The electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) regulatory arrangements impose compliance labelling and record-keeping requirements for the supply of an extensive range of electrical and electronic products, vehicles and products with internal combustion engines. The requirements are detailed in the:
- Radiocommunications Labelling (Electromagnetic Compatibility) Notice 2008 (the EMC LN) made under section 182 of the Radiocommunications Act 1992.
The objective of the arrangements is to minimise the risk of unintentional electromagnetic interference from products which may affect the performance of other electrical products or disrupt radiocommunications services.
The EMC LN specifies, among other things, the form and placement of the compliance label, the compliance level, the applicable EMC testing and record-keeping requirements. The Radiocommunications (Electromagnetic Compatibility) Standard 2008(the EMC Standard) specifies the technical standards that apply to a device.
The EMC regulatory arrangements require that, prior to supplying a product to the Australian market, a supplier must:
- Assess applicability – establish whether the product is subject to the EMC regulatory arrangement (refer to Part 2 in the EMC LN).
- Identify the applicable standards – identify the applicable EMC standard/s as listed on the ACMA website.
- Demonstrate compliance – ensure the product complies with the applicable standard/s at the specified compliance level (refer to section 4.3 of the EMC LN). Compliance can be demonstrated through testing and/or assessment of supporting documentation.
- Complete a Declaration of Conformity (DoC) and maintain compliance records – the DoC is a declaration made by, or on behalf of the supplier that all products comply with the applicable standard/s. A compliance record is a collection of documents (that may include the DoC and test reports) that support the supplier’s claim the product complies with the standard/s (refer to section 4.3A and Part 5 of the EMC LN).
- Register on the national database – a supplier must register on the national database before affixing a compliance label to a compliant product (refer to sections 4.2 and 4.2A of the EMC LN).
- Apply a compliance label – a compliance label indicates the device complies with the applicable standards (refer to Part 3 of the EMC LN). The compliance label consists of the Regulatory Compliance Mark (RCM).
The EMC LN and its associated explanatory statement is available on the Federal Register of Legislative Instruments through the ComLaw website.
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Image courtesy of the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA).
