How to sell electrical and electronic products in Australia (RCM, EESS and ACMA)
To sell mains-powered or electronic products in Australia you register as a Responsible Supplier on the EESS database, test for electrical safety, EMC and (if it has a radio) radio and RF exposure, sign a declaration of conformity and apply the RCM. Higher-risk products also need a certificate and model registration.
Last reviewed 27 October 2026 · A planning guide, not legal or certification advice.
Roadblock lists every step that applies to what you’re launching, for each market, in order.
The RCM covers two regulators
The Regulatory Compliance Mark (RCM) shows a product meets both electrical safety rules (the Electrical Equipment Safety System, EESS, run by the state electrical regulators) and the ACMA’s EMC, radio and telecommunications rules. One registration as a Responsible Supplier on the national EESS database lets you use the RCM for both. The Responsible Supplier is the Australian manufacturer or importer, so if you import, the obligations are yours.
Electrical safety: three risk levels
Mains-powered household equipment falls into one of three levels. Level 1 (low risk) needs no model registration, but must be safe, linked to a registered supplier and RCM marked. Level 2 (medium risk) needs the model registered on the EESS database with a test report on file. Level 3 (high risk, the prescribed products) needs a Certificate of Conformity from a recognised certifier and model registration before sale. One CB Scheme test report to the IEC-based standard, with Australian national differences, is usually the evidence for every level.
EMC, radio and telecom
Almost every electronic product needs an EMC test report. Products with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, cellular or other radios also need radio testing to the ACMA standards and an RF exposure assessment against the ARPANSA limits. A pre-certified radio module saves time and money, but the finished product still needs its own declaration. You then sign a Supplier’s Declaration of Conformity, keep a compliance folder and apply the RCM to the product and packaging.
Energy, cyber and other rules
Appliances covered by GEMS (for example air conditioners, fridges, TVs and some motors and lighting) need energy testing and registration before supply. Since 4 March 2026, consumer smart devices that connect to the internet or an app must meet the smart device security standard: unique passwords per device, a way to report vulnerabilities and a stated update period, with a Statement of Compliance shipped with every unit. Products with button or coin batteries have their own mandatory standard.
Common mistakes
- Assuming a CE or FCC report is enough. It’s often reusable as evidence, but Australian national differences and the Australian supplier registration still apply.
- Booking lab testing before the design is frozen, then paying to retest.
- Forgetting that the importer, not the overseas factory, is the Responsible Supplier.
Steps, time and cost
Planning ranges from Roadblock’s register (A$, excluding your own staff time). Which steps apply depends on the product; run an analysis for yours.
| Step | Market | Typical time | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Register as a Responsible Supplier on the national database | AU | 1–2 wk | A$300–1,000 |
| Electrical safety testing | All markets | 4–12 wk | A$4,000–40,000 |
| Level 1 electrical safety evidence | AU | 0–1 wk | A$0–1,000 |
| EESS Level 2 model registration | AU | 1–2 wk | A$300–1,500 |
| EESS Level 3 certificate and model registration | AU | 4–8 wk | A$3,000–8,000 |
| EMC testing | AU / NZ / EU | 2–4 wk | A$3,000–18,000 |
| Radio and RF exposure testing | AU / NZ | 2–4 wk | A$3,000–10,000 |
| Supplier’s Declaration of Conformity and RCM marking | AU | 1 wk | A$0–1,000 |
| Energy efficiency registration (GEMS) | AU | 4–8 wk | A$3,000–12,000 |
| Smart device cyber security and Statement of Compliance | AU | 4–8 wk | A$2,000–20,000 |
| Importing into Australia | AU | 1–3 wk | A$300–2,000 |
| ACL mandatory reporting and recalls | AU | 1–2 wk | A$0–1,000 |
Questions
Do I need the RCM to sell in Australia?
Yes for most electrical and electronic products. The RCM shows compliance with both the electrical safety (EESS) and ACMA (EMC, radio, telecom) rules, and you can only use it once registered as a Responsible Supplier.
How long does RCM compliance take?
Usually 6 to 16 weeks from design freeze, mostly lab testing. Level 3 products add 4 to 8 weeks for the certificate. Supplier registration itself takes a week or two.
Can I use my CE test reports in Australia?
Often yes as evidence, because both are based on IEC standards. Check the report covers Australian national differences, and you still need the Australian registration, declaration and RCM.
Who is responsible if I import from China?
You are. The Australian importer is the Responsible Supplier for EESS and ACMA purposes and the supplier under the Australian Consumer Law.
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