NEW LEGAL REQUIREMENTS FOR
MANUFACTURERS, IMPORTERS AND SUPPLIERS
OF ELECTRICAL/ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT
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Importers, manufacturers and suppliers of electrical/electronic equipment, and their customers need to be aware of Regulations which have been in force since 1 January 1997 to control Electromagnetic Interference (EMI).
Electrical equipment sold after this date must comply with appropriate Australian Standards for interference which limit electromagnetic radiation from electrical/electronic devices. Pre-existing models on the market may continue to be sold until 1 January 1999 without compliance. The selling of non-compliant equipment is illegal after 1/1/99.
What is EMI?
EMI is the unintended radiofrequency emissions from electrical and electronic products, which have the potential to interfere with the operation of other products. Common examples of EMI are computers, hair dryers or vacuum cleaners interfering with television / radio reception or telephones. EMI may also manifest itself with domestic appliances such as refrigerators or electric ovens interfering with personal computers. While some EMI is a nuisance it can be dangerous if it interferes with the operation of industry plant, aircraft or motor vehicles. The Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) framework has been put into place to reduce the disturbances caused by EMI.
What is EMC?
Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) refers to the ability of an electrical or electronic device or system to function satisfactorily in its environment without introducing intolerable electromagnetic interference to other devices in that environment. Most electrical equipment is required to be compliant to the appropriate EMC standard and should be
labeled with the C-Tick mark.
What is a C-Tick mark?
The C-Tick mark is a compliance trademark registered to ACA by the Trademark Office and indicates compliance with the EMC framework. It may be used by the ACA to trace the supplier of the equipment.
What do I have to do?
The regulations are aimed at suppliers, importers and manufacturers of electrical/electronic devices (including PC assemblers), who offer products for
sale on the Australian market.
If you are a supplier you must:
- Determine whether your products meet the appropriate Australian
EMC Standard or its international equivalent. You will need to have products tested to determine whether they meet the standard.
- Prepare a Compliance folder for each product that complies, including –
- A description of the device, brochures or specification sheets
- EMC test reports original or certified copies.
- A signed Declaration of Conformity stating that the product complies with the Standard. It must be signed by an Australian citizen or resident who is in a position to represent the company. This is your legal statement that the product complies.
- Apply to the ACA, to use the C-Tick mark. The C-Tick mark is a trademark registered to the ACA by the Trademark Office and indicates compliance with the Standard.
- After receiving the supplier code, label the product with the C-Tick mark. The
labelling of new products became compulsory from 1 January 1997. It will be compulsory for all products including existing products after 1 January 1999.
As from 1 January 1999, ALL products under the scope of the ACA standards, must comply with the appropriate Australian Standard and may no longer be marketed without the C-Tick label. Marketing of a non-compliant product with a label is also illegal. Make sure your product meets the Standard.
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