Australia
Basis for approvals in Australia: GEMS/MEPS certification, The Regulatory Compliance Mark (RCM) (General) – EESS, ACMA compliance, EESS approval process.
Suppliers, manufacturers, and importers must comply with all government requirements to market their products in Australia. At first glance, the procedure may seem complex, but with the support of VES Testing & Certification, the necessary documents can be obtained quickly and efficiently. We minimize costs, reduce risks, and streamline the process of working with certification bodies, ensuring your goods reach the Australian market without unnecessary delays.
Certification Services in Australia
- GEMS / MEPS Certification
- Regulatory Compliance Mark (RCM) – EESS
Major Regulatory Authorities in Australia
- ACMA – Australian Communications and Media Authority
- ERAC – Electrical Regulatory Authorities Council
- GEMS – Greenhouse and Energy Minimum Standards
GEMS Certification
The Greenhouse and Energy Minimum Standards (GEMS) scheme is the mandatory energy efficiency certification for electrical and electronic products sold in Australia and New Zealand. It replaced earlier policies such as MEPS (Minimum Energy Performance Standards), energy efficiency labels (ERLS), and equipment energy efficiency plans (E3).
Since October 1, 2013, MEPS certification has been phased out. Products classified as controlled under GEMS must obtain certification before being placed on the market.
Examples of GEMS Controlled Products
- External power supplies
- Digital set-top boxes
- Televisions
- Lamps and lighting products (CFL, fluorescent, incandescent, ballasts, converters)
- Washing machines, dryers, dishwashers
- Electric water heaters, air conditioners, heat pumps, three-phase motors, refrigerators
- Cooling towers, precision air conditioning systems, commercial refrigerators, display cabinets, transformers
Application Requirements
GEMS certification involves two key steps:
- Selecting products for testing in accordance with GEMS standards (aligned with former MEPS requirements).
- Submitting test reports and documentation for review and registration. Once approved, the GEMS certification is granted.
The Regulatory Compliance Mark (RCM)
The Regulatory Compliance Mark (RCM) is a trademark owned by the electrical regulators (Regulatory Authorities – RAs) and the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA).
The Australian Standards AS/NZS 4417.1 and AS/NZS 4417.2 – Marking of Electrical Products to Indicate Compliance with Regulations – set the general requirements for use of the RCM, including its location on equipment and dimensional requirements.
The RCM represents compliance with two independent schemes:
- EESS – Electrical Equipment Safety System
- ACMA’s labelling requirements
For electrical safety, in-scope electrical equipment must not be sold unless marked with the RCM in compliance with AS/NZS 4417.1 & 4417.2 and the EESS.
The former three conformity marks (C-Tick, A-Tick, SAA) have been unified into the single RCM mark. This change reduces administrative burden for industry and helps lower costs. Having one mark for both schemes eliminates the need to track unique approval or certificate numbers, saving time and simplifying compliance. The unified mark also makes compliance easier for consumers to recognize.
How to Obtain the RCM Mark
The process of obtaining the RCM mark is similar to CE Marking. First, the product must undergo testing. The correct labelling notice must be identified, along with the applicable technical standards. After testing is completed and passed, and all required documentation is prepared, a Declaration of Conformity (DoC) is issued. In Australia and New Zealand, a local representative is required to sign the DoC before the product can be marketed.
Once these conditions are met, manufacturers register their product in the EESS database via ACMA. After registration, the RCM mark is applied according to ACMA guidelines, and the product may be legally sold in Australia and New Zealand.
RCM Placement Options
- Surface Label – contrasting colour, moulding, or engraving
- Electronic Label – displayed on a built-in screen during start-up or via device menu
- Package Label – if marking on the product is not practical, the RCM must appear on packaging and in accompanying documentation
ACMA Compliance
Compliance with ACMA regulations is mandatory, covering telecommunications, radiocommunications, electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), and electromagnetic energy (EME). Each category requires specific technical standards to be met through accredited testing.
All electrical and electronic radio equipment intended for the Australian market must comply with ACMA regulations.
Products must meet one of four Labelling Notices depending on their characteristics:
- Telecommunications Labelling Notice
- Radiocommunications Devices Labelling Notice
- Electromagnetic Energy (EME) / Electromagnetic Radiation (EMR) Labelling Notice
- Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Labelling Notice
Each Labelling Notice defines compliance levels based on product type and risk category:
- Compliance Level 1: Low-risk device
- Compliance Level 2: Medium-risk device / Non-high-risk standard
- Compliance Level 3: High-risk device / High-risk standard
EESS Approval Process
The Electrical Equipment Safety System (EESS) approval process is mandatory for in-scope electrical products. Products are classified according to risk levels (Level 1, 2, or 3), and suppliers must register with the national EESS database. Compliance is demonstrated through accredited test reports, technical documentation, and a Declaration of Conformity (DoC). Once approved, products can carry the Regulatory Compliance Mark (RCM), confirming compliance with both electrical safety and ACMA labelling requirements.
VES Testing & Certification assists manufacturers and importers throughout the EESS process, from identifying applicable risk levels to preparing documentation and coordinating testing with accredited laboratories.
EESS Approval applies to products with a rated voltage greater than 50 V AC RMS or 120 V ripple-free DC, and less than 1000 V AC RMS or 1500 V ripple-free DC. It is also applicable when the product is designed or marketed for household, personal, or similar use.
The EESS approval process has three Risk Levels, and labeling follows the same rules as the ACMA Approval Process (RCM Mark). A local importer is required to register the equipment in the EESS Database.
The EESS defines three categories of electrical equipment:
- Level 1: Low-risk equipment (basic registration only)
- Level 2: Medium-risk equipment (registration with test reports)
- Level 3: High-risk equipment (mandatory certification, test reports, and audits)
The certification and registration requirements differ depending on the category and associated electrical safety risks.
HOW VES TESTING & CERTIFICATION WILL ASSIST YOU?
We provide a complete set of services to help you achieve approval for the Australian market. Our certification experts coordinate required testing with accredited laboratories and manage communication with local authorities. From documentation preparation to final approval, we ensure a smooth process and quick market entry for your products.
For more details, contact us at: info@ves-certification.com