The new RCM process does not change the compliance requirements for electronic and electrical equipment.
Testing, test reports, standards, approvals, compliance levels and Declarations of Compliance have not altered and are still mandatory requirements as previous arrangements for electrical safety approvals and ACMA requirements.
The most significant visual change is the logo only and removal of the ACMA suppliers number.
The RCM system is not similar to the CE process. The RCM System requires that only Australian or New Zealand importers and manufacturers have authority to sign the Declaration of Conformity and can authorise the placement of the RCM logo onto products.
Manufacturers and exporters outside of Australia and New Zealand have no authority to apply or place the RCM logo directly onto the product or sign RCM Declaration of Conformity.
The only changes relate to the registration of the Australian importers and Australian manufacturers, labelling of equipment with the RCM logo or RCM mark, terminology used with electrical safety and legal responsibility for compliance being with the Australian importers and Australian manufacturers for electrical safety and ACMA matters.
For some items, tighter evidence of conformity is required.
The system is based on a common national database used by the electrical safety regulators (ERAC), the ACMA (Australia) and RSM (NZ) for the purpose of registration.
In summary, the ERAC RCM System provides:
- A registration of Australian importers and manufacturers that supply electrical and electronic devices
- Plus for those Australian importers and manufacturers that supply mains powered Prescribed Electrical Items (EESS Level 3), the system, links those Australian entities with the approved items listed in the National Approval Database
