Changes to be made to RCM requirements

An amendment has been made to AS/NZS 4417.2 “Regulatory compliance mark for electrical and electronic equipment, Part 2: Specific requirements for particular regulatory applications”. This amendment affects the risk classification and certification requirements for some devices listed below, with several increasing from level 2 to level 3 risk.

Who will be affected?

Amendment 2 affects the following device types:

• Building Wiring Cable

• Clothes Dryers

• Hedge Clipper

• Miniature Overcurrent circuit breaker

• Power Supply or charger

• Supply flexible cord

• Tool – Portable type

• Battery powered self balancing personal transport device.

When will the changes take place?

The Date of Acceptance is 26/6/2021. Although the amendment comes into effect on this date, if you test a product during this period, regulators may apply the amendment at anytime. Products currently on the Australian market will still be compliant up until this date. Comtest Labs will check with the relevant certification body what is appropriate for your device.

What should you do?

Both level 2 and level 3 risk electrical equipment require Responsible Suppliers to be registered on the Electrical Equipment Safety System (EESS) registration database. Suppliers must also register their products. There are differences in the compliance process:

For level 2 equipment, it is mandatory to have a Compliance Folder for electrical safety standards which is compiled by an Australian body. Read more here.

For level 3 equipment, you should note that if your Certificate of Conformity expires for a product, its registration will also expire whether it is registered for a period of 1, 2, or 5 years.

Both electrical safety and ACMA requirements need to be satisfied before the RCM can be placed on a product.

However, Comtest Labs will seamlessly transition to the updated standard and will ensure your electrical product is tested for all applicable requirements, and can arrange certification or registration on your behalf. We are one of the few laboratories that can offer a full service from assisting you with understanding requirements to communicating with distributors. Ask us for a quote on our Compliance Folder Management services.