The RCM (Regulatory Compliance Mark) is a mandatory certification for all electrical and electronic products entering the Australian and New Zealand markets.
Jointly administered by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) and New Zealand regulatory agencies, RCM certification ensures that products comply with all requirements for:
Electrical Safety
Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC)
Radio Communication (RF), where applicable
Complying with RCM regulations is not just a market requirement — it is the key to gaining consumer trust, passing customs clearance, and legally selling on major platforms such as Amazon AU and eBay Australia.
| Certification Dimension | Core Content & 2025 Reference Information |
|---|---|
| Applicable Product Range | · Electrical Safety: Home appliances, lamps, power tools, adapters. · EMC: IT equipment, industrial equipment, smart home devices. · Radio: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi devices, routers, mobile phones. |
| Core Test Standards | · Safety: AS/NZS 62368-1 (IT & AV equipment), AS/NZS 60335 (Home appliances). · EMC: AS/NZS CISPR 32:2023 (mandatory for new products from Jan 1, 2025). · Radio: AS/NZS 4268 (short-range wireless devices). |
| Certification Process | ① Product Testing (Safety + EMC): 2–4 weeks ② Document Review: 1–2 weeks ③ EESS Database Registration: 3–5 days |
| Certificate Validity | Options for 1-year, 3-year, or 5-year validity based on company needs. |
| Factory Audit | No mandatory factory audit required. |
| Marking Requirements | Unified RCM mark, minimum size 3 mm. Supplier code identification no longer required (effective 2025). |
Determine Risk Level:
Australia classifies electrical products into three categories:
Level 1 (Low Risk): e.g., battery-powered devices under 12V.
Level 2 (Medium Risk): e.g., 240V household appliances and IT equipment.
Level 3 (High Risk): e.g., power adapters, LED tubes, vacuum cleaners.
Each risk level determines whether safety certification and EESS registration are required.
Laboratory Testing:
Conduct testing in NATA-accredited or recognized laboratories.
If you already hold CB or CE reports, they can be converted into RCM-compliant reports, shortening testing by up to 40–50%.
The following technical documents are required:
Product test reports (Safety + EMC + RF if applicable)
Product manual (recommended in English or bilingual AU/NZ versions)
Circuit diagrams and component list
Label draft showing RCM mark placement
After submission, the certification body reviews the documents to verify compliance.
EESS Registration:
Products are registered in the Electrical Equipment Safety System (EESS) database.
Only an Australian local company (Responsible Supplier) can register and hold the certificate.
Overseas manufacturers must cooperate with a local importer or agent to complete registration.
Marking Requirements:
Once approved, the RCM mark can be affixed on:
The product body
Nameplate
Packaging or instruction manual
Minimum size: 3 mm (must be legible and permanent).
Starting January 1, 2025, new mandatory standards apply:
AS/NZS CISPR 32:2023 replaces older EMC standards.
AS/NZS 62368-1 replaces AS/NZS 60950.1 for IT/AV equipment.
Certificates under old standards are valid until December 31, 2025 only.
Tip: If your reports are based on older standards, schedule re-testing before renewal.
Supplier identification is no longer required — all products now use the unified RCM mark.
C-Tick and A-Tick labels are officially discontinued.
Low-risk products can use self-declaration, while higher-risk ones must undergo full testing and EESS registration.
Failure to complete RCM certification can result in:
Customs detention and sales bans
Removal from online marketplaces (e.g., Amazon, eBay AU)
Penalties and fines up to AUD 1.1 million (~USD 720,000) for companies
Compliance ensures uninterrupted access to the Australian and New Zealand markets.
Direct Plug-in Adapters: Must undergo random plug testing per AS/NZS 3112.
LED Tubes: Due to higher replacement risk, samples may require evaluation in Australia.
Wireless Devices (Bluetooth/Wi-Fi): Must meet AS/NZS 4268 radio frequency compliance.
| Phase | Average Duration | Key Tasks |
|---|---|---|
| Testing | 2–4 weeks | Safety + EMC (add RF if wireless) |
| Document Review | 1–2 weeks | Compliance verification |
| EESS Registration | 3–5 days | Local Responsible Supplier submission |
| Total Timeline | 3–6 weeks | From sample submission to RCM marking approval |
Expedited options (2–4 weeks) are available through authorized agencies.
RCM certificates can be valid for 1, 3, or 5 years, depending on business needs.
However, the certificate remains valid only if:
No significant design or component changes occur
The product continues to meet updated AS/NZS standards
Annual EESS registration fees are paid (AUD 75 per trademark)
Certificate renewal or re-testing is required when safety standards or component designs change.
| Category | 2025 Update Summary |
|---|---|
| Safety Standards | AS/NZS 62368-1 fully replaces AS/NZS 60950.1 |
| EMC Standards | AS/NZS CISPR 32:2023 mandatory for new products |
| Marking | Unified RCM mark; no supplier identification |
| Responsible Supplier | Mandatory for overseas manufacturers |
| Penalties | Up to AUD 1.1 million fine for non-compliance |
| Testing Conversion | CB/CE reports can shorten RCM process by 40–50% |
At Blue Asia Technology (Shenzhen), we help global manufacturers achieve fast, compliant RCM certification through:
AS/NZS-compliant Safety, EMC & RF testing
EESS database registration and Responsible Supplier coordination
CB → RCM report conversion
Compliance consulting to minimize cost and testing time
king.guo@cblueasia.com
+86 135 3422 5140
Ready to start your RCM certification journey?
Request Free Consultation →
Blue Asia experts will analyze your product type and provide a personalized RCM roadmap within 24 hours.
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