Worldwide UHF RFID Frequency Allocations

GS1 maintains an overview of frequency allocations for use of RFID at UHF bands around the world, in order to help organisations understand the international regulatory landscape.

UHF RFID Frequencies vary in each country based on each countrys regulations. Each country adopts an UHF RFID frequency that best fits within that country. These frequency ranges and standards were first put in place by a group of organizations C the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), ASTM International, and EPC Global. These frequency bands are now known as the ISM bands, or the Industrial Scientific and Medical Bands.

UHF RFID technology uses two main frequency ranges 902-928 MHz and 865-868 MHz; however, a few countries have adopted either multiple bands or unique ranges on the ISM standard. One such country is Brazil who has adopted two uncommon frequency ranges within the 902-928 MHz range one being 902-907.5 MHz and the other being 915-928 MHz. In order for UHF RFID equipment to be in compliance with Brazils regulations, the RFID reader needs to be set to broadcast within Brazils specific frequency ranges. This means that if you bring a UHF RFID reader to Brazil and operate using the full 902-928 MHz frequency range, you are in violation of local governmental regulations.

Frequency ranges also are subject to change. Japan, who previously used two very unique frequency ranges 952-956.4 MHz and 952-957.6 MHz has now changed to a frequency range within the 902-928 MHz range. Japans frequency range is currently 916.7-920.9 MHz (although 925-957.6 MHz will still be effective until March 31, 2018).

The picture above shows the most common UHF frequencies for each country, but some countries have not adopted any frequency range yet. An example of a country that has not adopted a set frequency range would be Egypt who is currently working on getting that into place.

Global frequency list download