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13 Jul

New rules regarding the supply of electrical and electronic equipment in New Zealand

In August 2022, WorkSafe NZ published new regulatory (gazette) notices that apply to high risk and medium risk electrical and electronic equipment supplied in New Zealand. These commenced on 1 January 2023.

Some of the key requirements in the regulatory notices are:

  • All single-phase appliances must be marked with either 230V, or with a voltage range that includes 230V. All three-phase appliances must be marked with either 400V, or with a voltage range that includes 400V.
  • All certified appliances must have a unique certification marking, issued as part of the certification process. The RCM is not recognised in NZ for electrical safety certification.
  • Testing and certification must be carried out to confirm the safety and compliance of the equipment at 230V (or 400V if three-phase equipment).
  • Where the applicable testing standard requires testing at the most unfavourable voltage of a range, the determination of most unfavourable voltage must be made independently for each testing clause and documented in the test report.
  • A test report may not be used for electrical safety compliance if it is older than 5 years.

 

More detailed information on the regulatory notices can be found on the WorkSafe New Zealand website at https://www.worksafe.govt.nz/topic-and-industry/electricity/appliances-and-fittings/new-rules-regarding-the-supply-of-declared-articles-in-new-zealand/.

If you would like to know more on how CBA can assist you with your regulatory requirements, please contact us on 61 2 9099-1557 or email Gunther at gtheisz@certificationbody.com.au or Colin at cpayne@certificationbody.com.au.

 

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11 Jul

Transition period for LTE/5G Telecoms mobile device standards ending in December 2023

In December 2022, the ACMA made changes to the Telecommunications (Labelling Notice for Customer Equipment and Customer Cabling) Instrument 2015 to give regulatory effect to the Telecommunications (Mobile Equipment Air Interface) Technical Standard 2022.

The Mobile Equipment Air Interface Standard 2022 updated the industry standards to AS/CA S042.1:2022 (general requirements), AS/CA S042.4:2022 (LTE requirements) and AS/CA S042.5:2022 (5G requirements). The Mobile Equipment Air Interface Standard 2022 provided a 12-month transition period, during which devices can comply with the existing industry standards, or the newly mandated 2022 industry standards.

This transition period will end in December 2023. From then on, only the 2022 industry standards can be used for compliance with the Mobile Air Interface Standard.

Applicable Industry Standards

During transition period From December 2023
General Requirements (all mobile devices)

AS/CA S042.1:2020 or AS/CA S042.1:2022

General Requirements (all mobile devices)

AS/CA S042.1:2022

LTE (3G/4G) capable devices

AS/CA S042.4:2018 or AS/CA S042.4:2022

LTE (3G/4G) capable devices

AS/CA S042.4:2022

5G capable devices

Carrier permission to connect a 5G device or AS/CA S042.5:2022

5G capable devices

AS/CA S042.5:2022

If you would like to know more on how CBA can assist you with your regulatory requirements, please contact Colin Payne (cpayne@certificationbody.com.au) or use our general enquiries email: contact@certificationbody.com.au.

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06 Oct

Vehicle telematics and communications systems. These devices and systems may need to comply with mandatory standards before they can be supplied to the Australian market.

Does your vehicle’s systems have wireless sensors or include Wi-Fi and/or Bluetooth functions?

Did you know that many vehicle telematics and communications systems use a Public Mobile Telecommunications Service (PMTS) to communicate?

These devices and systems may need to comply with mandatory standards before they can be supplied to the Australian market.

What are the requirements?

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) is the Australian Government regulator for telecommunications and radiocommunications. The ACMA has a range of equipment regulations that may apply.

The ACMA’s labelling notices place obligations on the importer (in Australia) of the equipment into Australia, or the manufacturer (in Australia) of the equipment that must be met before the equipment is able to be supplied in Australia.

The obligations in the labelling notices include the requirement to ensure the equipment complies with applicable standards, keeping records that demonstrate compliance, to register on the national database as a supplier and to label the equipment to show it complies.

There are four labelling notices by the ACMA which specify obligations for suppliers of equipment. It is possible that all four labelling notices could apply to the supplier of the same piece of equipment.

The ACMA labelling notices will specify which standards your equipment must comply with.

What applies to vehicle telematics and communications systems?

The requirements are different depending on regulatory arrangement and labelling notice.

Telecommunications

If the vehicle’s system connects to a PMTS directly (rather than through a separate mobile phone) the supplier will need to ensure the system complies with the relevant standards mandated in the Telecommunications (Labelling Notice for Customer Equipment and Customer Cabling) Instrument 2015.

These standards depend on whether the vehicle’s system is data only or supports voice communications.

Radio standards

The supplier of equipment that uses radiocommunications transmitters will need to ensure the transmitters comply with the standards specified in the Radiocommunications (Compliance Labelling – Devices) Notice 2014 to ensure the transmitters will operate on the correct frequencies and with the correct power levels.

The radiocommunications transmitters include Bluetooth, wi-fi, transmitters to connect to a PMTS and any other type of radio transmitter used for communicating information, even if that communication is just between devices.

Electromagnetic Energy (EME)

The supplier of equipment that uses radiocommunications transmitters will also need to ensure the transmitters comply with the standards specified in the Radiocommunications (Compliance Labelling – Electromagnetic Radiation) Notice 2014 and the Radiocommunications (Electromagnetic Radiation – Human Exposure) Standard 2014 to ensure the power levels from the transmitters are safe for people.

Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC)

The ACMA has requirements to limit the possibility of interference to radio services from electrical and electronic systems and internal combustion engines. The supplier obligations and equipment requirements are specified in the Radiocommunications Labelling (Electromagnetic Compatibility) Notice 2017 and the standards mandated in the Radiocommunications (Electromagnetic Compatibility) Standard 2017.

Australian suppliers of vehicles or machines may be exempt from these EMC related requirements if the Australian supplier is a member of a relevant peak industry body – the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI), Truck Industry Council (TIC), Construction and Mining Equipment Industry Group (CMEIG), or the Tractor and Machinery Association of Australia (TMA) – and the vehicle or machine complies with the industry body’s code of practice for EMC.

Supplier obligations

The Australian supplier of the final vehicle will need to comply with the requirements of all relevant ACMA labelling notices such as registering on the national database as a responsible supplier, keeping compliance records and signing a Declaration of Conformity for the vehicle.

Under some of the labelling notices the Australian supplier may not be required to apply a label if they are a member of one of the specified industry peak bodies. Please note that the device or system will still need to comply with all the relevant standards.

What can I do to get assistance?

Certification Body Australia can assist you with meeting your obligations.

Certification Body Australia (CBA) is an independent provider of product compliance services to manufacturers and distributors of electrical and electronic devices. Our specialist and highly experienced team will ensure your products conform with all applicable Australian regulatory requirements to not only minimize any risk of liability but assist your rapid time to market.

We are also a JAS-ANZ accredited Certification Body under the ACMA’s Telecommunications Equipment Certification Scheme (TECS). CBA performs assessments for compliance with applicable ACMA requirements and issues Statements of Compliance for telecom devices (3G/4G/5G, mobile phones or modules).

If you would like to discuss how CBA can assist you with your regulatory requirements, please contact Colin Payne (cpayne@certificationbody.com.au) or use our general enquiries email: contact@certificationbody.com.au.

For more information, please see our website – www.certificationbody.com.au.

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11 May

Medical devices – does your medical device connect to a telecommunications network? Does your device use Bluetooth or Wi-Fi? Read more.

Medical devices

Does your medical device connect to a telecommunications network?

Does your device have radio transmitters (such as Bluetooth or Wi-Fi)?

This information may be of interest to you.

More requirements than medical safety and EMC

In Australia, in addition to electromedical safety and EMC requirements, there are regulations that apply to equipment that can connect to a telecommunications network, equipment that incorporates one or more radiocommunications transmitters, and requirements to prevent equipment from causing radio interference. Many of these requirements may also apply to medical devices depending on the features of your device.

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) is the Australian Government regulator for telecommunications and radiocommunications. The ACMA has a range of equipment regulations that may apply.

The ACMA’s labelling notices place obligations on the importer (in Australia) of the equipment into Australia, or the manufacturer (in Australia) of the equipment that must be met before the equipment is able to be supplied in Australia.

The obligations in the labelling notices include the requirement to ensure the equipment complies with applicable standards, keeping records that demonstrate compliance, to register on the national database as a supplier and to label the equipment to show it complies.

There are four labelling notices by the ACMA which have requirements for equipment. It is possible that all four labelling notices could apply to the same equipment.

The ACMA labelling notices will specify which standards your equipment must comply with.

But do these apply to medical devices?

If your medical device is required to comply with EMC requirements as part of regulation by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) then your device may be exempt from the EMC labelling notice.

However, there are no medical device exemptions in the other labelling notices. If you have Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, or another radio transmitter there may be requirements in the radio labelling notice and the EME labelling notice.

If your device can connect to a telecommunications network, such as 3G or 4G mobile networks, there may be requirements in the telecommunications labelling notice.

What can I do to get assistance?

Certification Body Australia can assist you with meeting your obligations.

Certification Body Australia (CBA) is an independent provider of product compliance services to manufacturers and distributors of electrical and electronic devices. Our specialist and highly experienced team will ensure your products conform with all applicable Australian regulatory requirements to not only minimize any risk of liability but assist your rapid time to market.

If you would like to discuss how CBA can assist you with your regulatory requirements, please contact Colin Payne (cpayne@certificationbody.com.au) or contact@certificationbody.com.au.

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10 Mar

Radiocommunications Modernisation Act. 10 March 2021- The ACMA has today published an information paper and 3 consultations in relation to reforms that will modernise the legislative framework for spectrum management.

The proposed changes to licensing and allocation arrangements have been driven by the Radiocommunications Legislation Amendment (Reform and Modernisation) Act 2020, which received Royal Assent on 17 December 2020. This will allow the ACMA to update the Radiocommunications Act 1992. In the information paper, we describe our broader approach to selecting spectrum, apparatus and class licensing for different use scenarios. We discuss how the amendments can provide increased flexibility in selecting apparatus or spectrum licensing for some use cases. The provisions of the acts will come into force on 17 June 2021, giving users of spectrum time to adjust to the new regulatory framework. We are also seeking your views on the consultations below.  Radiocommunications equipment rules We are consulting on draft Radiocommunications Equipment (General) Rules 2021. The proposed new equipment rules are designed to ensure that all of the existing requirements remain enforceable. Changes to class licences  We are proposing to amend the relevant class licences to include references to equipment rules, and are also taking the opportunity to consult on our proposal to harmonise how our electromagnetic (EME) regulatory framework applies EME emission limits to class-licensed radiocommunications transmitters. Accredited persons scheme The accredited persons scheme (AP scheme) was created to make spectrum management more efficient by allowing  accredited persons to perform specific activities such as technical assessment, coordination and assignment. Because of recent changes with the above acts, we need to make legislative instruments to preserve the AP scheme.
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09 Sep

Product Approval Marking for NSW – From 1 July 2020 the marking of appliances for sale in NSW must have the the approval number for declared articles (Level 3) when certified by a private certifier under the REAS Scheme.

From 1 July 2020 the marking of appliances for sale in NSW must have the the approval number for declared articles (Level 3) when certified by a private certifier under the REAS Scheme. For certificates issued by Certification Body Australia the product must be marked with CBA-xxxxxx-EA as well as the RCM.

More information is available on the link below:

https://www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au/buying-products-and-services/product-and-service-safety/electrical-safety/safety-labels-for-electrical-goods

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03 Dec

Button batteries to receive new guidance

Leaders from the consumer, services and product industry came together at Standards Australia recently to agree on the development of a button battery standard.

This decision follows an increase of concerned communities as the use of button batteries continues to rise in Australia. Known for being in children’s toys, button batteries can now be found in a much wider range of consumer products and are also sold as a standalone product.

“The outcome of this forum of members of the public, industry bodies and regulators including the Australian Consumer and Competition Commission (ACCC), confirmed concerns around button batteries and the need to provide further guidance to address button batteries issues in a measured approach,” said Head of Stakeholder Engagement Daniel Chidgey.

“While there are some standards that reference these batteries, there is not yet any holistic guidelines for products with button batteries,” said Mr Chidgey.

“Button batteries can be found in a range of items including thermometers, remote controls, children’s toys and novelty items,” said Ms Barbara Geens, Chair of the Industry Working Group on Button Batteries Safety. “The goal of this proposed standard is to create a unified approach for safer use and distribution of these batteries which is an essential step in protecting consumers.”

“This is an example of Standards Australia proactively working with industry, government and the public to provide the right standards solutions to equip the consumer products, services and safety sector. We look forward to continuing to work with industry and the Australian community in developing this pivotal guidance,” concluded Mr. Chidgey.

Read more at: Standards Australia

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02 Dec

The number of product recalls in Australia has tripled over the last twenty years.

The number of product recalls in Australia has tripled over the last twenty years. That means millions of unsafe products that should have been stopped before they made it to stores, are now in our homes. 

We need laws that require businesses to proactively check that products are safe before selling them. It shouldn’t be up to us to discover a product is unsafe after we’ve bought it. That’s why we’ve made a submission to the Government calling for stronger product safety laws and to stop Australia becoming a dumping ground for dangerous products.

We’re trying to spread the news far and wide that our current product safety system is failing us and that we need urgent action. 

Not on social media? Why not email this link to our petition to a friend instead: choice.com.au/productsafety

The growing number of recalls that happen each week means that it’s impossible for most people to keep track, so many of us might have dangerous products in our homes and not even know about it. Over sixty products have been recalled so far this month alone. 

Something has to change in our product safety system to stop people being harmed from unsafe products. We’re fighting for a general safety provision to stop further tragedies caused by unsafe products. After sustained pressure from thousands of people like you, the Government is now seriously considering it. 

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30 Sep

After 1 October 2019, Qld RECS external certifiers shall only upload Qld RECS certificates to the national database

Recognition of certifications in Victoria

Certificates issued by external certifiers recognised by a declared jurisdiction are recognised in Victoria. Currently this means that certificates issued by certifiers under the Queensland Recognised External Certification Schemes (RECS) are recognised in Victoria.

ESV will administratively recognise certificates issued by Australian regulators who have not yet enacted corresponding law provided their certificate data is uploaded to the national certification database.

From 1 April 2019 to 1 October 2019 private certifiers can continue to upload REAS certificate data to the national certification database. This is not a recognition of REAS certificates but part of a temporary transitional allowance to assist industry with moving to compliance  with Victorian law.

ESV will work with private certifiers and the Queensland Electrical Safety Office (QLD) to assist private certifiers who have made an application to become a RECS with QLD, and provided that there is no obvious concern or issue raised by QLD, ESV will not prohibit the certifier from continuing to upload REAS certificates after 1 October 2019. This will only apply if the certifier gives ESV an undertaking to only issue certification in accordance with EESS and RECS requirements, this includes compliance to the Equipment Safety Rules. This is not a recognition of the certifier but a temporary transitional allowance to assist the external certifier and industry. This temporary transition allowance will cease on 1 April 2020.

  • After 1 October 2019, QLD RECS external certifiers shall only upload QLD RECS certificates to the national database.
  • After 1 October 2019 and up to 1 April 2020, NSW REAS private certifiers who have made an application to become QLD RECS, but have not yet finalised the process, may have additional temporary transitional arrangements apply for uploading REAS certificates that comply with the Equipment Safety Rules.
  • After 1 October 2019, NSW REAS private certifiers who have not made application to become a QLD RECS cannot upload any new certificates onto the EESS database.

The temporary transitional arrangements allow for a total of a 12-month period of transition for industry to ensure they have correct certificates on the EESS database to register their equipment on the EESS.

Read more here

 

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06 May

Implementation of EESS in Victoria 1 April 2019. We can issue safety certificates under the RECS scheme.

Implementation of EESS in Victoria
The requirements were implemented 1 April 2019.
Introduced to improve consumer safety for household electrical equipment sold in Victoria, the EESS aims to harmonise various state legislation across Australia and provide the public with a national database of responsible suppliers and electrical equipment registrations.

 

Recognition of certification in Victoria
Certificates issued by external certifiers recognised by a declared jurisdiction are recognised in Victoria. Currently this means that certificates issued by certifiers under the Queensland Recognised External Certification Schemes (RECS) are recognised in Victoria.ESV will administratively recognise certificates issued by Australian regulators who have not yet enacted corresponding law provided their certificate data is uploaded to the national certification database.From 1 April 2019 to 1 October 2019 private certifiers can continue to upload REAS certificate data to the national certification database. This is not a recognition of REAS certificates but part of a temporary transitional allowance to assist industry with moving to compliance with Victorian law.ESV will work with private certifiers and the Queensland Electrical Safety Office (QLD) to assist private certifiers who have made an application to become a RECS with QLD, and provided that there is no obvious concern or issue raised by QLD, ESV will not prohibit the certifier from continuing to upload REAS certificates after 1 October 2019. This will only apply if the certifier gives ESV an undertaking to only issue certification in accordance with EESS and RECS requirements, this includes compliance to the Equipment Safety Rules. This is not a recognition of the certifier but a temporary transitional allowance to assist the external certifier and industry. This temporary transition allowance will cease on 1 April 2020.

  • After 1 October 2019, QLD RECS external certifiers shall only upload QLD RECS certificates to the national database.
  • After 1 October 2019 and up to 1 April 2020 NSW REAS private certifiers who have made an application to become QLD RECS, but have not yet finalised the process, may have additional temporary transitional arrangements apply for uploading REAS certificates that comply with the Equipment Safety Rules.
  • After 1 October 2019 NSW REAS private certifiers who have not made application to become a QLD RECS cannot upload any new certificates onto the EESS database.

The temporary transitional arrangements allow for a total of a 12-month period of transition for industry to ensure they have correct certificates on the EESS database to register their equipment on the EESS.

There is no prohibition against an NSW REAS private certifier applying for recognition under Queensland legislation and becoming a RECS.

Any external certifier that is not accredited or is not in the process of obtaining accreditation under the Queensland legislation by 1 October 2019 will have restricted access to the national certification database and will not be authorised to upload new certificates.

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