RF Exposure- EME/EMR Compliance
for Electronic Products in Australia
Understanding RF Exposure Compliance
In Australia, ensuring EME/EMR compliance is crucial for the safety of both the general public and workers around radiocommunications devices. This is regulated by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA), which enforces compliance with standards set by the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA).
Key Standards for RF Exposure:
In Australia, EME compliance is governed by stringent standards to protect individuals from potential health risks associated with Electromagnetic Radiation (EMR) and Electromagnetic Energy (EME). These regulations ensure that devices emitting RF radiation, such as mobile phones, Wi-Fi routers, and other wireless communication equipment, meet the necessary safety criteria before they are made available to the public. The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) enforces these standards, which are based on guidelines provided by the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) and international best practices.
Below are the key standards that devices must adhere to for compliance in Australia.
ACMA Radiocommunications (Electromagnetic Radiation – Human Exposure) Standard 2014
This core regulation applies to devices operating in the 100 kHz to 300 GHz range. It mandates that devices such as mobile phones, radios, and Wi-Fi equipment must comply with specific limits on EMR emissions to protect users from harmful exposure
ARPANSA RPS3
This is a critical standard developed by ARPANSA that defines safe exposure limits for Specific Absorption Rate (SAR), the measure of RF energy absorbed by human tissue. It covers both general public exposure and occupational (aware) exposure, ensuring that devices meet safe operational levels
AS/NZS 2772.2
This standard outlines the procedures for assessing human exposure to electromagnetic fields, particularly for higher-power devices or those used in close proximity to the body. It is often used in conjunction with SAR testing for compliance.
IEC 62209-1/2
These international standards are used for SAR testing, ensuring that devices like smartphones and wearable technology comply with limits on how much RF radiation the human body can absorb
IEC 62479
This standard applies to low-power devices that are exempt from comprehensive SAR testing. It defines conditions under which devices with very low RF output (e.g., below 20mW) are considered safe without further evaluation.
EME/EMR Compliance Categories
Devices fall into two primary categories with three compliance levels based on their proximity to the human body and their power output:
Category A: Low-risk devices (e.g., those with power outputs below 20mW), which are exempt from SAR or EMR assessments. These devices only require a description and a Declaration of Conformity (DoC).
- Level 1: No need for testing or a report, only a DoC.
Category B: Higher-risk devices, which may require SAR testing or EMR assessments based on their usage and power output.
- Level 2: Devices that are used more than 20 cm from the human body. An EMR assessment report is required along with a DoC.
- Level 3: Devices used within 20 cm of the body, such as mobile phones, which require SAR testing and an accredited test report
EMR Assessment
Electromagnetic Radiation (EMR) Assessment is necessary for devices that operate above 20mW and are used more than 20 cm from the human body. This assessment checks whether the device’s RF emissions comply with ARPANSA RPS3 limits, ensuring that exposure levels remain within safe thresholds.
Devices requiring EMR assessment typically include wireless routers, broadcast transmitters, and other high-power communication devices
SAR Testing
Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) Testing is required for devices used close to the body, such as mobile phones, wearables, and IoT devices. SAR measures how much RF energy is absorbed by the body during use.
In Australia, the maximum allowed SAR value is 2 W/kg, averaged over 10 grams of tissue, which is stricter than the limits in some other countries
SAR testing is essential for Category B devices operating above 20mW and used within 20 cm of the human body
For devices to meet EME compliance and EMR assessment requirements in Australia, they must adhere to the above standards. This ensures they comply with ACMA regulations and obtain the Regulatory Compliance Mark (RCM), which is mandatory for legally selling RF-emitting products in the country.
Manufacturers must conduct thorough testing and provide documentation to demonstrate that their devices meet these safety standards.
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Company Strengths at a glance
Why C-PRAV?
C-PRAV is your trusted partner for ensuring RF exposure compliance in Australia. We offer end-to-end services for EMR assessments, SAR testing, and Regulatory Compliance Mark (RCM) certification. Our expertise lies in navigating complex regulations set by ACMA and ARPANSA, ensuring your products meet the highest standards for Electromagnetic Energy (EME) safety.
Our team provides tailored solutions for devices requiring SAR testing, such as mobile phones and wearable tech, as well as EMR assessments for devices like Wi-Fi routers and broadcast transmitters. We streamline the entire compliance process, ensuring your products are certified for market entry quickly and efficiently. Whether it’s adhering to ARPANSA RPS3 or international standards like IEC 62209, we make sure your devices are safe and compliant.
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RF exposure compliance ensures devices emitting Electromagnetic Radiation (EMR) adhere to safety limits to protect users from potential radiation risks.
Yes, devices emitting less than 20mW of RF energy may be exempt from SAR testing under IEC 62479, but they must still meet other compliance requirements.
Key standards include the ACMA Radiocommunications (Electromagnetic Radiation – Human Exposure) Standard 2014, ARPANSA RPS3, AS/NZS 2772.2, and IEC 62209-1/2 for SAR testing.
EMR (Electromagnetic Radiation) refers to the energy emitted by devices such as radios, mobile phones, and Wi-Fi devices. EME (Electromagnetic Energy) compliance ensures that these emissions stay within safe exposure limits. Both are critical components of RF exposure compliance regulated by ACMA and ARPANSA
To reduce RF exposure, you can:
- Limit the duration of use for high-emission devices like mobile phones.
- Use speakerphone or hands-free devices.
- Keep devices like Wi-Fi routers at a safe distance from frequently used areas
Yes, accredited SAR test reports from overseas labs are often accepted, provided they adhere to international standards like IEC 62209 and come from ILAC-accredited laboratories
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