In 2025, Australia introduced several major updates to the RCM (Regulatory Compliance Mark) certification system, reshaping compliance requirements for manufacturers, importers, and brands entering the Australian and New Zealand markets.
These updates focus on three key areas —
Standards modernization, certification simplification, and market supervision reinforcement.
This article summarizes the latest official information, analyzes the impact of the new rules, and provides practical guidance for companies preparing for RCM certification under the 2025 framework.
| Regulation Dimension | Core Content & Latest Requirements (2025) |
|---|---|
| Safety Standards Update | AS/NZS 62368-1 fully replaces AS/NZS 60950.1 for IT & AV equipment. Products must comply with the new hazard-based safety engineering approach. |
| EMC Standards | Effective January 1, 2025, all new applications must meet AS/NZS CISPR 32:2023. Old certificates remain valid only until December 31, 2025. |
| Radio Licenses | Updated class license for radio-controlled model equipment, effective October 1, 2025. |
| Unified Marking | Supplier Code identification removed. Products now use only the RCM mark — C-Tick and A-Tick are fully discontinued. |
| Registration Scope Expansion | Mobile phones and tablets newly added to mandatory registration list. |
| Penalties for Non-Compliance | Fines up to AUD 400,000 and product removal for selling unregistered devices. False declarations may lead to legal prosecution. |
Key takeaway: All 2025 RCM certifications must adopt AS/NZS 62368-1 and AS/NZS CISPR 32:2023 — older standards will no longer be accepted for new submissions.
The shift from AS/NZS 60950.1 → AS/NZS 62368-1 brings a new hazard-based safety philosophy.
This impacts the testing process for information technology, audio, and video products, requiring:
Updated risk evaluation of electric shock, fire, and energy sources.
Revised insulation and spacing requirements.
New test parameters for USB-C and battery-powered devices.
Action: If your product certification is still based on AS/NZS 60950.1, retesting or conversion is mandatory for renewals and new launches in 2025.
Australia divides electrical products into three safety levels, each with specific certification paths:
| Level | Risk Type & Example | Certification Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Level 1 – Low Risk | Battery-powered < 12 V devices | Self-declaration based on EMC / Safety test reports. |
| Level 2 – Medium Risk | Most 240 V home appliances (e.g., toasters, routers) | Safety + EMC test reports required; SAA certificate optional. |
| Level 3 – High Risk | Power adapters, vacuum cleaners, LED tubes | Must obtain SAA Safety Certificate + complete EESS registration. |
✅ Identifying your product level early prevents unnecessary tests and saves 2–3 weeks.
All non-Australian manufacturers must appoint an Australian local company as the Responsible Supplier.
Their duties include:
Registering the product in the EESS database
Maintaining annual records and fees (AUD 75 / year / trademark)
Assuming legal liability for compliance and post-market surveillance
Without a Responsible Supplier, RCM certification cannot be completed even with valid test reports.
Manufacturers already holding:
CB certificates, or
CE reports (with EMC & Safety test data)
can reuse and convert them for RCM submission — reducing costs by 30 – 50 % and shortening the process to as little as 3–4 weeks.
RCM certificates have no fixed expiry, but they remain valid only if:
The product design and key components are unchanged
Production site and manufacturer remain consistent
All applicable AS/NZS standards are still current
Re-testing or certificate upgrades are required if any of these conditions change.
After EESS registration, manufacturers must pay:
AUD 75 / trademark per year
Multiple brands or product lines → multiple fees.
Failure to renew registration results in automatic suspension of EESS listing.
Australian authorities (ACMA, ERAC, EESS) are now imposing stricter penalties for violations:
Unregistered products: up to AUD 400,000 fine
False declarations: possible criminal charges
Non-compliance found during spot checks: immediate market withdrawal
Warning: ACMA’s 2025 enforcement plan includes online marketplaces such as Amazon AU, eBay AU, and Catch.com — unregistered imports are actively targeted.
Given the new standards and extended registration list:
Allow 3–6 weeks for standard products and up to 8 weeks for complex ones.
Conduct pre-testing or gap analysis to identify safety and RF issues early.
Direct Plug-in Adapters: Must undergo random plug testing per AS/NZS 3112.
LED Tubes: Require safety assessment in Australia due to higher replacement risk.
Wireless Devices: Must pass AS/NZS 4268 RF testing for RCM compliance.
Keep all reports, DoC, and EESS records organized and updated annually — a key focus for 2025 audits.
| Aspect | Key Change / Action Point |
|---|---|
| Safety Standard | AS/NZS 62368-1 replaces AS/NZS 60950.1 |
| EMC Standard | AS/NZS CISPR 32:2023 mandatory from Jan 2025 |
| New Product Scope | Mobile phones & tablets added |
| Marking Rules | Only unified RCM mark — no C-Tick or A-Tick |
| Local Requirement | Responsible Supplier is compulsory |
| Non-Compliance Penalty | Up to AUD 400,000 fine + product ban |
At Blue Asia Technology (Shenzhen), we provide end-to-end RCM certification solutions for manufacturers and brands entering the Australia / New Zealand markets.
Our professional services include:
RCM safety, EMC & RF testing (AS/NZS standards)
EESS database registration & Responsible Supplier coordination
CB / CE report conversion for RCM acceptance
Regulatory updates & cost optimization consulting
king.guo@cblueasia.com
+86 135 3422 5140
Have questions about how these new regulations affect your products?
Request a Free Consultation →
Related News
