The RCM (Regulatory Compliance Mark) certification is mandatory for all electrical and electronic products entering Australia and New Zealand.
A complete and compliant documentation package is the foundation of successful certification — ensuring product safety, electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), and wireless performance compliance under Australian standards.
This 2025 update summarizes the required RCM certification documents, the validity and maintenance rules, and the latest new regulatory changes that all manufacturers and importers must understand.
Testing is the backbone of RCM certification. Different product categories require different reports based on risk level and function.
| Report Type | Applies To | Standard Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Safety Test Report | Medium- and high-risk products (Level 2 & 3) | AS/NZS 60335.1 (home appliances) · AS/NZS 62368.1 (AV/IT equipment) Tip: If you already hold a CB report (including Australian deviations), it can be partially converted. |
| EMC Test Report | All electrical & electronic devices | AS/NZS CISPR 32:2023 – mandatory from Jan 1 2025 |
| RF Test Report | Wireless products (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth) | AS/NZS 4268 – radio spectrum compliance under ACMA |
Ensure all reports are issued by NATA-accredited or recognized international laboratories to guarantee acceptance.
These describe your product’s structure, operation, and labeling details.
They must be clear, English-language documents that can withstand regulatory review.
User Manual (must include English instructions)
Circuit Schematic & Block Diagram
List of Critical Components (with model and certification details)
Label Draft (must display the RCM mark)
Tip: Including high-resolution photos of internal and external construction speeds up verification.
A local Australian company must act as your Responsible Supplier — this is a mandatory legal requirement.
You must provide:
Responsible Supplier’s ABN/ACN number
EESS registration number
Contact details and declaration of liability
If you are an overseas manufacturer, you must apply through an Australian importer or agent with valid registration.
The Declaration of Conformity is your formal statement confirming compliance with relevant AS/NZS safety, EMC, and RF standards.
It must be signed by the Responsible Supplier and kept on record for at least five years after the product’s last sale.
Depending on product type and risk level:
Power of Attorney (PoA) – when using an authorized agent
Quality System Documents – such as ISO 9001 certificates for factory quality management
Additional Test Data – for specific high-risk products or plug configurations (AS/NZS 3112)
After registration in the Electrical Equipment Safety System (EESS) database:
Annual fee: AUD 75 per trademark
Multiple trademarks → multiple fees
Renewal reminders are sent to the Responsible Supplier each year
RCM certification does not have a fixed expiration date, but maintaining its ongoing validity requires continuous compliance.
| Scenario | Required Action |
|---|---|
| Product Design or Component Change | Re-testing or report update is mandatory |
| Manufacturer or Factory Change | Update Responsible Supplier record and quality documents |
| Regulatory or Standard Updates | Re-evaluate compliance (e.g., transition to AS/NZS 62368-1 in 2025) |
| Market Surveillance Failure | Immediate corrective action or recall may be required |
Non-compliance discovered during market checks by ACMA or state safety authorities can lead to certificate suspension and product bans.
All overseas brands must work through an Australian-registered Responsible Supplier — this cannot be bypassed.
The supplier is legally accountable for product safety, documentation integrity, and EESS record accuracy.
Certain product categories have supplementary testing rules:
Direct Plug-in Adapters: Mandatory random testing of the Australian plug (AS/NZS 3112)
LED Tubes: Due to user-replaceable safety risks, samples may need to be sent to Australia for additional assessment
Smart Devices (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth): Must include RF testing per AS/NZS 4268
Failure to comply with RCM regulations can result in severe consequences:
| Violation Type | Potential Penalty |
|---|---|
| Selling without RCM certification | Customs detention or product recall |
| Using an unregistered Responsible Supplier | Product delisting and sales ban |
| False documentation or non-conformity | Fines up to AUD 1.1 million (≈ USD 720,000) and e-commerce platform removal |
These penalties apply to both manufacturers and importers, emphasizing the importance of full documentation integrity.
| Aspect | 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 applications |
| Annual EESS Fee | AUD 75 per trademark |
| Responsible Supplier | Required for all overseas manufacturers |
| RCM Marking | Unified RCM replaces old C-Tick/A-Tick symbols |
At Blue Asia Technology (Shenzhen), we help global brands achieve fast, compliant RCM certification through our integrated testing and consulting services:
Safety, EMC & RF testing under AS/NZS standards
EESS database registration and Responsible Supplier coordination
Report conversion (CB → RCM) to shorten approval cycles
Multi-market compliance integration (RCM + CE + FCC + KC)
king.guo@cblueasia.com
+86 135 3422 5140
Ready to verify your documentation and compliance status?
Request a Free RCM Document Review →
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