Hong Kong Revises HKCA 1007 Requirements for ISM Use

Hong Kong’s OFCA has published HKCA 1007 Issue 6, updating requirements, scope, and evaluation criteria for ISM equipment compliance and certification.

Published in August 2026, the latest version of HKCA 1007 introduces updates to the technical and evaluation requirements applicable to Industrial, Scientific and Medical (ISM) equipment. These conformity specifications serve as the framework governing compliance regulations for telecommunications equipment in Hong Kong.

Manufacturers and suppliers need to understand these updates to ensure a smooth certification process for ISM equipment in Hong Kong. This is because compliance with the applicable HKCA specifications is a key requirement under the Hong Kong Telecommunications Equipment Evaluation and Certification Scheme (HKTEC).

What Is HKCA 1007?

HKCA 1007 is a conformity specification published by the Office of the Communications Authority (OFCA) for the technical requirements and evaluation of ISM equipment. It pertains to equipment that generates and emits radio waves. 

This specification is regulated under Section 32D of the Telecommunications Ordinance and applies to equipment falling within its scope. HKCA 1007 serves as a reference for equipment certification and conformity assessment, enabling manufacturers and suppliers to demonstrate compliance before obtaining HKTEC certification.

ISM Equipment Categories Based on HKCA 1007

According to HKCA 1007, ISM equipment refers to equipment that intentionally generates and emits radio frequency energy for industrial, scientific, and medical applications. Examples of such equipment may include:

• Industrial heating systems
• Certain medical equipment
• Laboratory equipment
• As well as other equipment that utilizes radio frequency energy for purposes other than telecommunications services

Although this equipment is not primarily intended for telecommunications purposes, it still generates radio-frequency emissions. Such equipment may still generate emissions that could interfere with other radio services. 

Therefore, OFCA has established technical requirements for ISM equipment. This is necessary to ensure that the equipment operates within the specified frequency range and complies with applicable radio frequency interference limits.

Who Is Affected by This Update?

The new requirements of HKCA 1007 Issue 6 directly impact all ISM equipment manufacturers and equipment suppliers seeking to enter the Hong Kong market. Additionally, certification bodies involved in product evaluation and organizations responsible for product compliance must also adapt to these changes.

HKTEC certification applications must comply with the relevant HKCA specifications. Therefore, manufacturers and suppliers wishing to market their equipment in Hong Kong need to review their documentation and equipment to ensure compliance with the latest regulations.

When Do the New Requirements Take Effect?

OFCA published the 6th Edition of HKCA 1007 on August 31, 2026. This document does not explicitly state when the regulations will take effect. As the latest revision, the 6th Edition contains only a series of editorial and structural updates compared to the previous edition.

The absence of a specific effective date or transition period should not prevent manufacturers and importers from reviewing the revised specifications. Sooner or later, HKCA 1007 5th Edition will no longer serve as a reference. Adapting to the latest version as soon as possible will ensure the smooth distribution of your ISM equipment in Hong Kong.

Designated ISM Frequency Bands

HKCA 1007 Issue 6 identifies the designated frequency ranges for ISM equipment operating in Hong Kong. These frequency ranges include:

• 6.765–6.795 MHz
• 13.553–13.567 MHz
• 26.957–27.283 MHz
• 40.66–40.70 MHz
• 2,400–2,483.5 MHz
• 5.725–5.875 MHz
• 24,000–24,250 MHz
• 61,000–61,500 MHz
• 122,000–123,000 MHz
• 244,000–246,000 MHz

Why Did OFCA Revise HKCA 1007?

In general, regulatory updates are related to adjustments for developments in digital technology or requirements that are becoming widely adopted internationally. Specifically, the amendments to the 6th Edition of HKCA 1007 aim to improve the structure and clarity of the specifications.

In addition to the applicable frequency scope, the changes also include the following:

• Alignment of the document’s scope with the Industrial, Scientific, and Medical Electronic Equipment (ISMEM) license
• Relocation of evaluation requirements into a separate clause
• Introduction of a new reference section

The revised version provides clearer guidance on the scope, evaluation requirements, and references applicable to ISM equipment certification.

Impact on HKTEC Certification

Whether minor or significant, every change inevitably has an impact. In this case, HKCA 1007, 6th Edition, has a slight direct impact on HKTEC type approval certification.

In general, the international standard for ISM equipment still refers to the technical requirements outlined in CISPR 11. This means that conformity assessments are still conducted in accordance with the procedures specified in that same standard.

Regarding device specifications, manufacturers must ensure that ISM equipment complies with the frequency range specified in these latest requirements. Beyond that, manufacturers simply need to ensure that their certification documentation remains aligned with the latest regulations.

What Should Manufacturers Do?

To continue marketing ISM equipment to Hong Kong seamlessly, manufacturers and suppliers must carefully review the latest version of HKCA 1007. Here are some steps to take when applying for future certification involving ISM equipment:

• Ensure that the equipment falls within the scope of the revised specifications
• Review the ISM operating frequency bands in accordance with the applicable new standards
• Meet the evaluation requirements under the HKTEC Scheme
• Ensure device compliance with the CISPR 11 standard

By taking these steps, you can adapt to the latest regulatory framework for telecommunications equipment in Hong Kong. This can also help reduce certification delays and support smoother market access. 

Therefore, manufacturers planning to launch new products should review the latest requirements before submitting an application under the HKTEC Scheme.