Expert ACMA RCM EMC Compliance Services
for Australia & New Zealand
Understanding ACMA RCM EMC Compliance
Australian RCM constitutes of compliance with EMC, electrical Safety, EMR, Telecom and Radio standards
New Zealand RCM constitutes of compliance with EMC, electrical Safety, EMR, Telecom* and some Radio* standards
*Note: Some Radio standard that are harmonised between Australia and New Zealand via the Trans-Tasman agreement. For non-harmonised standards/technology, there are additional requirements for NZ and labelling also.
*Note: For Telecom there are additional standards and processes for New Zealand
RCM is a single compliance mark that needs to be placed on the product for declaring that the product complies with all of the above requirements
EMC Compliance
All electronic products must comply with the standards prescribed by The Australian Media Authority (ACMA in Australia) and Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE in New Zealand)
The prescribed standards can be Found Here
ACMA EMC Standards: An Overview
The ACMA database lists the specific EMC standards applicable to different types of products in Australia and New Zealand. These standards vary depending on the product type and application, making the compliance landscape complex and comprehensive. While it’s too detailed to list all standards here, it’s crucial that your product adheres to the most relevant one to ensure full compliance.
Australian EMC standards are a direct adoption of the International CISPR standards. ACMA has also directly listed and accept European EN standards for compliance.
RCM Risk Categories
ACMA categorizes electronic products into low, medium, and high-risk levels, each requiring different levels of compliance documentation:
Low Risk
Declaration of Conformity (DoC): Required if you voluntarily label the product with the RCM
Medium Risk
DoC mandatory, along with a valid test report and RCM labeling.
High Risk
Detailed DoC required, ILAC accredited test report mandatory, and RCM labeling is essential
Regardless of the risk category, maintaining a Compliance Folder is essential.
This folder should contain all relevant documentation, including test reports, the DoC, and evidence of RCM labeling. The folder can be maintained electronically or in hard copy and serves as a record of your product’s compliance.
Key Aspects of EMC Testing:
EMC testing typically falls into two main categories: Emissions & Immunity.
For RCM EMC , emissions testing is the only mandatory requirement under ACMA regulations. This testing ensures that your product does not emit electromagnetic interference (EMI) that could disrupt the operation of other electronic devices.
While emissions testing is mandatory, immunity testing—which assesses a product’s ability to resist electromagnetic interference from external sources—is strongly recommended but not required for RCM compliance. Eg. An EFTPOS terminal is recommended to be tested for ESD to avoid malfunction due to interference and to avoid maintenance costs. Whereas a touch screen control panel used in Industrial and high risk environments may be tested for ESD, Radiated Immunity and other immunity tests to ensure safe operation of the machinery to avoid accidents.
Please note : If you plan to sell your product in the European Union (EU), immunity testing becomes mandatory under the CE Marking (EMC Directive).
Under the Emissions category; Harmonics and Flicker tests are not mandatory under the ACMA RCM Requirements
Another important distinction between ACMA and other international EMC requirements, particularly the EU, is the testing for harmonics and flicker:
Harmonics and Flicker (EN 61000-3-2 and EN 61000-3-3): These tests are concerned with the electrical characteristics of a product and its impact on the power supply network. In the EU, compliance with the EMC Directive necessitates testing for harmonics and flicker to ensure that devices do not cause voltage fluctuations or disturbances in the electrical grid.
ACMA RCM Requirements: For ACMA RCM compliance, testing for harmonics and flicker is not required. However, if your product is intended for the European market, these tests will be mandatory as part of CE Marking. Manufacturers looking to export to multiple markets should consider conducting these tests to avoid delays or additional costs down the line.
Acceptance of Overseas EMC Test Reports
Overseas EMC test reports, such as those obtained for CE Marking under the EMC Directive, can be leveraged to demonstrate compliance with ACMA’s standards. These reports must be:
- Valid: Current and relevant to the specific product being assessed.
- Written in English: Essential for acceptance in the Australian and New Zealand regulatory systems.
- Demonstrative of Compliance: They must clearly show that the product adheres to the relevant ACMA-mandated standards.
Few main ACMA-mandated EMC standards:
CISPR Standards:
- AS CISPR 11 – Emission standards for Industrial, Scientific, and Medical (ISM) radio-frequency equipment.
- AS/NZS CISPR 12 – Radio disturbance limits for vehicles, boats, and internal combustion engine-driven devices.
- AS/NZS CISPR 14.1 – Emission requirements for household appliances, electric tools, and similar apparatus.
- AS/NZS CISPR 15 – Radio disturbance characteristics of electrical lighting and similar equipment.
- AS/NZS CISPR 32 – Electromagnetic compatibility of multimedia equipment—Emission requirements.
EU/IEC Standards
- IEC 61000-6-3 – Generic emission standard for residential, commercial, and light-industrial environments.
- IEC 61000-6-4 – Generic emission standard for industrial environments.
- IEC 60974-10 – EMC requirements for arc welding equipment.
IEC 62040-2 – EMC requirements for uninterruptible power systems (UPS). - EN 55032 – Electromagnetic compatibility of multimedia equipment—Emission requirements.
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Why C-PRAV?
Choosing us for your ACMA RCM compliance needs ensures that your products meet the stringent requirements for the Australian and New Zealand markets with confidence. As a NATA-accredited lab, we provide reliable and recognized testing and certification services, supported by our deep expertise in both ACMA regulations and global standards like CISPR, EN, and IEC.
We offer comprehensive services tailored to all risk levels, from low to high, ensuring thorough testing, documentation, and quick turnaround times to get your product to market faster. Beyond certification, we provide ongoing support to help you navigate evolving regulations, all at competitive pricing that maximizes your investment in compliance.
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ACMA EMC compliance ensures that electronic products meet the Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) standards required by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) to prevent electromagnetic interference with other devices.
Any electrical or electronic product that can emit or be affected by electromagnetic interference, such as consumer electronics, industrial equipment, and communication devices, must comply with ACMA EMC regulations.
Key standards include AS/NZS CISPR standards for specific product categories and generic standards like AS/NZS 61000 for residential, commercial, and industrial environments
Yes, provided the reports are valid, written in English, and demonstrate compliance with relevant ACMA standards. It’s advisable to have them reviewed by an expert.
While immunity testing is recommended to ensure a more robust product, it is not mandatory under ACMA regulations. However, it may be required for international markets like the EU.
Yes, standards can be updated, and older versions may be phased out
Regulatory Updates for AU/NZ
Australia: ACMA establishes framework for upper 6 GHz spectrum band
The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has announced the establishment of a regulatory framework for the upper 6 GHz spectrum band (6425–7125 MHz), a significant step towards enhancing wireless communication capabilities in the country. The consultation will begin from first half of 2024. This consultation will investigate its potential
ACMA Updates RALI FX16 for Improved Spectrum Management
Effective May 17, 2024, ACMA’s updated Radiocommunications Assignment and Licensing Instruction (RALI) FX16 introduces enhancements for better spectrum coordination and management. New Criteria and Guidance: Additional criteria and detailed guidance aim to improve frequency coordination with spectrum licensed services, ensuring more efficient spectrum use. Revised Assignment Strategy: For two-frequency fixed
ACMA’s Initiative: Revamping Regulations for Public Telecommunication Services and Cellular Mobile Telecommunication Devices
The consultation period for the revision of the Radiocommunications Licence Conditions (PTS Licence) Determination 2013 and Radiocommunications (Cellular Mobile Telecommunications Devices) Class Licence 2014 instruments concluded on December 1, 2023. After carefully reviewing the received submissions, ACMA has made the decision to remake the instruments and introduce amendments to the