{"id":267,"date":"2023-05-16T01:18:07","date_gmt":"2023-05-15T15:18:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/comtestgroup.com.au\/?p=267"},"modified":"2026-01-28T13:52:46","modified_gmt":"2026-01-28T02:52:46","slug":"whats-the-rcm-and-why-cant-you-use-a-ce-mark-in-australian-or-nz-markets","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/comtestgroup.com.au\/en\/whats-the-rcm-and-why-cant-you-use-a-ce-mark-in-australian-or-nz-markets\/","title":{"rendered":"What is the RCM and why can\u2019t you use a CE mark in Australian or NZ markets?"},"content":{"rendered":"

What is the RCM and why can\u2019t you use a CE mark in Australian or NZ markets?<\/h1>\n\t
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Most manufacturers understand the use of the CE mark signifies the product meets all the applicable European Directives.<\/p>\n

Australia and New Zealand are not part of the EU and therefore cannot legislate the use of these directives.<\/p>\n

Not even the UK will be able to use the CE mark for much longer \u2014\u00a0UKCA will be the new mark required in the UK, and came into effect earlier this year.<\/p>\n

Laws have been created in Australia and New Zealand to ensure the electrical products are compliant and bear the correct marks.<\/p>\n

There are different regulatory schemes that electrical products have to comply with.<\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\t

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EESS (Australia and New Zealand)<\/h2>\n\t
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Under EESS, certain kinds of equipment require an RCM. Those that do not require the RCM still must meet Australian and New Zealand electrical safety standards.<\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\t

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ACMA (Australia only)<\/h2>\n\t
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Under the ACMA, the RCM indicates the product meets the applicable requirements for:<\/p>\n

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  1. \n

    Telecommunications<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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    Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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    Radiocommunication<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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    Electromagnetic Radiation (EMR) or Human Exposure<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\t

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    What about New Zealand? The RSM<\/h2>\n\t
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    Products to be distributed in New Zealand are subject to RSM scheme. This means the RCM is used to indicate a product meets EMC standards or in some cases, the NZ Radiocommunications standard.<\/p>\n

    The RNZ mark must be used where the applicable NZ radio standard is not harmonised with the ACMA standard.<\/p>\n

    New Zealand\u2019s telecommunications requirements are controlled by a permit system by carriers and further requirements by the NZ Ministry of Health.<\/p>\n

    Whichever scheme your product falls under,<\/em><\/strong> you are required to maintain records of compliance.<\/p>\n

    Hefty penalties apply for suppliers who:<\/p>\n

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      distribute products that do not comply with the applicable regulatory schemes<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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      incorrect markings, i.e. using a CE mark<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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      fail to keep proper records<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      To summarise, the RCM is used under the ACMA and EESS, but in some cases the RCM.<\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\t

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      This is the RCM mark, required to be printed on devices under the schemes outlined above.<\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n

      What suppliers can do<\/h2>\n\t
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      We understand this is a complex process for retailers and suppliers, which is why we have provided a few options:<\/p>\n

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      1. \n

        Compliance Folder Management<\/h4>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

        Comtest Group can compile your compliance documentation for you, ensuring you have the correct test reports or certification.<\/p>\n

        We can also act as an Australian representative, registering you as a supplier if necessary and liaising with authorities.<\/p>\n

        This eliminates the hassle and potential repercussions of having the wrong documentation.<\/p>\n

        2. Testing<\/h4>\n

        You don\u2019t have to know what regulatory schemes or exact standards you are testing for. Upon consultation, we can determine the standards the product needs for Australia & NZ, then arrange relevant testing.<\/p>\n

        This saves time arranging each individual electrical test.<\/p>\n

        You\u2019ll also receive upfront quotes and we will only test what you need.<\/p>\n

        3. Virtual Compliance Manager<\/h4>\n

        This is our most comprehensive option.<\/p>\n

        We start at the very beginning of a product\u2019s lifecycle, where we review the design of your product to avoid unnecessary production costs.<\/p>\n

        As a cooperation partner of T\u00dcV S\u00dcD, we arrange your testing & certification through our network.<\/p>\n

        Then Comtest Group handles your ongoing compliance, investigating product faults, liaising with authorities, and updating your documents if you change your product.<\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

        Contact us today<\/h2>