Navigate ACMA Regulations and RCM Marking for Australian Market Access
Bringing wireless and telecommunications products to Australia requires navigating ACMA regulations, RCM marking requirements, and evolving compliance standards. As 2026 brings updated technical standards and new class licenses, manufacturers need a clear roadmap to access the Australian market.
This guide breaks down Australia’s type approval process, from ACMA certification requirements to testing standards and timelines, helping you launch products efficiently while avoiding costly compliance mistakes.
What you’ll learn:
• Australia’s ACMA and RCM regulatory framework
• Supplier’s Declaration of Conformity requirements and process
• Testing standards for RF, EMC, safety, and EME compliance
• Certification timelines and MRA advantages
• 2025 regulatory updates affecting your products
Understanding Australia’s Type Approval Framework
ACMA, RCM, and EESS: The Compliance Ecosystem
Australia’s compliance system centers on three key elements working together to regulate telecommunications, wireless, and electrical products.
Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) regulates radiocommunications and telecommunications equipment under the Radiocommunications Act 1992 and Telecommunications Act 1997. ACMA sets technical standards for RF performance, electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), and electromagnetic energy (EME) exposure.
Regulatory Compliance Mark (RCM) is the official compliance symbol showing your product meets both ACMA and electrical safety requirements. The RCM replaced previous A-Tick and C-Tick marks, streamlining compliance into a single recognizable mark.
Electrical Equipment Safety System (EESS) manages electrical safety requirements through state and territory jurisdictions, covering products that connect to mains power.
| Regulatory Body | Scope | Key Requirements |
| ACMA | Telecommunications, radiocommunications, EMC | Technical standards compliance, frequency authorization |
| RCM (Joint) | All in-scope products | Unified marking, supplier declaration |
| EESS | Electrical equipment safety | Safety standards, risk-based certification |
Why Australia Certification Matters
Australia represents a significant market opportunity for wireless and telecommunications manufacturers, with straightforward self-declaration processes and mutual recognition agreements. Australia certification is more accessible than many manufacturers realize when done correctly.
The consequences of non-compliance are severe: ACMA has enforcement powers, including financial penalties up to $165,000 per offense, product recalls, and supply prohibitions. Post-market surveillance means ACMA can request compliance evidence at any time.
The Supplier’s Declaration of Conformity (SDoC) Process
Australia operates on a self-declaration model rather than pre-market approval. The Supplier’s Declaration of Conformity (SDoC) is your legal declaration that products comply with applicable ACMA technical standards.
SDoC Requirements
Australian Responsible Supplier
You must have an Australian legal presence, either as a manufacturer with Australian operations, an Australian importer, or through an authorized Australian representative.
Physical Address
P.O. Boxes are not acceptable; ACMA requires a street address.
Compliance Evidence
Test reports from accredited laboratories demonstrating standards compliance.
Technical Documentation
Complete Technical Construction Files (TCF) supporting your declaration.
5-Year Record Retention
All compliance records must be maintained and available for ACMA inspection.
Compliance Levels Determine Your Testing Path
ACMA categorizes equipment by risk level, determining whether accredited testing is required:
Level 1: Testing optional (but recommended for due diligence)
Level 2: Testing by recognized testing body required
Level 3: Testing by accredited testing body mandatory
Most wireless and telecommunications products fall under Level 2 or Level 3, requiring professional laboratory testing.
Testing Standards: What Your Product Must Prove
RF and Radiocommunications Testing
Products transmitting radio frequency signals must comply with general standards in Schedule 5 of the Radiocommunications Equipment (General) Rules 2021. Testing validates:
• Frequency accuracy and stability
• Output power and power spectral density
• Spurious emissions and harmonics
• Modulation characteristics
• Receiver sensitivity (where applicable)
Australia-Specific Considerations:
900 MHz ISM Band
Australia uses 915-928 MHz. Products designed for 902-915 MHz (standard in North America) are not authorized and will interfere with mobile networks, requiring frequency lockout or redesign.
Short-Range Devices
Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, RFID, and other low-interference devices must comply with the updated Low Interference Potential Devices (LIPD) Class Licence 2026, which specifies frequency bands, power limits, and operational restrictions.
EMC (Electromagnetic Compatibility) Standards
The Radiocommunications (Electromagnetic Compatibility) Standard 2017 mandates emissions and immunity testing. Products are categorized as:
G1 Standards: Residential, commercial, light industrial use
G2 Standards: Industrial environment use
Common standards include CISPR 32 (multimedia equipment), CISPR 11 (ISM equipment), and corresponding immunity standards.
Telecommunications Standards
Customer equipment connecting to telecommunications networks must meet technical standards, including AS/CA S002 (analogue interworking), AS/CA S003 (access equipment), and AS/CA S004 (voice performance).
EME/SAR Testing Requirements
Mobile stations with integral antennas, smartphones, wearables, and tablets must comply with electromagnetic energy exposure limits. Testing follows ARPANSA’s Radiation Protection Standard, measuring specific absorption rate (SAR) to ensure safe RF exposure levels.
Leveraging Mutual Recognition Agreements
APEC MRA Advantage
Australia participates in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Telecommunications (APEC TEL) Mutual Recognition Arrangement Phase I. This enables test reports from recognized Conformity Assessment Bodies (CABs) to support Australian compliance without requiring in-country testing.
MiCOM Labs holds CAB designation US0159 under APEC MRA, recognized by Australia’s ACMA. Our test reports are accepted for Australian SDoC preparation, eliminating duplicate testing and accelerating certification.
Additional Australia MRAs
Australia maintains mutual recognition with:
• New Zealand (Trans-Tasman MRA)
• Chinese Taipei (EME MRA for SAR testing)
• Singapore
• European Union (EC-MRA)
• European Free Trade Association members
This network means testing once can support multiple market certifications when working with properly recognized laboratories.
RCM Marking and Labelling Requirements
After completing testing and signing the SDoC, you must apply the RCM mark before supplying products to the Australian market.
Physical Labelling Requirements
Standard RCM Requirements
✓ Minimum 3mm height
✓ Permanent and durable
✓ Visible and legible to unaided eye
✓ Applied to readily accessible surface
✓ Any color providing adequate contrast
Alternative Labelling Options
Electronic labelling: Products with built-in displays can show the RCM electronically through menus or system information screens.
QR code labelling: QR codes linking to websites that prominently display the RCM are permitted.
Package labelling: When surface labelling is impractical and no built-in display exists, apply RCM to both product packaging and accompanying documentation.
Australia Certification Timeline
| Phase | Duration | Key Activities |
| Pre-compliance | 1-2 weeks | Standards identification, gap analysis, sample preparation |
| Testing | 2-4 weeks | RF, EMC, safety, SAR testing at accredited laboratory |
| Report & SDoC | 1 week | Technical file compilation, SDoC preparation |
| Market Ready | 4-7 weeks total | From project start to certified product |
Important: Timelines assume first-time test pass. Product failures requiring modifications extend schedules.
Working with MRA-recognized laboratories like MiCOM Labs eliminates in-country testing delays, providing the fastest path to Australian market access.
2025-2026 Regulatory Updates You Need to Know
Telecommunications Labelling Notice 2025
Effective 31 March 2025, the updated Telecommunications (Labelling Notice for Customer Equipment and Customer Cabling) Instrument 2025 introduces:
• Mandatory RCM labelling for previously exempt cabling products (1-year transition ending 30 March 2026)
• Clarified requirements for high-risk telecommunications equipment
• Updated references to eight remade technical standards
LIPD Class Licence 2025
The new Radiocommunications (Low Interference Potential Devices) Class Licence 2025 updates requirements for short-range devices, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, RFID, UWB, wireless microphones, and IoT devices. Review updated frequency allocations and power limits to ensure ongoing compliance.
Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
Frequency Band Incompatibility
Products designed for other markets may operate on unauthorized Australian frequencies.
Solution:
Verify frequency compatibility early; implement frequency lockout for incompatible bands.
Missing Australian Responsible Supplier
Foreign manufacturers cannot sign SDoC without an Australian presence.
Solution:
Establish importer relationships or Australian representation before testing begins.
Non-Recognized Test Reports
Reports from non-accredited labs may not satisfy ACMA requirements.
Solution:
Work with NATA-accredited or MRA-recognized laboratories from project start.
Incomplete Technical Documentation
Missing TCF elements delay certification and create compliance risks.
Solution:
Develop comprehensive technical files, including specifications, test reports, user guides, and operational descriptions.
Why Choose MiCOM Labs for Australia Type Approval
APEC MRA-Recognized Laboratory
As CAB US0159 under APEC TEL MRA, MiCOM Labs provides test reports Australia recognizes without requiring in-country testing duplication.
Comprehensive Testing Under One Roof
Our ISO/IEC 17025 accredited laboratories handle complete Australia compliance testing:
• RF and wireless testing (FCC, ETSI, ACMA standards)
• EMC emissions and immunity testing
• Electrical safety testing
• Telecommunications performance testing
MiTest® Platform: Real-Time Visibility
Our proprietary MiTest® automated testing platform provides 24/7 project visibility, accelerates report generation, and reduces typical testing timeframes by 30-40% compared to traditional manual processes.
Multi-Market Certification Expertise
Beyond Australia, MiCOM Labs holds direct certification authority as:
• TCB (USA FCC)
• FCB (Canada ISED)
• Notified Body (EU RED)
• Approved Body (UK UKCA)
• RCB (Japan MIC)
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need separate certifications for ACMA and EESS?
No. The RCM represents compliance with both schemes; however, your product must satisfy the applicable requirements from each.
Can I use FCC or CE test reports for Australia?
Often yes, when generated by MRA-recognized laboratories. Reports must demonstrate compliance with Australia-specific requirements, including frequency bands and power limits.
Is in-country testing required for Australia?
No. Australia accepts reports from accredited laboratories recognized under applicable MRAs, a significant advantage over markets like China and Brazil.
What’s the validity period for Australia type approval?
The SDoC remains valid while the product is unchanged and complies with applicable standards. Compliance records must be maintained for 5 years.
Start Your Australia Certification Today
Don’t let compliance complexity delay your Australian market entry. MiCOM Labs combines APEC MRA recognition, comprehensive testing capabilities, and automated workflows to deliver Australia type approval efficiently and reliably.
Our engineering-first approach ensures technical excellence while proven processes deliver predictable timelines and transparent costs. Partner with compliance experts who understand Australia’s regulatory landscape and maintain technical capabilities to verify your products meet every ACMA requirement.