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Communications devices radiate electromagnetic energy in order to deliver information over long distances and in difficult geographical terrain. High levels of electromagnetic energy may have a detrimental effect upon people in some circumstances. To minimise the opportunity for detrimental effects to occur, the ACMA is introducing regulatory arrangements that minimise the opportunity for the general public to be exposed to harmful levels of radio frequency electromagnetic radiation from communications devices.
The ACMA's regulatory arrangements will include :
- A mandatory standard that establishes exposure limits in various prescribed circumstances
- Compliance arrangements for manufacturers and importers of specified communications devices for sale in Australia and
- Compliance arrangements for licensed owners or operators of communications facilities.
The regulatory arrangements are being developed in recognition of the considerable community interest in the possibility of adverse health effects associated with the use of radiocommunications devices such as mobile telephones and the siting of mobile telephone base stations and other installations utilising radio frequencies.
What EMR regulatory arrangements are in place now ?
A mandatory standard has been developed which applies to devices fitted, or intended to be fitted, with an integral antenna and intended to be used in close proximity to the body. The standard is presently applicable to mobile telephones (GSM, 3G and LTE) and cordless telephones (including PHS, DECT, CT2 and CT3) and the relevant base stations that communicate with these devices.
The ACMA intends to progressively implement a mandatory EMR standard for other communications transmitters.
Am I responsible for compliance with the EMR regulatory arrangements?
Responsibility for compliance with the mandatory standard rests with all suppliers of devices to Australia, who must each ensure that their applicable devices placed on sale in Australia comply with Australian EMR requirements.
A supplier is:
- A manufacturer who makes devices for sale on the Australian market or
- An importer of devices intended for sale in Australia or
- The authorised agent of a manufacturer or importer who makes or imports devices for sale in Australia.
It is important that manufacturers and importers understand their responsibility in terms of the regulation of compliance with the EMR arrangements. If you fit one of the above categories of supplier, you should obtain more information about Australia's EMR Regulatory Arrangements.
Visitors to Australia
If you bring a device with you for your personal use then it is not subject to the labelling requirements relevant to the regulation of EMR. However, all of the EMR standards must be complied with.
However, if you wish to operate a radio device in Australia, the device must be authorised by a radiocommunications licence.
