Commencement date: 1 March 2013
Changes to ACMA labelling arrangements
The three existing compliance marks (C-Tick, A-Tick and RCM) are being consolidated into a single compliance mark—the RCM. This will indicate a device's compliance with all applicable ACMA technical standards—that is, for telecommunications, radiocommunications, EMC and EME—and associated record-keeping (including testing) arrangements.
The C-Tick and A-Tick compliance marks are being phased out. A national database has been designated for all supplier registration and supplier identification requirements have been removed from the labelling notices.
Timetable for implementation
The new RCM labelling arrangements commence on 1 March 2013.
From 1 March 2013, the new arrangements will only apply to first-time suppliers—those who do not have a supplier code number (SCN) issued by the ACMA prior to 1 March 2013.
From 1 March 2016, the arrangements will apply to all suppliers.
Arrangements for first-time suppliers
From 1 March 2013, first-time suppliers (those who do not have a SCN) must register on the national database and use the RCM to indicate compliance with all ACMA regulatory arrangements.
Arrangements for previous ACMA-registered suppliers
There is a three-year transition period for ACMA-registered suppliers (those who were issued with a SCN by the ACMA prior to 1 March 2013). These suppliers have three years to register on the national database and start using the RCM. They are permitted to label devices with the C-Tick or A-Tick until the end of the transition period.
Devices labelled with the C-Tick or A-Tick before the end of the transition period and in accordance with the previous requirements do not need to be re-labelled. These devices are permitted to remain on the market with their current label.
From the end of the transition period—1 March 2016—all suppliers who are required to label their devices must register on the national database and use the RCM.
About EESS
A new Electrical Equipment Safety System (EESS) is being introduced by some State and Territory electrical equipment safety regulators. The RCM will be the only compliance mark for devices within the scope of the EESS. The transition arrangements for the EESS may vary to the ACMA.
Information about the EESS is available from www.erac.gov.au/.
Questions about the EESS (including questions about supplier and product registration fees) should be directed to the ERAC Secretariat via email at erac@justice.qld.gov.au.
Relationship to ACMA device compliance requirements
The introduction of the RCM does not affect the device compliance requirements of the relevant regulatory arrangements. Testing, record-keeping and evidential requirements continue to be set out in the relevant labelling notices.
Further information
Updated FAQs on the new labelling arrangements are available in Word [.docx] format.
The following fact sheets are available:
Information about the Downloadable RCM is available. The RCM image must not be applied to a device until the supplier has registered on the national database.
If you have questions about the new arrangements, please contact single.mark@acma.gov.au.
Suppliers can keep up to date with all changes to the ACMA compliance and labelling arrangements by subscribing to the email alert service.
