ACMA Certification for Australia: RCM Compliance Guide

Are you ready to enter the Australian market but unsure whether your electronic and radio products meet compliance requirements?

ACMA certification is a crucial step for any business aiming to distribute products in Australia. Understanding the certification process and ensuring your product meets ACMA standards can be daunting—but JJR Laboratory in China is here to simplify the process and ensure your products enter the Australian market smoothly.

What is ACMA Certification in Australia?

ACMA certification, issued by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA), is a key regulatory approval for products entering the Australian or New Zealand markets. This certification ensures that products meet Australian standards, particularly in the areas of safety, electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), and telecommunications.

To streamline the process and reduce time and costs, ACMA consolidated multiple certification marks into a single conformity mark known as the RCM (Regulatory Compliance Mark). Even if manufacturers already hold other product certifications such as CE, they cannot sell in Australia or New Zealand without obtaining the rcm mark. This has been mandatory since 2016.

What is the RCM?

RCM stands for Regulatory Compliance Mark. It is used on electrical and EMC-related equipment to indicate regulatory compliance. All manufacturers and importers in Australia must affix the RCM mark to their products before they can enter the Australian market.

Which Products Require ACMA Certification?

The following product types require ACMA certification:

1. Radio and telecommunications equipment

2. Electrical devices

3. Medical devices

4. Toys

How to Obtain ACMA Certification?

1. Determine Applicability

Confirm whether your product falls under ACMA regulatory scope.

2. Preparation

Ensure your product complies with the relevant Australian standards.

3. Testing and Documentation

JJR Laboratory in China performs the necessary testing and compiles documentation to prove compliance.

4. Application Submission

Submit your application to ACMA, including all required documents and test reports.

5. Certification Issuance

Upon successful evaluation, ACMA issues the certification, allowing you to label your product with the RCM mark.

What Are the Main Testing Areas for RCM?

Electronic products sold in the New Zealand and Australian markets must bear the RCM mark or meet RCM standards. Prior to market entry, products must undergo the following RCM tests:

1. emc testing(Electromagnetic Compatibility)

2. Safety Testing

3. EMR Testing(Electromagnetic Radiation)

4. Telecommunication Testing

5. RF Communication Testing(New Zealand Radio Spectrum Management - RSM)

How to Obtain the RCM Mark?

To obtain rcm certification, manufacturers of electrical equipment must submit their products for testing and await the results. Based on the product category, ACMA determines the risk level of the labeling:

1. Low Risk

2. Medium Risk

3. High Risk

Based on testing outcomes, ACMA specifies the required size and placement of the RCM mark. The mark must appear on packaging labels and product documentation and, in some cases, may be used electronically. Once the process is completed, a Declaration of Conformity must be prepared and signed.

How Much Does rcm certification cost?

RCM certification is not free. However, since the integration of multiple marks into one RCM mark in 2016, the cost has significantly decreased. Current pricing depends on the type of electronic product, the risk level identified after testing, and other factors. JJR Laboratory in China offers certification services ranging between \$998 and \$1,500 USD.

JJR Laboratory: Your Certification Partner for Australia and New Zealand

ACMA requirements are strict. Mistakes in documentation may result in having to reapply from scratch. JJR Laboratory is an expert in Australian and New Zealand product certification. Our team is ready to help you meet all the requirements and obtain the RCM mark efficiently and cost-effectively on the first try.

We provide the following services:

1. Risk classification for electrical equipment

2. Assistance in completing necessary documentation

3. Coordination of submissions to representatives of Australian or New Zealand certification bodies

Have questions?

Contact JJR Laboratory in China—our experts are ready to provide the information you need!

ACMA Updates Safety Standards for IT/AV Products

As of February 2022, a new standard replaces IEC/AS/NZS 60950-1 for IT equipment and IEC/AS/NZS 60065-1 for AV equipment. Both have been superseded by a unified standard: IEC/AS/NZS 62368-1. If your products are sold in the EU, North America, and Australia, this change from ACMA will impact you.