In August 2025, Hong Kong’s Office of the Communications Authority (OFCA) released the first issue of HKCA 1085, a new performance specification for New Radio (NR) User Equipment. This specification, issued under Section 32D of the Telecommunications Ordinance (Cap. 106), sets out the mandatory technical and evaluation requirements for 5G NR devices operating in Hong Kong.
Any radiocommunications equipment covered by HKCA 1085 must comply with the updated technical standards to be used or marketed in Hong Kong. Equipment not exempted from licensing must also hold a valid Communications Authority (CA) license.
Applicable Frequency Bands
The specification applies to NR user equipment capable of operating in the following paired and unpaired frequency bands:
Paired Bands (UE Receive / UE Transmit):
758–803 MHz / 703–748 MHz
870–882.5 MHz / 825–837.5 MHz
925–960 MHz / 880–915 MHz
1805–1880 MHz / 1710–1785 MHz
2110–2170 MHz / 1920–1980 MHz
2620–2690 MHz / 2500–2570 MHz
Unpaired Bands:
2300–2390 MHz
3300–3400 MHz
3400–3600 MHz
4800–4960 MHz
6425–7125 MHz
24.25–28.35 GHz
Standards for Compliance
To meet the technical requirements of HKCA 1085, NR user equipment must comply with relevant international standards:
ETSI Standards:
ETSI EN 301 908-1: Common requirements for IMT cellular networks
ETSI EN 301 908-25: Specific requirements for 5G NR User Equipment
3GPP Standards (used where not covered by ETSI):
TS 38.521-1: Range 1 Standalone
TS 38.521-2: Range 2 Standalone
TS 38.521-3: Interworking between Range 1 and Range 2 with other radios
These standards ensure that 5G NR equipment can operate effectively within the defined spectrum while maintaining electromagnetic compatibility and radio performance integrity.
Evaluation and Certification Process
Compliance is assessed through testing procedures outlined in the respective ETSI and 3GPP standards. Manufacturers and suppliers can apply for certification under OFCA’s Hong Kong Telecommunications Equipment Evaluation and Certification (HKTEC) Scheme. The scheme allows certified products to be listed and recognized as meeting local technical requirements.
Applicants should refer to OFCA I 401 for certification procedures and OFCA I 421 for general information about the HKTEC Scheme.
For this article’s source information and any product certification guidance, please contact Global Validity.
Quick Country Facts
Hong Kong
Certification Body: Office of the Communications Authority (OFCA)
Certification Type: Voluntary
License Validity: Indefinite
Application Language: English
Legal License Holder: Manufacturer
In-Country Testing Requirement: Testing Not Required
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