What is RCM certification?

2024-07-23

The RCM certification, or Regulatory Compliance Mark certification, is a compliance mark for electronic products in Australia and New Zealand. It is managed by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) and the New Zealand communication authorities. Here are the details about RCM certification:

1. Purpose of RCM Certification

The RCM certification aims to ensure that electronic products sold in the Australian and New Zealand markets comply with local safety, electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), and radio frequency (RF) requirements. By obtaining RCM certification, the quality and safety of products are ensured, protecting consumers and the environment.

2. Scope of RCM Certification

RCM certification covers the following main areas:

- **Electrical Safety**: Ensures that products do not cause electric shock or other injuries to users during normal use and under fault conditions.

- **Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC)**: Ensures that products do not interfere with other electronic devices during operation and can resist external electromagnetic interference.

- **Radio Communication**: Ensures that wireless communication devices comply with spectrum management and interference control requirements, avoiding interference with other wireless devices.

3. Steps to Obtain RCM Certification

The typical steps to obtain RCM certification are as follows:

1. **Product Testing**: Conduct tests in accredited laboratories to ensure that products meet relevant technical standards. These standards may include electrical safety standards, EMC standards, and radio communication standards.

2. **Compliance Declaration**: Manufacturers or suppliers need to prepare and submit a compliance declaration, confirming that their products meet relevant technical standards.

3. **Registration and Marking**: Manufacturers or suppliers need to register their products in the ACMA database and mark the products with the RCM label. The use of the label indicates that the product has passed the necessary tests and reviews, meeting regulatory requirements.

4. **Document Retention**: Manufacturers or suppliers must retain all relevant test reports, compliance declarations, and other supporting documents for future review and verification.

4. RCM Mark

The RCM mark is a unified compliance mark used to indicate that a product complies with all relevant regulations in Australia and New Zealand. The use of the RCM mark not only simplifies the compliance process but also makes it easier for consumers to identify products that meet the standards.