RCM Regulatory Compliance Mark: Rules for Sellers

What is RCM (Regulatory Compliance Mark)?

The Regulatory Compliance Mark (RCM) is the single trade mark used to show electrical equipment complies with Australia's Electrical Equipment Safety System. Higher-risk equipment must be registered by an Australian or New Zealand based responsible supplier.

The Regulatory Compliance Mark (RCM) is the mark that shows electrical equipment complies with Australia's Electrical Equipment Safety System (EESS). Equipment marking is moving to the single RCM, a trade mark of the ERAC members. If you sell chargers, power tools, small appliances or similar on Amazon.com.au, check this before listing. General information, not legal advice; confirm with ERAC or the relevant regulator.

What are levels 1, 2 and 3?

The EESS classifies household electrical equipment into levels 1, 2 and 3, with proportional evidence-of-compliance and seller-registration requirements. Level 3, prescribed equipment, must be certified before sale, and the level 3 list is in the latest AS/NZS 4417.2.

The EESS site, which is run by ERAC, adds that level 1 registration is voluntary, level 2 and 3 registration is mandatory by an Australian or New Zealand based registered responsible supplier, and RCM marking is mandatory at all three levels. Registering level 2 or 3 equipment as level 1 is not permitted and could result in penalties.

What does it mean for an importer?

If you import the product and put your name on it, you are likely the party that has to register or find a registered responsible supplier. Level 2 registration runs for 1, 2 or 5 years and requires a compliance folder that must be produced to regulators within 10 business days. Level 3 needs a valid Certificate of Conformity from a recognised certifier, and registration cannot outlast the certificate.

The customs side is separate; see import declarations. Amazon's category rules are separate again; see RCM for electrical products on Amazon Australia.

What jurisdictions does the EESS cover?

ERAC says the EESS regulates Queensland, Victoria, Western Australia and Tasmania, that South Australia, the Northern Territory and the ACT were transitioning, and that NSW does not participate and keeps declared and non-declared articles. The page is undated, so jurisdiction status may have changed.

What is not covered here

The ACMA also uses the RCM for radio and telecommunications equipment. This page does not describe the ACMA's obligations for those products. Check them if your product has a radio, Bluetooth or wireless function. Electrical goods are also subject to the Australian Consumer Law, including recall and reporting duties.

Next step

Blooprint manages Amazon listings for Australian sellers, but compliance sign-off stays with you and your certifier.

Frequently asked questions

Is the RCM the same as CE marking?

No. The RCM is a trade mark of the ERAC members showing compliance with Australian requirements. A CE mark is a separate regime. Do not rely on one for the other.

Who can register as the responsible supplier?

The EESS site says level 2 and level 3 registration must be done by an Australian or New Zealand based registered responsible supplier. This is from the EESS site, a secondary source here, so confirm with ERAC.

Which products are in scope?

Equipment rated above 50 V AC and below 1000 V AC designed or marketed for household or similar use, per the EESS site. Confirm with ERAC for your product.

Which states does the EESS cover?

ERAC says the EESS regulates Queensland, Victoria, Western Australia and Tasmania, with other jurisdictions transitioning and NSW keeping its own system. The page is undated, so check the current position.