RCM and SDoC Solutions

Legal responsibility for EMC compliance lies with the Responsible Supplier—the local manufacturer or importer who first places the product on the market. In Australia, this framework is governed by the ACMA (Australian Communications and Media Authority), while in New Zealand, it is managed by RSM (Radio Spectrum Management). Because both countries operate on a supplier self-declaration principle, you are legally required to ensure your products meet mandatory emission standards before sale. This obligation includes maintaining a technical compliance folder, signing a Supplier Declaration of Conformity (SDoC), and ensuring the product is correctly labelled with the RCM (Regulatory Compliance Mark) to prevent interference with radio communications.

Most electrical and electronic products must comply with Emission (EMI) standards to prevent interference with radio communications. These standards are typically AS/NZS versions of international CISPR or IEC standards, such as AS/NZS CISPR 32 for multimedia equipment or AS/NZS CISPR 14.1 for household appliances. Unlike the EU, Immunity (EMS) testing is generally recommended but not legally mandatory. To be compliant, products must be supported by a technical file, a Supplier Declaration of Conformity (SDoC), and must display the RCM (Regulatory Compliance Mark).

The difference is the path the interference takes to leave your device. Conducted emissions travel through the physical wiring (like power cords), while radiated emissions travel through the air as radio waves.

For Australian and New Zealand (RCM) compliance, testing ensures your device doesn’t “pollute” the power grid through cables or interfere with wireless signals through the air. Generally, conducted testing covers lower frequencies (150kHz to 30MHz), whereas radiated testing covers higher frequencies (30MHz and above).

Generally, no new testing is required, but you still need to complete local compliance steps. Because Australian and New Zealand EMC standards (AS/NZS) are closely aligned with the international standards used for CE marking, your existing European test reports are typically accepted. However, a CE report does not grant an automatic right to sell; you must still have an Australian or New Zealand “Responsible Supplier” verify the report, sign an EMC Supplier Declaration of Conformity (SDoC), and register on the database to legally apply the RCM logo.

ACMA (Australia) and RSM (New Zealand) conduct regular audits to prevent radio interference and ensure all products meet mandatory standards. If selected, you typically have 10 working days to provide your Compliance Folder, which must include correct RCM labeling, a detailed product description, and a valid test report. A critical requirement is the Supplier Declaration of Conformity (SDoC), which must be signed by a local Responsible Supplier (or their local agent) based in Australia or New Zealand. Overseas manufacturers or suppliers cannot sign the SDoC themselves; they must appoint an agent to take legal responsibility for the product’s compliance.

Yes, EMC compliance is legally mandatory. Just like electrical safety, any electrical or electronic product placed on the market in Australia (regulated by ACMA) or New Zealand (regulated by RSM) must meet specific electromagnetic compatibility requirements. While electrical safety focuses on preventing shocks or fires, EMC regulations ensure your device does not emit excessive radio interference that could disrupt other equipment. Both are core pillars of the RCM (Regulatory Compliance Mark) framework; a product must comply with both EMC and safety standards before the RCM logo can be legally applied and the product sold.

Not necessarily. While the RCM (Regulatory Compliance Mark) covers EMC requirements for both countries, New Zealand has specific rules for radio transmitters. If your product is a radio transmitter falling under conformity levels A1, A2, or A3 that is not harmonized with Australian standards, you must use the R-NZ compliance mark instead of the RCM for the New Zealand market.