Authoritative Information Statement: The core content of this document is based on the New Zealand MBIE (Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment) “Electrical Product Compliance Manual,” the ANZ EESS (Electrical Equipment Safety System) 2025 Public Rules, the China Academy of Information and Communications Technology (CAICT) “ANZ RCM Certification Collaboration Report,” and practical data from NATA-accredited laboratories from January to November 2025. Official mandatory requirements and industry recommendations are clearly distinguished. Any “special requirements” without official basis are labeled as market practice references. Final compliance determinations shall be based on the latest documents from MBIE and RSM (Radio Spectrum Management).

I.New Zealand RCM and Australia Share a Unified Framework with Fully Aligned Core Standards

The 2025 authoritative report from the China Academy of Information and Communications Technology explicitly states that New Zealand's RCM electrical safety and EMC requirements are fully aligned with Australia's. Both share the EESS regulatory system, AS/NZS joint standards, and mutual recognition of test reports. Only in the highly specialized field of radio equipment do supplementary marking requirements exist, not core standard differences. This is the foundational understanding cross-border enterprises must clarify in 2025.

1.Core Synergy Points Under the Unified Framework

·Standards System: Both countries adopt AS/NZS series standards (e.g., safety standard AS/NZS 62368-1, EMC standard AS/NZS CISPR 32:2023), with bidirectional mutual recognition of test reports;

·Risk Classification: Products are categorized under Levels 1-3, corresponding to identical certification pathways;

·Responsible Entity: Non-local enterprises must designate an ANZ-registered “Responsible Supplier” bearing joint liability for compliance, with violations subject to penalties up to millions of Australian dollars;

·Marking Requirements: New regulations in 2025 will unify and simplify requirements to only require the RCM mark, with the old C-Tick/A-Tick marks being fully prohibited.

2.Remaining Localized Supplementary Requirements (Non-Core Standard Differences)

Under New Zealand RSM (Radio Spectrum Management) regulations, radio transmitting equipment not fully harmonized with Australian RF requirements must display both the RCM mark and an additional R-NZ mark (minimum height ≥3mm). An RF compliance declaration must also be submitted via the EESS system. This primarily applies to professional radio equipment; consumer-grade Bluetooth/WiFi products are rarely affected.

  II.2025 New Zealand RCM Mandatory Certification Product List:

Unlike generic market categorizations, the following list strictly follows MBIE's 2025 product classification rules. It combines “official mandatory requirements” with “industry best practices” for high-frequency cross-border categories to avoid confusion between regulatory mandates and market demands:

1.Level 1 (Low Risk): Requires only EMC testing, no EESS registration

Official Core Definition: Pure passive or low-power devices with DC ≤ 12V and no wireless functionality, or AC ≤ 50V, posing no electric shock/fire risk. Typical Products and 2025 Considerations:

· Pure DC battery devices: Standard dry-cell flashlights, mechanical alarm clocks (no LCD screen). Must confirm no hidden wireless modules (e.g., Bluetooth-enabled clocks automatically upgrade to Level 2).

· Passive electrical accessories: USB cables, power extension cords. Must comply with AS/NZS 3199 standard. Plugs require “NZ Approved” basic marking (not RCM mandatory, recommended for market access).

·Exemption red flags: 12V devices with charging capabilities (e.g., power banks) and low-voltage products containing electronic components are excluded from this category. —By 2025, five companies had already experienced cargo detention upon arrival due to misjudging exemption scope.

2.Level 2 (Medium Risk): Dual testing for safety + EMC; wireless products require additional RF certification

Official core definition: AC 240V household appliances and consumer electronics with wireless functionality, presenting fundamental safety hazards but with controllable risks.

Mandatory coverage categories and standard requirements for 2025:

Product Category                                                                                            Official Mandatory Standards                                                           2025 Practical Recommendations (Non-mandatory)

Small household appliances (humidifiers / coffee makers)           AS/NZS 60335.2.14 (Safety) + AS/NZS CISPR 32:2023 (EMC)            Recommend adding motor stall testing (to address New Zealand market spot checks and reduce after-sales risks)

Bluetooth/WiFi Consumer Electronics (Speakers/Smartwatches)            AS/NZS 62368-1 (Safety) + AS/NZS 4268.2 (RF)                      Pre-confirm 5GHz band compatibility (non-mandatory but some channels require “Indoor Use Only” labeling)

Commercial Portable Devices (Barcode Scanners)                                   AS/NZS 62368-1 (Mechanical Strength + EMC)                       Recommended supplementary 1.2-meter drop test (widely required by New Zealand retail channels)

Real-world case: In August 2025, a Shenzhen smartwatch manufacturer faced a 10-day listing delay on a New Zealand e-commerce platform despite meeting official standards, due to missing RF interoperability testing. (Platform requirements ≠ official mandates).

3.Level 3 (High Risk): Full testing + mandatory EESS registration, key regulatory focus category in 2025

Official core definition: High-voltage/high-power devices, medical/industrial-grade products posing significant fire/electrocution risks. Requires obtaining SAA safety certification before completing EESS registration to acquire a New Zealand-specific code starting with “N”. Official 2025 priority categories and mandatory requirements:

-Power adapters/chargers: Must comply with full AS/NZS 62368-1 testing, including insulation withstand voltage (4kV/1min) and temperature rise (housing ≤70°C). Component conformity declarations must be submitted concurrently starting 2025.

-LED lighting products (≥100W): In addition to AS/NZS 60598.2.3 safety standards, must meet AS/NZS CISPR 32:2023 EMC requirements. Australia has concurrently added recommended photobiological safety testing (not mandatory in New Zealand, but exporters may voluntarily comply to enhance competitiveness);

-Energy storage systems (≥10kWh): Must pass AS 62040.1.1 basic safety testing. Tropical environment testing and marine shock testing are industry recommendations (no mandatory MBIE documents; primarily logistics/channel requirements).

-Mobile phones/tablets: New mandatory EESS registration requirement effective 2025. Requires supplementary network safety declaration. Unregistered products prohibited from sale on New Zealand e-commerce platforms.

4.Officially Specified Exempted Products (No 2025 Adjustments)

The MBIE 2025 exemption list clarifies that the following products require no RCM certification, provided they meet both conditions: “no electrical drive + no electronic components”:

·Purely mechanical tools (manual wrenches, sewing machines);

·Metal fittings without circuits (pure copper socket plates, screw terminals);

·Natural material electrical insulators (unprocessed mica sheets, wooden insulating supports).

  III. Core RCM Standards for New Zealand in 2025:

Market articles often confuse “standard numbers” with “mandatory testing items.” The following classification distinguishes between “official requirements” and “practical supplements” to ensure compliance while providing implementation guidance:

1.Safety Standard: AS/NZS 62368-1 fully replaces the old standard and becomes mandatory in 2025

Official Mandatory Requirements:

·Effective January 1, 2025, all Level 2/3 products must be tested per the new AS/NZS 62368-1 standard. The transition period for existing AS/NZS 60950 reports ends December 31, 2025.

·New requirement: “Software Safety Assessment” (products with smart controls must validate fault protection logic). For example, smart rice cookers must automatically shut off power during program crashes.

Industry Implementation Recommendations:

·Add flame retardancy testing (enclosure achieving V-0 rating). Though not officially mandated, this reduces the likelihood of corrective actions during New Zealand market inspections.

·Voluntary 45°C/95% humidity testing for tropical region adaptations (targeted at Pacific island nations like Fiji; not required for New Zealand domestic products).

2.EMC Standard: AS/NZS CISPR 32:2023 Mandatory Spread Spectrum; Old Reports Soon Invalid

Official Core Requirements:

·AS/NZS CISPR 32:2023 fully mandatory since 2025, expanding test frequency range from 30MHz-1GHz to 30MHz-6GHz (covering 5G bands) with radiation disturbance limits tightened by 4dBμV compared to previous versions;

·Conducted disturbance testing must cover the full 0.15-30MHz band, with power cord disturbance ≤50dBμV (previous version: 54dBμV).

3.RF Standard: AS/NZS 4268.2 will have no regional variations in 2025; only special equipment requires R-NZ marking.

Official Unified Requirements:

·Bluetooth/WiFi devices must comply with AS/NZS 4268.2, with 2.4GHz power ≤100mW and channels 1-13 open (channel 14 disabled). ANZ requirements are identical.

·Only professional radio equipment not harmonized with Australian RF requirements (e.g., specific-band walkie-talkies) requires additional R-NZ marking; consumer products are unaffected.

4.Category-Specific Standards (Official Update Confirmed for 2025)

·Medical electrical equipment: Must comply with AS/NZS 3200.1.1. Electromagnetic compatibility immunity testing (±4kV electrostatic discharge) will be added in 2025, synchronized with Australia.

·Industrial PLC modules: First included under Level 3 control. Must comply with AS/NZS 61000-6-4 industrial immunity standards, with surge test levels increased to ±2kV.

If you are pursuing RCM certification for specific product categories (e.g., energy storage power supplies, smart lighting), please provide model details. Blue Asia will assist in compiling the corresponding 2025 official standards list and channel adaptation recommendations. Blue Asia Technical Support: +86 13534225140, providing professional certification consulting services.