Hong Kong’s New HKCA 1084 Radiation Safety Standards

Hong Kong is stepping up its commitment to radiation safety with new regulations under HKCA 1084. These rules, introduced by the Office of the Communications Authority (OFCA), aim to protect workers and the public from electromagnetic exposure—particularly with the growing presence of 5G and wireless technology in everyday life. Businesses have until December 31, 2025, to transition, after which compliance with HKCA 1084 becomes mandatory from January 1, 2026. 

Why the Update and Who’s Affected? 

With the rise of wireless devices, from smartphones to medical equipment, concerns over prolonged exposure to electromagnetic fields have grown. HKCA 1084 aligns Hong Kong’s safety measures with international standards, ensuring better protection for workers and consumers alike.  

The new requirements apply to wireless devices used within 20 cm of the human body, following guidelines from the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) and setting Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) limits to control how much electromagnetic energy the body absorbs. 

Hong Kong Radiation Safety Standards Impact 

These changes impact industries such as telecommunications, healthcare, manufacturing, consumer electronics, office environments, and education. 

• Telecommunications: 

  • Field technicians and tower climbers will benefit from reduced exposure risks when working near transmitters and antennas. 

  • Potential redesign of network equipment to meet new standards. 

    
    

• Healthcare: 

  • Enhanced protection for medical professionals using wireless medical equipment. Improved safety standards for patients exposed to diagnostic and therapeutic devices. 

  
  

• Manufacturing: 

  • Stricter safety protocols in electronics production environments. 

  • Potential modifications to manufacturing processes and equipment design. 

  
  

• Consumer Electronics: 

  • Redesign of popular devices like smartphones, tablets, and wearables. 

  • Updated marketing strategies emphasizing compliance with new safety standards. 

  
  

• Office Environments: 

  • Improved safety for employees in high-density office spaces with numerous wireless devices. 

  • Potential changes in office layout and equipment placement to minimize exposure. 

• Education: 

  • Enhanced safety in technology-rich classrooms and computer labs. 

  • Updated guidelines for the use of wireless devices in educational settings. 

Long-Term Benefits for Workers and Businesses 

By standardising radiation safety, HKCA 1084 brings multiple advantages: reduced long-term health risks, improved workplace safety culture, innovation in equipment design, and increased public trust in wireless technology. 

Navigating the New Radiation Safety Standard in Hong Kong 

Industries affected by Hong Kong’s new radiation safety standards (HKCA 1084) must focus on key compliance requirements to meet the January 1, 2026 deadline. This includes conducting thorough Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) and power density assessments for wireless devices, obtaining detailed test reports, and partnering with accredited testing laboratories. By proactively addressing these requirements, industries can ensure a smooth transition to the new standards, maintain market access, and contribute to enhanced consumer and worker safety in Hong Kong’s evolving wireless technology landscape. 

Staying compliant with these new regulations, along with other evolving EHS standards, can be challenging for businesses across various sectors. This is where our EHS Legal Register expertise comes into play. 

Our flexible EHS Legal Register subscription option offers a quick and easy off-the-shelf solution for implementing your legal register. With this subscription, you gain immediate access to a comprehensive database of up-to-date EHS regulations. Our service is designed to be user-friendly and ready to use, allowing you to quickly identify applicable regulations, assess compliance status, and stay informed about regulatory changes without the need for complex software implementation or extensive training. Subscribe today and turn compliance into a business advantage!