GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT ACMA AND RCM CERTIFICATION
Almost any electrical equipment that is exported for sale to Australia or New Zealand must be certified. The Australian Communications and Media Authority governs the rules for obtaining the Regulatory Compliance Mark (RCM). Depending on the category of electrical products, it is labeled telecommunications, radio communication devices, electromagnetic emissions, and compatibility.
Previously, there were 3 conformity marks:
• C-Tick • A-tick • S.A.A.
To reduce bureaucratic procedures, as well as save time and costs, it was decided to combine them into a single mark of conformity. Even if the manufacturer has already received other certifications for their products (e.g. CE), they still will not be able to sell them in Australia or New Zealand until the RCM marking is received. Since 2016, this has been a mandatory requirement.
WHAT IS THE MEANING OF ACMA/RCM CERTIFICATION?
ACMA/RCM certification is different from other types of certification. As an Australian or a foreigner, you might be interested to jump into the AU marketplace.
WHAT IS RCM CERTIFICATION?
RCM is a mark labeled only on electrical equipment or EMC. It is an abbreviation of the Regulatory Compliance Mark symbol (RCM) which attempts to cover electrical safeties. Therefore, all manufacturers and importers found in Australia must have the RCM logo mark on their product before they get their product in the Australian marketplace.
WHAT ARE THE MAIN AREAS OF RCM TESTING?
Electronic products sold in New Zealand and the Australian marketplace must have the RCM mark or be RCM compliant. Also, before they will release into the Australian marketplace, they must pass through the following RCM testing compliance:
EMC testing (Electromagnetic Compatibility)
Safety testing
EMR testing (Electromagnetic Radiation)
Telecommunications testing
Radiofrequency communications testing (Radio Spectrum Management (RSM) for New Zealand)
WHO NEEDS ACMA/RCM CERTIFICATION?
Generally, all manufacturers and importers of electrical products situated in NZ and Australia need to be RCM certified and additionally have ACMA certification.
HOW TO GET THE RCM MARK?
To obtain RCM certification, an electrical equipment manufacturer must submit a product for testing and wait for the results. Depending on the category of electrical products, ACMA will be able to determine the level of risk for labeling:
• Low risk; • Average level of risk; • High level of risk.
Depending on the test results, ACMA will establish requirements for the size and placement of the RCM sign. Marking is applied to the packaging label and in product documents. In some cases, it can also be used electronically. Upon completion of this process, a Declaration of Conformity must be prepared and signed.
WHAT ARE THE COSTS OF RCM CERTIFICATION?
RCM certification is not free. However, the cost of obtaining a mark of conformity has decreased significantly since 2016, when RCM consolidated several marks. At the moment, the price depends on the type of electronic products, the level of risk that will be determined after testing, and other factors.
360COMPLIANCE: YOUR PARTNER IN CERTIFICATION FOR AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND MARKETS
ACMA requirements are strict. If you make a mistake when filling out the documents for certification, you will have to do everything all over again. 360Compliance is the specialist for product certification for sale in Australia and New Zealand. Our team is ready to help you meet all the requirements for getting the RCM marking the first time in the shortest possible time and at a lower cost.
We provide services for:
• Determination of the risk level of electrical equipment; • Assistance in completing the necessary documentation; •Assistance in the transfer of materials to a representative of the Australian or New Zealand certification agency.
Do you have any questions? Contact 360Compliance, and our specialists will provide you with the information you need!
ACMA CHANGES TO SAFETY STANDARDS FOR IT/AV GOODS
From February 2022, the new standard will replace IEC/AS/NZS 60950-1 for IT equipment, and evidently, will replace IEC/AS/NZS 60065-1 (for AV equipment). Following the standards IEC/AS/NZS 60950-1 (IT equipment) and IEC/AS/NZS 60065-1 (AV equipment) that had replaced by a single new standard, IEC/AS/NZS 62368-1. Last, this change by ACMA affects you if your products are sold in the EU, North America, and Australia.
For more information please follow the links –
Regulatory Type Approval Introduction – Australia Homologation, market access regulatory guidance
Australia requires additional marking for electrical products, in addition to the standard RCM – READ
Australia updates the Low Interference Potential Devices Class License 2015 – READ
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