🇦🇺 Oceania · Australia

Australia RCM Certification Guide

The unified RCM compliance framework of Australia and New Zealand. Covers EMC, radio communications and electrical safety. New Zealand mutually recognises Australia's framework, so RCM products can enter the New Zealand market directly.

Certification Overview

Certification	Regulator	Scope	Mandatory
RCM - EMC	ACMA	All electronic and electrical equipment	Mandatory
RCM - Radio	ACMA	Products with wireless transmitters	Mandatory
RCM - Safety	ERAC/EESS	Mains-powered products (≤1000V AC / ≤1500V DC)	Mandatory
GEMS energy efficiency	GEMS regulator	External power supplies, home appliances, lighting, etc.	Partially mandatory
SAA certification	JAS-ANZ-recognised bodies such as SAA Approvals	Safety-critical products	Widely required by the market

EESS Electrical Safety Three-Level Risk System

Determining which level your product falls into is key — the certification approach and cost differ significantly

Risk level	Product examples	Certification route	Factory inspection
Level 3 (high risk)	Power adapters, chargers, extension cords, lamp holders	Third-party mandatory certification (SAA/equivalent)	Required
Level 2 (medium risk)	Lighting, home appliances, power tools	Third-party test report + DoC	Not required
Level 1 (low risk)	Simple electronic devices, small USB appliances	Self-declaration DoC	Not required

ACMA Radio / EMC Certification

Applicable Standards

Radio: AS/NZS 4268 (short-range devices)

EMC: AS/NZS CISPR 32 (emissions), AS/NZS CISPR 35 (immunity)

Safety reference: AS/NZS 62368.1

Test Items

RF output power, occupied bandwidth, spurious emissions, frequency stability, radiated/conducted emissions, SAR (if applicable)

Key Information

Sample quantity	1-2 units
Certification timeline	2-4 weeks (testing + DoC registration)
Certificate validity	Long-term validity (re-assessment when standards change)
Local representative	Required (Responsible Supplier)
Factory audit	Not required
Registration	ACMA NED database + EESS database

SAA Certification Explained

Relationship between RCM and SAA: RCM is Australia's unified compliance mark that all electronic and electrical products must bear. SAA is a safety certificate issued by the certification body SAA Approvals, and is one route to satisfying the safety part of RCM (Level 3). Simply put: RCM is the "certificate", SAA is the "certifying body". The SAA certificate is usually valid for 5 years and must be renewed upon expiry.

Other Key Requirements

RCM mark

A tick inside a triangle, with the Supplier Code shown below. Must be affixed to the product body / nameplate.

Responsible Supplier

Overseas manufacturers must have a local responsible supplier in Australia to handle product compliance and recalls. This can be a dedicated service provider or the importer.

New Zealand mutual recognition

RCM certification (including AS/NZS standards) is directly recognised in New Zealand, with no duplicate certification. One certification covers both countries.

Plug / voltage

AS/NZS 3112 three-flat-pin plug (figure-of-eight style), 230V/50Hz. Cannot be substituted with Chinese, European or US plugs.

GEMS energy efficiency

External power supplies are subject to mandatory minimum energy efficiency standards + a star label. Home appliances require a mandatory energy-efficiency grade label.

Converting a CE report

ACMA accepts CE reports from recognised laboratories. For the EESS safety part, a CB report plus AS/NZS differences can accelerate the process.

FAQs

What is the difference between RCM and SAA?

RCM is the unified compliance mark that all products must bear. SAA is a safety certificate from the body SAA Approvals, and is a route to satisfying the safety part of RCM (Level 3). In practice they are often confused, but the concepts differ.

If I do RCM, can I sell in New Zealand?

Yes. Australia and New Zealand use a unified certification framework (AS/NZS standards), so RCM products can enter the New Zealand market directly without additional certification.

What if an overseas manufacturer has no Australian company?

You must designate a company registered in Australia as the Responsible Supplier. This can be a local importer/distributor, or you can commission a specialised service provider.

Level 2 or Level 3?

General rule: core safety components with direct mains contact (power supplies, plugs, etc.) are Level 3 and require mandatory certification. Medium-risk items such as lighting and home appliances are Level 2 and need a third-party report. USB small appliances are Level 1 with self-declaration. When in doubt, consult a certification body.

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