The use of radiocommunications equipment (such as Wi-Fi devices, walkie-talkies, remote controls, wireless microphones and cordless phones) which does not meet the technical specifications prescribed by the Communications Authority (CA) may cause radio interference and affect other legitimate radiocommunications equipment users. As a matter of fact, the possession or use of radiocommunications equipment which does not meet the technical specifications prescribed by the CA is illegal. The equipment concerned may be confiscated, and the offender may be liable to prosecution. As such, when buying radiocommunications equipment, members of the public should take note of the following:

• While travelling outside Hong Kong, they should not purchase radiocommunications equipment and bring them back for use in Hong Kong unless they are certain that the relevant equipment conforms to the technical specifications prescribed by the CA. For instance, Wi-Fi 6E devices and cordless phones which can operate in the 6425 - 7125 MHz and the 1920 - 1930 MHz bands respectively commonly used in North America do not conform to the technical specifications in Hong Kong and they are likely to generate harmful interference. Possession or use of such equipment in Hong Kong is illegal. The maximum penalty is a fine of HK$50,000 and two-year imprisonment.
• For local purchase, consumers are advised to buy equipment which bears the label prescribed by the CA ("the CA label"). Only certified equipment meeting the specifications prescribed by the CA is authorised to carry the CA label. However, in Hong Kong, the labelling of certified radiocommunications equipment is voluntary unless otherwise required by the CA for the specific types of equipment (see information notes OFCA I 401 "How to Apply for Type-Approval or Type-Acceptance of Radio Equipment" and OFCA I 412 "How to Apply for Certification of Wireline Customer Premises Equipment to be Connected to the Public Telecommunications Networks in Hong Kong" for details) and some equipment meeting the prescribed technical specifications may not bear the CA label. To be on the safe side, consumers should look for equipment which bears the CA label. Consumers may also wish to check with the list of certified telecommunications equipment available at the website of the Office of the Communications Authority (OFCA).
  
• For equipment which does not bear the CA label, consumers should check with the radio dealers to see whether the equipment is in compliance with the technical specifications prescribed by the CA and may therefore be used legally in Hong Kong.

If consumers would like to ascertain whether or not the radiocommunications equipment they have purchased or intend to purchase comply with the technical specifications of the CA, they may call OFCA's hotline at 2961 6333 or email to .