and emission constraints, to ensure efficient spectrum use and minimize interference. It also introduces updated evaluation requirements for conformity assessment of devices.

This revision aligns Hong Kong’s regulatory framework with international standards such as ETSI and FCC rules, while restructuring the document by removing safety and radiation requirements that are now addressed in separate standards.

Although not a new regulatory regime, the update modernizes existing requirements and supports the growing deployment of RFID and IoT technologies within a harmonized technical and certification framework.

This update to the HKCA 1049 technical specification represents a low-impact regulatory development, as it mainly revises and clarifies existing technical requirements for RFID equipment without introducing a new regulatory framework or significant compliance burdens.

The impact is considered low because it focuses on technical alignment and incremental updates rather than policy changes. While it includes modifications such as updated references, added evaluation requirements, and removal of certain safety provisions (handled elsewhere), these changes do not substantially alter market access conditions or impose new regulatory obligations beyond standard compliance processes.

Key reasons for low impact:

• Primarily a technical update to an existing specification
• No new regulatory regime or policy shift introduced
• Limited impact on market access conditions
• Aligns with already widely adopted international standards (ETSI, FCC)
• Removes and reorganizes requirements rather than adding major new ones
• Applies to a specific category of devices (RFID / SRD)

Who?

• Manufacturers of RFID equipment
• IoT device developers using sub-GHz spectrum
• Importers and distributors of RF devices
• Testing laboratories and certification bodies (HKTEC)
• Telecom and radio equipment compliance teams

Conclusion

The HKCA 1049 Issue 2 update by OFCA is a technical refinement of existing RFID equipment requirements in Hong Kong. Its impact is limited to ensuring continued alignment with international standards and improving clarity in compliance and evaluation processes. As it does not introduce major new obligations or regulatory changes, it is best categorized as a low-impact development.