Australia's RCM (Regulatory Compliance Mark) certification is a mandatory compliance mark for entering the Australian and New Zealand markets. It is jointly administered by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) and New Zealand's regulatory bodies, used to prove that products comply with regulations regarding electrical safety, electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), and radio communications (if applicable).
The table below summarizes the core information about RCM certification, helping you quickly understand the overview.
| Certification Dimension | Core Content & 2025 Reference Information |
| Applicable Product Range | ·Electrical Safety: Home appliances, lamps, power adapters, power tools, etc. ·Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC): IT equipment, industrial equipment, smart home devices, etc. ·Radio Communications: Mobile phones, Bluetooth devices, Wi-Fi devices,wireless routers, etc. |
| Core Test Standards | ·Safety Standards: e.g, AS/NZS 62368-1 (IT equipment), AS/NZS 60335 (Home appliances). ·EMC Standards: AS/NZS CISPR 32:2023 (Mandatory for all new products from January 1, 2025). ·Radio Standards: e.g., AS/NZS 4268 (Bluetooth devices, etc.). |
| Certification Process | 1.Product Testing (EMC + Safety): 2-4 weeks.2.Document Review: 1-2 weeks.3.Database Registration (EESS system): 3-5 days. |
| Certificate Validity Period | Certificate terms can be 1 year, 3 years, or 5 years; companies can choose according to their needs. |
| Factory Audit Requirements | No explicit factory audit requirements. |
| Key Marking Requirements | Unified use of the RCM mark, size not less than 3 mm. |
Detailed RCM Certification Process:
The complete RCM certification process mainly involves the following key steps. Understanding these steps helps you better plan and manage the entire project:
1.Product Classification & Testing:
·Determine Risk Level: First, determine the product's risk level based on its type. Australia classifies electrical products into three risk levels: Level 1 (Low Risk), Level 2 (Medium Risk), and Level 3 (High Risk). Different levels correspond to different certification requirements. For example, Level 3 high-risk products (e.g., power adapters) must undergo safety certification and register in the EESS database.
·Laboratory Testing: Products need testing in laboratories with appropriate qualifications (e.g., NATA accredited). If you already hold CB or CE reports, they can be converted into reports required for RCM certification, significantly shortening the testing cycle.
2.Document Preparation & Review:
·Required technical documents include test reports, product manuals (recommended to include Australian/New Zealand language versions), circuit diagrams, etc.
·These documents will be submitted to the certification body for review.
3.Database Registration & Mark Usage:
·EESS Database Registration: After passing the review, product registration must be completed in Australia's Electrical Equipment Safety System (EESS) database. Please note, RCM certification must be applied for and held by an Australian local company (Responsible Supplier). Chinese manufacturers need to cooperate with Australian importers or seek local agency services.
·Affixing the Mark: After successful registration, the RCM mark can be placed on the product.
⚠️2025 New Regulations & Important Reminders:
Beyond the basic process above, pay special attention to the following latest developments and requirements:
·Standard Updates: There are important updates to the RCM certification system in 2025. For example, starting January 1, 2025, all new products must comply with the AS/NZS CISPR 32:2023 EMC standard. Meanwhile, the safety standard for IT equipment is transitioning to AS/NZS 62368-1.
·Marking Changes: According to new regulations, products **uniformly use the RCM mark, removing previous requirements for supplier identification, simplifying product labeling.
·Non-Compliance Consequences: Note that failure to perform RCM certification and registration as required can lead to serious consequences, including product detention by customs, forced removal from e-commerce platforms like Amazon, and even high fines.
·Special Product Requirements: Specific products have additional requirements. For example, direct plug-in adapters must undergo random testing of the Australian plug (according to AS/NZS 3112 standard). Products like LED tubes, which can be directly replaced by users and pose higher safety risks, may require sending samples to Australia for assessment.
We hope this overview of Australia's RCM mandatory compliance certification helps you better plan and execute certification matters. If you can share more specific product types (e.g., power adapters, Bluetooth speakers, or other devices), BLUEASIA Tech: 13632500972 will provide professional certification consulting services!
