RCM

1. Certification Overview

The Regulatory Compliance Mark (RCM) is a registered mark indicating the supplier's declaration that a product meets safety and other requirements under electrical safety legislation in Australian states and New Zealand, as well as applicable EMC, RF and telecommunications requirements. The mark may be used only when all relevant electrical safety and communications regulations are satisfied. Approval to use RCM in one state is accepted by the statutory regulators in other states, enabling access across states through one approval.

2. Certification Mark

3. Applicable Regions

Australia and New Zealand

4. Product Scope

Electrical products with voltage ratings between 50 V and 1000 V AC, or between 120 V and 1500 V DC, must comply with Australian electrical safety legislation.

Level 1 — Low risk: Generally DC-powered products. Registration is not mandatory, but a representative is required.

Level 2 — Medium risk: Generally AC-powered products. Registration is mandatory according to the applicable list.

Level 3 — High risk: The list contains 56 product types. Registration is mandatory according to the list.

5. Required Documents

1. Product instructions and specifications

2. Circuit Schematics

3. Product critical component list

4. List of differences between product models

5. Photographs of additional models

6. 3 samples of the main test model

7. Product application form

6. Certification Process

1. A third-party laboratory assesses the product and determines the test standards.
2. If testing identifies nonconformities, the laboratory assists with corrections to meet Australian standards.
3. After testing passes, a test report is issued.
4. For Level 2 and Level 3 products, submit the safety test report to an Australian certification body for document review.
5. After review, the Australian body issues a Safety Certificate.
6. The customer or laboratory completes registration on the Australian website.

7. Factory Inspection

Australian RCM approval does not require factory inspection.

8. Important Notes

1. Products must carry the unified RCM logo under the Australian announcement of April 19, 2013.

2. Direct plug-in adapters require random plug testing when applying for RCM safety approval.

3. Tube lamps, such as T8 LED and fluorescent tubes, pose higher safety risks because users can replace them directly. Samples must be sent to Australia for assessment.

4. A product with a CB report covering national differences may be converted directly to a Safety Certificate. Together with EMC evidence, this allows the agent to issue a declaration so the product can be sold in Australia and bear the RCM mark.

5. Safety Certificate: Direct plug-in products require an Australian plug test to AS/NZS 3112:2004. Desktop products do not require this test.

9. Mark Usage Guidelines

The label must be clearly visible.
The label may be any color provided it is visible, for example through contrast with the background or an embossed, molded or engraved marking.
The label must be at least 3 mm high.
If a QR code is used as a compliance label, it must link to a website prominently displaying the RCM.