Introduction to certification

The full name of OFTA in Hong Kong is "the office of the Telecommunications Authority", which is the Hong Kong Telecommunications Authority. OFTA certification is the abbreviation of the Hong Kong Telecommunications Authority's certification of communication products in Hong Kong.
The purpose of OFTA certification is to ensure the safety of products used in Hong Kong and to prevent telecommunication products from interfering with the public network. Telecommunications equipment which has been tested and meets the relevant technical specifications and has been awarded a certificate by the Telecommunications Authority can only be used in Hong Kong.

Certification classification

According to the Hong Kong Telecom equipment qualification and verification plan, the telecommunication equipment verification requirements are divided into voluntary verification scheme (VCS) and mandatory verification scheme (CCS). Under the voluntary certification scheme, it is voluntary to apply for certification of telecommunication equipment. Even if the equipment has not been verified to meet the relevant technical specifications, it can be sold or used in Hong Kong. However, manufacturers, suppliers and distributors must ensure that their telecommunication equipment meets the relevant technical specifications even if they do not apply for verification. Public telecommunication network operators may refuse to connect indoor equipment that does not meet the specified specifications to their network. In addition, any person who uses or sells radio communication equipment which does not meet the relevant HKTA specifications, that is, in violation of the Telecommunications Ordinance (cap. 106), will be prosecuted.

Under the mandatory verification scheme, it is mandatory to apply for certification of telecommunication equipment. Before using or selling the telecommunication equipment in Hong Kong, it is necessary to verify that it meets one of the following specifications:
(1) Relevant HKCA specifications;
(2) Technical standards prescribed or approved by the director of communications, if there is no relevant HKCA specification;
(3) Equivalent to (1) or (2) above.

Application process

OFTA certification process is divided into document identification and equipment identification
Document identification:
(1) Review the technical specifications or operation manual submitted to verify whether the telecommunication equipment is likely to pass the corresponding equipment identification;
(2) Review the submitted type verification certificate issued by other authorities and relevant test reports to verify whether the equipment needs to be identified;
(3) Review the submitted test reports issued by approved testing agents to verify whether the equipment needs to be identified.

Equipment qualification:
(1) Test the samples of telecommunication equipment according to HKTA specifications;
(2) Test samples of telecommunication equipment according to HKTA specifications or equivalent specifications according to approved testing agents;
(3) Type verification of telecommunication equipment approved by other authorities in accordance with equivalent specifications of relevant HKTA specifications, together with relevant test reports.