For manufacturers exporting to Australia, this year demands close attention.
ACMA is making significant moves in the RCM compliance framework this year. Some rules are already in effect; others are still in consultation drafts. How 6 GHz spectrum is allocated, supplier registration tightening, ARPANSA standard adjustments – each hits export certification at critical points. I helped a CPE team through RCM last year – this wave of updates caused no small amount of trouble.
First, the low band. 5925–6425 MHz has been formally approved by ACMA for Wi‑Fi 6E and Wi‑Fi 7 – Australia calls it LPI (Low‑Power Indoor) mode. The power framework is similar to FCC and Canada – but the specific numbers must follow ACMA's Radiocommunications standards – you cannot directly copy.
1.1 Indoor/outdoor restriction – many have been caught
The low band does not require AFC spectrum coordination – convenient. However: I've encountered several cases – indoor only – outdoor is not allowed.
Many teams designed solutions against FCC outdoor rules – shipments arrived at Australian ports only to be notified of non‑compliance – stuck with no way forward. The worst case I saw: a whole shipment held for two months – storage fees exceeded the certification cost.
The high band (6425–7125 MHz) is still in consultation – ACMA has not officially opened it for Wi‑Fi. Consultation proposals are not the same as implementation – don't budget high‑band testing into your project prematurely. If it doesn't open eventually, that money is wasted.
If your Wi‑Fi 7 product covers both high and low bands – certification only tests the low band for now – supplement high‑band testing after regulations are formally published.
1.2 FCC data – don't use it as a substitute
FCC and ACMA are not the same in power limits, indoor/outdoor restrictions, or spurious emissions. Just labelling a report with Australian standard numbers is not enough – test methods and limits must be based on Australian local differences from scratch. IEC base‑level data cannot be used.
1.3 Millimetre‑wave and EME – changes are in method, not limits
ACMA updated the usage conditions for 26 GHz and 28 GHz mmWave bands this year. 5G mmWave terminal EME is still based on ARPANSA protection guidelines – the change is in the assessment method for mmWave power density, not a dramatic limit tightening. Don't assume limits have been significantly tightened – that's misdirected.
For mmWave CPE and mobile terminals, confirm that the lab runs the latest ARPANSA standard – old‑standard reports will almost certainly require supplementary testing.
1.4 Telecom labels – old history is over
Many still don't understand Australia's labelling system. Let me clarify again:
A‑Tick and C‑Tick were completely abolished on 1 March 2016 – not phased out – a clean cut – no transition period. Now telecom, radio, and EMC all mandatorily use RCM.
There's a claim I keep hearing – "you can use a separate mark for telecom‑only compliance." That path simply does not exist – the claim itself is wrong. Historically, there was a period when A‑Tick covered telecom, C‑Tick covered EMC, and SAA covered safety – but that was before 2016. Do not design label solutions using that old framework.
1.5 AS/CA S042 revision – first understand who it applies to
The AS/CA S042 revision draft this year adjusted DSL terminal line protection and VoIP emergency‑call testing. Automotive manufacturers take note: this standard only covers wired telecom terminals. If you make in‑vehicle cellular modules or wireless gateways – with no PSTN wired interface – they are not within its scope.
Also: as of 2026, ACMA has not set a mandatory effective date for the new version – it is only a draft. Do not schedule projects as if it will be enforced immediately.
1.6 Supplier registration – overseas manufacturers are not eligible
ACMA's approach differs from many other markets. The supplier – the statutory entity – must be an Australian local legal entity with an ABN – only an importer or an entity registered in Australia qualifies. Overseas manufacturers cannot directly register as a supplier – that path does not exist.
Domestic manufacturers often trip here – thinking an Australian business agent is enough. Wrong.
A business agent is not the importer – they have no ABN and bear no compliance responsibility – ACMA does not recognise them. The compliance‑responsible entity must be the ABN‑holding Australian importer. When signing contracts, clearly define the importer's registration obligations – that's how you avoid customs blockages.
1.7 Registration information – don't be lazy
Address changes, importer changes, model additions/deletions – all must be synchronised in the ACMA system. ACMA is strict on information timeliness – overdue updates bring warnings at best, penalties at worst.
The RCM mark itself has no annual fee – but the ongoing obligation to maintain registration information lasts for the product's lifetime.
1.8 EMC standards and overseas reports
Australian EMC follows AS/NZS joint standards – CISPR 32 for multimedia, 14.1 for appliances, 11 for industrial. No major version changes in 2026 – the transition period is sufficient.
ACMA does accept reports from overseas ISO 17025 labs – provided that lab actually produced data against Australian local differences.
1.9 Labels, manuals, and compliance contacts
RCM marking position and size have requirements – enforcement has tightened in 2026. The label must be clear and non‑removable.
User manuals must contain the declaration of conformity and compliance‑contact information – the address must be the Australian local registered supplier – not a Chinese manufacturer address – customs and market surveillance will reject it outright. English‑only manuals are acceptable – no need for multi‑language.
1.10 EME (electromagnetic exposure) – don't use a blanket rule
Many assume: "if the device is fixed‑mounted on a wall, no EME is required."
Not correct.
ACMA looks at maximum transmit power and how close a human can get – not the mounting method. High‑power enterprise gateways, routers with external high‑gain antennas – even if bolted down fixed – EME assessment is still required. Some manufacturers have already been returned for this blanket exemption.
1.11 Changes and long‑term compliance
If RF or EMC parameters change – reassess whether supplementary testing is needed. RCM is not a "get it and forget it" certificate.
ACMA's regulatory intensity is clearly increasing this year. Previously, many reviews were superficial – now they are conducting substantive technical verifications. My own experience is that long‑term success in the Australian market depends not on that one certificate – but on whether ongoing compliance maintenance can keep up.
For RCM certification 2026 latest changes, contact BlueAsia at 13534225140 (King) or king.guo@cblueasia.com.
