RCM Labelling Requirements

Understanding Australian RCM Compliance

Introduction

Ensuring compliance with Australian labelling regulations is essential for electronic product manufacturers, suppliers, and importers. The Regulatory Compliance Mark (RCM label) serves as a single compliance mark, replacing the old A-Tick and C-Tick marks. Additionally encompassing the EESS Safety compliance scheme with the same RCM. This move simplifies the process and reduces regulatory costs while ensuring product safety and other regulatory adherence.

PS: We still hear people mention C-Tick which was changed to RCM in the year 2016

The Regulatory Compliance Mark (RCM)

The RCM is a trademark jointly owned by the Australian Communications Media Authority (ACMA) and electrical regulators (Regulatory Authorities – RAs).

It signifies that a product complies with the relevant regulations, encompassing both the Electrical Equipment Safety System (EESS) and ACMA’s requirements for ElectroMagnetic Compatibility (EMC), ElectroMagnetic Energy (EME), Telecommunications, and Radiocommunication. It’s important to note that the RCM is neither a quality indicator nor a certification mark; rather, it denotes compliance with applicable standards.

Key Standards for RCM Compliance

Electrical Equipment Safety System (EESS):

Ensures compliance with electrical safety regulations. Under EESS the electrical equipment is categorised into three levels based on risk—Level 1 (low risk), Level 2 (medium risk), and Level 3 (high risk). Each level has specific compliance and registration requirements.

ACMA Labelling Requirements:

Ensures compliance with ElectroMagnetic Compatibility (EMC), Radiocommunications, Telecommunications, EME & electrical Safety for Telecom products standards.

AS/NZS 4417.1 & AS/NZS 4417.2:

These standards provide general requirements for the use of the RCM, including the location of the marking on the equipment and its dimensional specifications.

RCM Label

The RCM label is a symbol that represents compliance with two independent schemes:

EESS; and
ACMA’s labelling requirements

When to Apply the RCM Label

Generally, all products ACMA and EESS regulates need a label to show they comply with the requirements. Certain cabling products, including cables, connectors, distributors, and patch panels, may be exempt under specific conditions. It’s crucial to verify whether a product falls under these exemptions to ensure proper compliance.

Steps to Apply the RCM Label

Determine Compliance Requirements:

Identify the applicable ACMA and EESS rules relevant to the product. This involves understanding the product’s classification level and the corresponding standards it must meet.

Ensure Compliance:

Conduct necessary testing and gather compliance documentation, including:

Test Reports
Product Descriptions
Consumer Guides
Declaration of Conformity
Labelling

Maintain Compliance Records:

Keep documentation accessible for regulatory authorities.

Register as a Responsible Supplier:

Registering in the EESS database as a Responsible Supplier is mandatory. This registration links the supplier to the products they supply, ensuring traceability and accountability. The registration process involves providing details about the supplier and the products and paying any applicable fees.

How to Apply the RCM Label

The manufacturer, supplier, or importer must ensure that the RCM label is applied correctly. The following methods are acceptable:

Surface Labelling: Printed, moulded, etched, or engraved labels on the product surface.
Electronic Labelling: Displayed on the product’s built-in screen during power-up or in system settings.
Package Labelling: If surface labelling is impractical, the label must be visible on the packaging and within product documents.

Labelling Specifications

Visibility: The label must be legible to the unaided eye and in contrasting colours.

Minimum Size: The label must be at least 3mm in height.

Durability: The label should be permanent and resistant to fading or removal.

QR Code Alternative: A QR code may be used, linking to a website displaying the RCM prominently.

Registration in the EESS Database

Suppliers intending to label products under ACMA regulations must register in the EESS Registration Database as a “Responsible Supplier.” Those registering solely for ACMA purposes do not need to enter product details, and no registration fee applies.

ACMA vs. EESS Compliance

While both the ACMA and EESS schemes use the RCM, they operate independently. ACMA covers telecommunications and EMC compliance, whereas EESS focuses on electrical safety. Suppliers should consult experts, such as C-PRAV, for jurisdiction-specific requirements.

Conclusion

Understanding and complying with Australian labelling requirements ensures product safety, regulatory adherence, and market acceptance. By following the correct procedures for RCM labelling, businesses can avoid legal risks and enhance consumer confidence in their products.