Region: Australia and New Zealand

Regulator: Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA)

Description: Electrical and electronic products supplied into the Australian and New Zealand markets must be RCM compliant for Electromagnetic Compatibility under the Radiocommunications Act 1992 (the Act). This involves EMC testing (Electromagnetic Compatibility) for most common household products. This includes white goods, kitchen appliances,  multi-media equipment, Information and Technology, medical and industrial equipment additionally to some vehicles and products with internal combustion engines and even electric vehicles and chargers.

Legal Requirements:

  • EMC testing evidence is required for most products, typically by using an RCM EMC test report to the most applicable product or generic environment ACMA list of EMC standards (“ACMA mandated EMC standards”).
  • Only emissions testing is required excluding Harmonics and Flicker testing (IEC 61000-3-2 and IEC 61000-3-3) which is not required. Immunity testing is not mandatory however highly recommended by ACMA to increase product reliability.
  • Depending on the classification (low, medium or high risk) different levels of proof of compliance are required. Some products are exempt from RCM testing. If in doubt, we will be happy to guide you. Whilst some products such as battery-powered product may not require an EMC test report, the product must still comply with the applicable ACMA listed EMC standards.
  • CE (European), FCC (North America) or ISED (Canada) EMC test reports may be used to demonstrate compliance to the RCM listed EMC standard. But this typically requires expert knowledge and sometimes additional testing to ensure compliance. EMC Technologies offer an ACMA RCM EMC report review service to indicate compliance and any shortfall.
  • To supply a product that is not compliant with the EMC rules per the Radiocommunications Labelling (Electromagnetic Compatibility) is an offence including; applying no RCM label when required, applying the label before compliance is established and for no record keeping. Penalties for breaching the Act can reach up to $18,000.
  • Local responsible supplier required for any ACMA RCM applicable product. Suppliers of products under the ERAC scope must have an ABN in order to register as suppliers. Products not under the ERAC scope can be supplied through a local RCM supplier agent acting on their behalf.