Bringing communications equipment into Australia–Information for consumers

If you are thinking about bringing telecommunications or radiocommunications equipment to Australia, you should be aware that you may only operate it in accordance with Australian regulations.

The improper operation of communications equipment can cause interference with the operation of other equipment, or even endanger your health or the safety of others. Communications equipment, including telephones, modems, facsimile machines, cordless phones, land mobile transceivers and citizen band (CB) radios, either connects to a telecommunications network or transmits using radiofrequencies.

Even though an item of communications equipment may be suitable for use in another country, it is not necessarily suitable to use that equipment in Australia. Other countries may have different requirements and standards for important equipment characteristics such as the voltage of the power supply or radiofrequency band in which it transmits.

This fact sheet provides basic information about bringing communications equipment (one-off imports) to Australia.

Telecommunications equipment

Telephones, modems, answering and facsimile machines

In almost all cases, telecommunications equipment purchased in another country (apart from some mobile phones) will not be suitable or safe for use in Australia.

Telecommunications equipment such as telephones, modems, answering machines and facsimile machines may only be connected to an Australian telecommunications network if the equipment complies with Australian regulatory requirements.

Telecommunications equipment suitable for use in Australia has the A-Tick compliance mark, showing it meets safety and technical standards set by the ACMA for connection to an Australian network.

If the equipment does not carry the A-Tick compliance mark, it may not be suitable and it is illegal to connect to an Australian telecommunications network. Penalties may be imposed for illegal connection. Apart from mobile phones, there is no provision for temporary exemptions to this requirement, even in the case of laptop and desktop computers purchased overseas that incorporate modems.

The process for having an item of telecommunications equipment tested to prove compliance in Australia is expensive and impractical. It is not worthwhile for one-off imports to be tested for compliance, and they must not be connected to an Australian telecommunications network.

In almost all cases, telecommunications equipment purchased in another country (apart from some mobile phones) will not be suitable or safe for use in Australia.

Telecommunications equipment such as telephones, modems, answering machines and facsimile machines may only be connected to an Australian telecommunications network if the equipment complies with Australian regulatory requirements.

Telecommunications equipment suitable for use in Australia has the A-Tick label, showing it meets safety and technical standards set by ACMA for connection to an Australian network.

Cordless phones

A variety of cordless telecommunications systems (CTS)—more commonly known as cordless phones—are available worldwide. Many systems suitable for use in other countries cannot be used in Australia because they use radiofrequencies that are not available for such use in Australia, and they are not tested to Australian standards for telecommunications equipment. CTS owners must not attempt to operate their overseas equipment in Australia.

CTS base stations must be compliant with Australian technical standards and labelled with the A-Tick mark (see under Telephones, modems, answering and facsimile machines above) before they may be connected to the Australian network.

CTS handsets and base stations incorporate radio transmitters and must therefore also comply with Australian standards for radiocommunications equipment.

The ACMA recommends that you do not import a cordless phone into Australia. If the equipment does not carry the A-Tick compliance mark, you cannot safely and legally connect it to an Australian telecommunications network and penalties may be imposed for illegal connection. The process of having a single cordless phone tested to prove compliance for connection in Australia is expensive and impractical.

Mobile phones

Australia operates mobile telecommunications services using two digital technologies: 3G and GSM (Global System for Mobiles).

A mobile phone for personal use may be brought into Australia and connected to a mobile telecommunications network provided the phone meets Australian standards. If you are thinking about bringing a mobile phone back from overseas with you for personal use, check with your carrier or service provider before you take the trip. Some features available on a mobile phone purchased overseas may not be supported by an Australian carrier and may not be available within Australia. There are no labelling requirements for a mobile phone imported for personal use by this method.

Connecting your mobile phone in Australia

To connect your mobile phone (which you purchased overseas) in Australia, you will need a new SIM card, which can be purchased from any Australian mobile phone service provider. You should check with the service provider whether they support the brand and model of mobile phone you wish to connect.

If your phone is locked to an overseas carrier it may not work with an Australian carrier's SIM card and it can only be unlocked by that overseas carrier. The ACMA cannot assist you in unlocking a mobile phone.

Only an Australian mobile phone service provider (and not the ACMA) can assist you in connecting your mobile phone in Australia.

Arranging temporary connection of your mobile phone prior to arriving in Australia (roaming)

If you are an international traveller intending to visit Australia, you should check with your carrier or service provider (in your own country) to find out if there is a roaming agreement in force with an Australian carrier prior to travelling. Mobile phone providers in many countries have established international roaming agreements with carriers in Australia that allow their customers to continue to use their mobile phones in Australia.

Mobile phone booster amplifiers

Mobile phone booster amplifiers or 'boosters' are devices that connect to a mobile phone to boost or amplify the signal of that phone. Boosters are prohibited within Australia and there are fines of up to $220,000 for importing them for use or supply. More information on the banning of mobile phone booster amplifiers is on the ACMA website.

Radiocommunications equipment

The use of non-standard radiocommunications equipment including, but not limited to, cordless phones, land mobile transceivers, CB radios and a range of low power appliances, may cause costly interference. Some of the services which may be affected by interference are cellular (mobile) phone services, broadcast radio and television, and two-way radio services, including emergency services.

The use and (sometimes) possession of radiocommunications equipment not specifically designed to comply with Australian standards may be illegal. There are severe penalties for operation, possession for the purpose of operation and supply of radiocommunications equipment that does not comply with applicable Australian standards.

It is illegal to operate any radio transmitter in Australia unless the operation of that transmitter is authorised by a licence issued by the ACMA.

Low power transmitters are generally covered by an ACMA radiocommunications class licence. Spectrum usage and equipment standards vary around the world, and it can be difficult to ensure that equipment purchased overseas complies with an ACMA class licence. The operation of most base stations, mobile and handheld transmitters can only be authorised by an apparatus licence, which incurs additional costs.

Two-way base, mobile and handheld equipment other than those used in the amateur service usually requires the assignment of individual operating frequencies. It is most unlikely that this type of equipment, which may be authorised for use in other countries, could be authorised for use in Australia without at least requiring a frequency change, and in many instances cannot be operated at all. As a result, it is generally impractical to bring such equipment into Australia.

As the Australian market for radiocommunications equipment is relatively small compared to the European, US and Asian markets, all of which have different equipment standards and frequency usage regimes, it is not surprising that the vast majority of equipment for sale overseas is unsuitable for use in Australia. The process for having a single piece of radiocommunications equipment tested for compliance to Australian standards is expensive and impractical.

Radiocommunications equipment approved for use in Australia has the C-Tick compliance mark, showing that it meets mandatory technical standards set by the ACMA.

If radiocommunications equipment is designed to connect to a telecommunications network it must also comply with regulations applicable to telecommunications equipment and be labelled with the A-Tick compliance mark. It is not necessary for such equipment to also bear the C-Tick mark. For such equipment, the A-Tick mark is sufficient indication that the equipment complies with both radiocommunications and telecommunications regulations.

Amateur radio operators

Amateur radio operators visiting Australia may operate an amateur station during their stay providing that they first obtain an appropriate Australian amateur licence. Certain overseas qualifications/licences are recognised for the purpose of issuing an Australian amateur licence. These arrangements reflect reciprocal licensing agreements with other countries and recognition on an individual basis of certain other qualifications.

Visiting overseas amateurs will be allocated an Australian amateur callsign usually associated with the Australian State/Territory in which the licence is obtained. The ACMA permits visiting amateurs to use their home station callsign during voice announcements. This is conditional on the visiting amateur using his or her Australian-allocated callsign as well. To find out more about obtaining this licence, see the information paper Amateurs Visiting Australia on the ACMA website.

Electrical safety

Australia's mains power supply is nominally 230 volts and 50 Hz. If the equipment you wish to use in Australia operates at a different voltage or a different power line frequency, connection may result in the equipment being damaged or destroyed and personal injury, or fatality. If you are uncertain about operating equipment in Australia, discuss your options with a suitably qualified electrician, licensed to operate in Australia.

Contacting emergency services

Information on contacting emergency services in Australia is in the ACMA fact sheet Emergency Call Services on the ACMA website.

Further information

More information about bringing communications equipment into Australia is available.

Information on labelling and compliance requirements for manufacturers and importers of communications equipment is available on the ACMA website.

The ACMA has fact sheets on a range of topics.

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.