Appliance Repairs & Parts Guides & Resources

What is the RCM label?

The RCM label indicates your electronic device or equipment is fit for the Australian market. The RCM label indicates a product is approved under the Australia and New Zealand product's regulatory laws. Most Australian and New Zealand electrical products possess the RCM approval. Unapproved products may interfere with other electrical devices or be dangerous. For instance, a radio signal from an unapproved radio could cause the appearance of lines on TVs due to EMI (Electromagnetic interference). Below are several compliance requirements. - ESC (Electrical Safety Compliance) - RCC (Radiocommunications Compliance) - EME (Electromagnetic Emissions) - Electromagnetic Interference In the past, there used to be individual marks of at least one of these regulations, such as A-Tick and A-Tick. But now, every mark is fused into one - the Regulatory Compliance Mark (RCM). ## What is C-tick Certification? The C-tick Certification a mark registered to the ACMA for Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) and shows the link between the responsible supplier and the equipment. ## What is A-tick Certification? The A-tick Certification is also a trademark registered to ACMA and indicates compliance to Telecommunications equipment requirements. ## Is the Regulatory Compliance Mark (RCM) mandatory? The Regulatory Compliance Mark (RCM) was introduced as of 1st of March 2013. It is a must under the law that new products on and after this date were to be approved for labelling, whilst already existing products were given the 3-year transition period. The mandatory RCM ensures all Australians have constant access to top quality telecom, wireless, and electrical products instead of fakes or non-approved products that risk user experience and have poor [electrical safety](/guides/electricians/electrical-safety). ## How much does the Regulatory Compliance Mark label cost? The price for testing basic electrical devices starts from $1,500, whilst more complicated devices cost more. The price could rise due to unapproved parts. For instance, international transmitters that don't have an Regulatory Compliance Mark (RCM) could cost close to $6,000 for testing. It can be the same for a simple electrical safety testing certification which can cost up to $6,000 as well. That fee can come down to around $1,000 or less if overseas test results help to reduce the extensiveness of the safety approval test.