The ACMA (Australian Communications and Media Authority) recently announced changes to the current compliance marks used by suppliers on all telecommunications, radio communications, and other devices that fall under their jurisdiction, as per the Telecommunications Act 1997 and the Radiocommunications Act 1992.
The previous marks, C-Tick, A-Tick and RCM, will now be united under one mark: RCM. The two other marks, C-tick and A-tick (used for telecommunications and radio communications, respectively) will be discontinued. The changes will be made official by March 1, 2013, in conjunction with the new Electrical Equipment Safety System (EEES) to be implemented on the same day.
It was previously reported in the latter half of 2011 that such changes would be taking place. The merging of the marks was pursued by the agency since many devices are converging in function, and various requirements are overlapping, making compliance a long, repetitive process for many suppliers. It is also hoped that this less complicated process will lower costs for both the suppliers and the ACMA and other compliance agencies.
What You Need to Know
For new suppliers entering the market after the said date, they are still required to comply with all ACMA regulatory standards to be able to use the new RCM market. They will be registered in the new ACMA database.
For previous manufacturers and importers, there will be a transition period between 2013 and 2016, particularly for those who have already been registered on the supplier database before March 1, 2013. These suppliers have this changeover period to file for registration in the new database. The C-tick and A-tick labels may be used until March 1, 2016.
Information for this article was obtained from http://www.acma.gov.au/WEB/STANDARD/pc=PC_410297. LX takes no responsibility for the accuracy of this information or the article, as it is merely a guide for readers.
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