The A–Tick–Information for consumers

What is the A-Tick mark?

The A-Tick is a compliance mark produced by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (the ACMA) for telecommunications items. It gives consumers confidence that a telecommunications item meets the safety and technical standards set by the ACMA.

What does the A-Tick look like?

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The A-Tick compliance label consists of the A-Tick mark and a supplier code number issued by the ACMA or some other form of supplier identification.

What does the A-Tick mean?

The A-Tick indicates that an item is compliant with the mandatory technical standards and can legally be connected to a telecommunications network. The A-Tick compliance label will appear on items such as fixed and mobile phones, answering machines, facsimile machines and modems.

Do all consumer telecommunications items have to have an A-Tick?

Telecommunications items must have an A-Tick or display a compliance label of a previous labelling scheme such as the Telecom Authorisation or AUSTEL permit. Items without an A-Tick or the previously accepted labels may be unsafe and cause harm if connected to the telecommunications network.

You should also be aware that it is illegal to connect telecommunications items that do not carry the A-Tick compliance label and that penalties can be imposed.

Where do I find the A-Tick on telecommunications items?

Generally, the A-Tick is on the base or at the back of an item. With mobile phones, it may be necessary to remove the battery from the phone to see the A-Tick mark. Laptop and desktop computers operated with removable PC modem cards may carry the A-Tick mark on the card rather than on the computer itself. Consideration is being given to items incorporating displays displaying the A-Tick on its screen. Contact the ACMA for further information.

Does the A-Tick apply to all electrical products?

No. The A-Tick only applies to telecommunications items.

How do product manufacturers or importers make use of the A-Tick?

Manufacturers and importers, after seeking permission, may use the A-Tick symbol on their telecommunications items to show that their item is compliant with the mandatory technical standards and can be legally connected to the network.

My fax has an AUSTEL permit number on it. Is this okay?

Yes. The AUSTEL permit number was part of a previous labelling scheme. This scheme stopped in June 1997. Items with this permit number can still be connected to the telecommunications network.

My telephone has a Telecom Australia authorisation number on it. Is this okay?

Yes. The Telecom Australia authorisation number was part of a previous labelling scheme. This scheme stopped in June 1989. Items with this authorisation number can still be connected to the telecommunications network.

What do I do if I find a telecommunications item without a compliance mark?

Don't buy it. Tell the ACMA its make and model details and the location of the shop where you saw it and don't connect the item to the telecommunications network. Remember—No Tick, no thanks.

What is the C-Tick?

The C-Tick is the compliance mark that applies to electrical and electronic products (including radios). Further details on the C-Tick are on the ACMA website.

What are the recognised forms for labelling telecommunications customer equipment?

More information

More information about the A-Tick is on the ACMA website or contact the ACMA's Technical Regulation Development Section.

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.