The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology has published the Radio management provisions for radio frequency identification (RFID) equipment in the 900 MHz band. To help readers understand and implement the provisions, the key content is explained below.

Q: Why were the provisions needed?

A: In 2007 the former Ministry of Information Industry issued the Provisions on technical application of radio frequency identification in the 800/900 MHz band (for trial implementation), document No. 205 of 2007, which defined the attributes and technical requirements of RFID equipment and played a positive role in developing the RFID equipment industry. In recent years, as RFID technology has advanced and applications have scaled up, those provisions no longer fully meet the needs of RFID equipment management. First, the 900 MHz band can meet the needs of the RFID equipment industry, and RFID equipment at home and abroad has essentially stopped using the 800 MHz band, which can be replanned once vacated, supporting rational and effective use of spectrum resources. Second, MIIT Announcement No. 52 of 2019 updated the catalogue of micro-power short range radio transmitting equipment and did not include RFID equipment in the micro-power category, so the attributes and management model of RFID equipment needed to be clarified. Third, issuing the provisions responds to industry development and application needs and helps form industry expectations as early as possible.

Q: What work was carried out while drafting the provisions?

A: The provisions are based mainly on the Regulations of the People's Republic of China on Radio Management, the Provisions on the Allocation of Radio Frequencies of the People's Republic of China and the Provisions on the Administration of Radio Transmitting Equipment, with reference to the ITU Radio Regulations and other relevant provisions, taking full account of the current state and development trends of the industry while protecting existing radio services.

During drafting, the following work was carried out. First, extensive research on domestic and international policies and industry needs, studies of frequency compatibility and coexistence with radio systems in the same and adjacent bands, and test verification of radio frequency characteristics. Second, public consultation, together with written consultation of local radio management bodies and relevant State Council departments. Third, careful study of the views received, with several dedicated industry coordination meetings on the most frequently raised issues, leading to the draft provisions.

Q: What changes do the provisions make?

A: The provisions adjust the previous rules in two areas, management policy and technical requirements.

Management policy. First, given industry trends and frequency use, the 840-845 MHz band in the previous provisions is no longer retained, and the operating frequency of RFID equipment is defined as 920-925 MHz. Second, RFID equipment is managed by reference to terrestrial public mobile communication terminals and requires a radio transmitting equipment type approval certificate, but no radio station licence. RFID equipment must not cause harmful interference to other lawful radio stations and may not claim protection from harmful interference. Third, protection is added for the adjacent railway dedicated frequency: where 920-925 MHz RFID equipment is installed within 33 metres of the centre line of a railway track, approval must be obtained from the National Railway Administration or the regional railway supervision administration.

Technical requirements. First, given the development of international mobile telecommunications and the need to protect broadcasting and television services, the spurious emission limits for the relevant bands are adjusted. Second, receiver blocking limits are added to improve the interference immunity of RFID equipment.

Q: How do the provisions connect with the previous rules?

A: Because 800 MHz RFID equipment has essentially left the market and the technical requirements for 900 MHz RFID equipment are not substantially changed from the previous rules, the impact on the existing industry is small. After full consultation with industry, the provisions take effect on 1 November 2024, when the previous rules are repealed. Before 1 November 2024, equipment that complies with the previous rules but not with the technical requirements in the new provisions may still apply for type approval or extension under the previous rules. From 1 November 2024, RFID equipment must meet the technical requirements of the new provisions, applications for type approval of equipment not meeting those requirements will no longer be accepted or approved, and RFID equipment that has already obtained type approval may continue to be sold and used until it is scrapped.