Australia & New Zealand Product Compliance – RCM Framework

RCM Certification Overview and key Information

• Certification System: Regulatory Compliance Mark (RCM) – successor to C-tick and A-tick schemes
• Market Coverage: Australia and New Zealand
• Governing Authority: Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA)
• Mandatory Compliance Requirements: All electrical and electronic products entering the Australian and New Zealand markets must demonstrate RCM compliance across five critical assessment areas:
  • Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) – interference and immunity standards
  • Electromagnetic Radiation (EMR) – emission level compliance
  • Radio Communications – spectrum management requirements (RSM oversight in New Zealand)
  • Telecommunications Standards – network compatibility and safety
  • Electrical Safety – protection against hazards and operational risks
• Compliance Verification: Products may only display the RCM marking upon successful demonstration of compliance with all relevant mandatory standards and regulations.

RCM (Regulatory Compliance Mark) – Australian & New Zealand Compliance Requirements

Supplier Requirements: 

•  Local responsible supplier required for all RCM applicable products
• ERAC scope products: Must have Australian Business Number (ABN) for supplier registration
• Non-ERAC scope products: Can use local RCM supplier agent as representative
• Must hold relevant RCM test reports as compliance evidence

Registration Requirements: 

• Register on ACMA/ERAC National Database (free of charge)
• Register products on database if mandatory RCM safety standards apply
• Complete and sign RCM Declaration of Conformity Statement covering all applicable standards (EMC, EMR, Wireless, Telecoms, Electrical Safety)

Key Changes & Timeline: 

• RCM replaced C-tick and A-tick schemes in March 2016

Labelling Requirements: 

• Affix RCM label only after establishing compliance
• Label must be applied before market supply
• New Zealand: Radio Spectrum Management rules apply, including R-NS labelling when applicable
• Warning: Pre-compliance labelling or inadequate record-keeping may be legal offenses

Testing & Documentation: 

• International testing accreditations accepted for RCM compliance
• Test reports from globally recognised accredited laboratories provide compliance evidence
• Internationally accredited test reports ensure regulatory acceptance across multiple markets
• Wireless/telecoms products typically require: Telecoms, Wireless, EMC, Safety, and EMR/SAR reports from accredited facilities
• Multi-standard testing approach enables efficient global market access through recognised international certification bodies

Special Requirements for “Prescribed Articles” (Power Adapters/Chargers): 

• Electrical safety testing by accredited laboratory required
• Certificate of Conformity from accredited Certification Body required
• ERAC national database registration as RCM Responsible Supplier required
• Responsible Supplier can delegate ERAC registration to Authorised Representative

High-Risk Products: 

• Specific registration on EESS National database required
• Registration fees apply for high-risk product categories

What RCM certification does

• Electrical safety standards
• Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) requirements
• Radio spectrum regulations
• Energy efficiency standards

Type of RCM tests

EMC Testing (Electromagnetic Compatibility)

• Conducted Emissions – measures unwanted electrical signals transmitted through power and signal cables
• Radiated Emissions – evaluates electromagnetic energy broadcast through the air
• Immunity Testing – verifies product operation in presence of electromagnetic disturbances
• Harmonics & Flicker – assesses power quality impacts on electrical networks

EMR Testing (Electromagnetic Radiation) 

• RF Exposure Assessment – evaluates human exposure to electromagnetic fields
• SAR Testing – measures Specific Absorption Rate for devices used near the body
• Power Density Evaluation – assesses exposure levels from fixed installations

Radio Communications Testing 

• RF Emissions Analysis – verifies operation within designated frequency bands
• Spurious Emissions – identifies unwanted transmissions that could cause interference
• Frequency Stability – ensures consistent performance across environmental conditions
• Antenna Performance – validates radiation patterns and efficiency

Telecommunications Testing 

• Network Protection – prevents damage to public telecommunication networks
• Interoperability Verification – ensures seamless integration with existing systems
• Safety Assessment – evaluates telecommunication installation safety requirements

Safety Testing 

• Electrical Safety Assessment – prevents electrical shock and fire hazards
• Insulation Integrity – verifies protective barriers against electrical contact
• Thermal Safety – evaluates temperature rise and overheating protection
• Mechanical Safety – addresses structural integrity and user protection