Hong Kong Market Access with Type Approval

Hong Kong Type Approval Summary

Hong Kong is one of the most competitive and mature telecommunications markets, with one of the highest mobile and broadband penetration rates globally. According to the Hong Kong Companies Registry, more than 1.6 million companies were registered by the end of June 2026, reinforcing the city’s reputation as a global business and financial hub.

The telecommunications infrastructure in the “Pearl of the Orient” serves as the backbone of cross-border data connectivity in the Asia-Pacific region. Covering 1,114 km² and home to approximately 7.5 million people, Hong Kong offers an attractive market for manufacturers and importers.

Before entering the Hong Kong market, the first thing manufacturers and importers need to know is the compliance requirements that apply there. This compliance instrument is called the “HKTEC Certificate.”

HKTEC stands for Hong Kong Telecommunications Equipment Evaluation and Certification. It serves as proof that the equipment meets HKCA specifications (Hong Kong Communications Authority technical standards).

This certification is officially administered by the Office of the Communications Authority (OFCA), which is the executive arm of the Communications Authority (CA). The agency’s responsibilities include licensing and regulating telecommunications and broadcasting services, managing Hong Kong’s radio frequency spectrum, overseeing technical standards, and representing the government in international affairs.

To enter the Asia-Pacific region, manufacturers and importers can start with Hong Kong as the backbone of data connectivity. Market entry begins with a clear understanding of HKTEC certification requirements and procedures.

Certification Authority

Authority: Office of the Communications Authority (OFCA)
Certificate: HKTEC Certificate
Certification: Mandatory
Official website: https://www.ofca.gov.hk/en/home/Last accessed 14 October 2026

Who Can Be an Applicant?

Local representative: Not required

This certification has no local representative. The manufacturer, suppliers, and dealers can apply for Type Approval certification. By appointing a Certification Body (CB) to process the certification.

Application Method

In-country testing: Yes
Paperwork only: Yes

In Hong Kong, technical specifications for Telecommunications Equipment (TE) and Industrial, Scientific, and Medical (ISM) equipment are divided into two certification schemes: the “Voluntary Certification Scheme” (VCS) and the “Compulsory Certification Scheme” (CCS).

The VCS is voluntary. Equipment may be marketed or used in Hong Kong even without a certification mark. Under this scheme, compliance with relevant technical specifications is demonstrated through a self-declaration. However, the applicant must ensure that the equipment complies with the relevant technical specifications.

For the CCS scheme, equipment must be certified to comply with HKCA specifications, Type Acceptance Criteria (TAC), and equivalent specifications. This must be done before the equipment can be used or marketed in Hong Kong.

The list of equipment that has undergone the VCS and/or CCS schemes is categorized based on the certification procedure. These categories are divided into radio equipment, cable subscriber equipment, and private public telephones.

For both schemes, equipment samples may be submitted to a Certification Body (CB) for evaluation. The CB is responsible for certifying TE and ISM equipment (including the assignment of certificate numbers).

OFCA only accepts Certification Bodies (CBs) that are registered and cooperate with the Communications Authority (CA). There are three local CBs and six foreign CBs registered. All of them are testing laboratories.

Local Certification Body:

Hong Kong Standards and Testing Centre Ltd.
Intertek Testing Services Hong Kong Ltd.
SGS Hong Kong Ltd.
CMA Industrial Development Foundation Ltd.

Foreign Certification Body:

Nemko North America, Inc.
Bay Area Compliance Laboratories Corp.
ACB, Inc.
Vista Laboratories, Inc.
IIA Lab Services, LLC
Derycom Certification Services, Inc.

Local Testing

Local testing is one option for obtaining HKTEC certification. In this process, the CB may conduct the necessary testing on samples in accordance with the relevant HKCA specifications, TAC, or equivalent standards.

Testing may only be conducted at laboratories in Hong Kong that are registered as Recognized Testing Authorities (RTAs). However, the RTA also maintains a list of laboratories located in other countries.

Paperwork Only

Paperwork or document evaluation is an alternative method that can also be used to obtain HKTEC certification. In this process, the CB will review test reports and other related documents and information prepared by an RTA outside of Hong Kong.

In this process, the CB must also have evidence that the testing laboratory is competent to perform the relevant tests in accordance with ISO/IEC 17025.

Sample Requirements

Samples will be required if the applicant chooses the local testing route. The number and type of samples will depend on the device’s features and CB requirements. Generally, for local testing in the HKTCE process, only one normal sample is required.

Document Requirements

Here's the list of documents needed:

Application form(s) (REV L) [Provided by the agent]
Declaration of equipment identity (if there is a variant or model number change)
Authorization letter (if the applicant is not the same as the brand owner or you are the agent)
Technical/operating manual giving a detailed description of the equipment and its operation
Business Registration of Certificate Holder
Signed quotation
RF and SAR test reports with ISO 17025 accreditation logo (most updated standard version)
Photographs/product brochure showing the circuit layout, appearance of the equipment including front, rear, side views and brand name, model number, control buttons, switches and indicators, etc. (Submit in a separate .pdf/.jpeg file)

Submission process

Submission: Online

Here's the submission process for HKTCE:

Contact and contract with CB: Send the technical specification and user/service manual of the equipment.
Application submission: All the document requirements should be available during submission of the application to CB.
Testing: If necessary (generally, test reports and other related documents and information issued by the RTA are used).
Evaluation: The CB will review all applicable requirements for the submitted product. If any test reports or supporting documents are incomplete, the CB will ask the applicant to provide the missing information.
Certification Review: An LCB officer who was not involved in the evaluation process will review all information and results related to the evaluation.
Certificate Issuance: Upon passing the evaluation, the certificate will be emailed to the applicant in PDF format.

Lead Time of Certification

Lead time: 15 working days

The lead time for paperwork or document review is 15 business days. This period begins when the CB receives the test report from the RTA or an accredited testing lab.

For local testing, it will take a few weeks longer to test the samples. The duration of the testing will depend on the laboratory’s policies and the testing backlog.

Validity Period

Validity: Permanent

OFCA does not specify a validity period for HKTCE certificates. As long as there are no changes to the RF specifications, certificate holders may continue to use the certificates.

When modifications are made to the equipment, prior approval must be obtained from the certifying body (CB). The applicant must resubmit supporting documentation for the modified product to ensure that the device continues to meet the established technical performance requirements.

Label Requirements

Product label: Depends on product
Approval mark: Depends on product
E-labeling: Not allowed

Labeling applies only to equipment for which an application is submitted through the CCS scheme. The label must be prepared and printed by the manufacturer, supplier, or seller intending to market the equipment in the Hong Kong market. For the VCS scheme, labeling is not mandatory (it is only recommended).

HKTEC Label

Format of Label:

English text in the upper portion in Arial font in black colour
Chinese text in the upper portion in 中黑體 in black colour
Border in black colour
Background colour in white

Format of Certificate No.:

ZZZZZ: Certification Body code assigned by OFCA
YY: Year of issue
XXXXX: Serial number of certificate issued during that calendar year

The label should be affixed to or printed on an outside surface of the equipment, or the packing materials, and/or user manuals of the equipment so that it can be easily identified by the consumers.

Certificate Example

No certificate is issued, as is generally the case in other countries. HKTEC certification issues labels only as proof that equipment complies with applicable standards.

Alternative Country Names

Hongkong, Гонконг, 香港, 홍콩, HK

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