Alert: Changes to ACMA labelling arrangements from 1 March 2013.New single compliance mark – RCM. Further information is available. |
The ACMA’s four device and equipment labelling notices made under the Telecommunications Act 1997 and Radiocommunications Act 1992 have been amended to now allow suppliers the option of using electronic labelling as an equally available alternative to the traditional labelling of the surface of the device.
Background
The ACMA has responsibility for the regulation of customer equipment, customer cabling and specified electrical and electronic devices under the Telecommunications Act 1997 and the Radiocommunications Act 1992. These regimes cover aspects of devices related to the telecommunications, radiocommunications, electromagnetic energy and electromagnetic compatibility functions of the device.
The ACMA has four labelling notices that impose obligations on suppliers including the requirement to comply with technical standards, maintain records and apply a label (compliance mark) to the surface of the device. The affixing of a compliance mark on a device is a visible indication that the device meets the requirements of the relevant labelling notice. (see also the Labelling telecommunications, radiocommunications, EMC and EME equipment – A summary of requirements fact sheet).
New arrangements
Suppliers may choose to use electronic labelling for their device if the device has a built-in display. Suppliers who choose to use electronic labelling are required to explain in the documentation accompanying the device how the user can display the electronic label. Suppliers must ensure that it is difficult to prevent the display of the electronic label when the method specified in the documentation is used.
The electronic label must be displayed on the device’s built-in display. A built-in display means a display or screen that is integral to the device and does not include a display or screen that can be used independently of the device. Some examples of devices that use a display or screen that is not integral to the device include personal computers, DVD players and portable hard disks.
The labelling notices do not prescribe how the electronic label is to be displayed. Examples of how the electronic label can be displayed include:
- during the device’s power up sequence
- under the device’s system information page
- under the device’s help menu.
There is however a requirement for suppliers to indicate the method used for displaying the electronic label in the documents that accompany the device.
More information
For more information on labelling, please contact Technical Regulation Development Section.
More information on the EMC, radiocommunications, telecommunications and EME regulatory arrangements can also be found on the ACMA website.
Please note: this document is intended as a guide only and should not be relied on as legal advice or regarded as a substitute for legal advice in individual cases.
