Obtain the EESS, RCM certification/mark for Australia and much more.
Our experts can get your electrical products on the Australian, New Zealand and EU markets with ease.
We can complete all your approvals such as RCM mark, SAA certification, EESS registration, and MEPS/GEMS registration.
Dealing with RCM mark, SAA certification, EESS, EMC, GEMS, MEPS, and consumer law for Australia & New Zealand? Maybe the EU?
“Why do I need to learn about this?” you may ask yourself. Unfortunately, in Australia, New Zealand and the EU, navigating the landscape of electrical product testing, certification, approvals, and registration is not easy at all.
Hence, with high statutory and regulatory requirements in place, and several regulators being tough on non compliant products, someone needs to ensure electrical product safety and electrical product compliance as these are paramount. Moreover, whether you’re a local supplier, local buyer, local distributor, or local importer of electrical and electronic products, all the requirements apply to you. Thus, you are required by law to demonstrate at any time that your products are safe.
Exploring RCM Certification Australia & EESS
But I have been told that if I have the CE mark , we are OK for Australia. Is this not correct?
Unfortunately, this is not correct. Although our requirements do share similarities with the requirements currently in place in other countries, such as the EU, there is not a direct recognition of foreign marks, such as the CE marking. If you are based in Australia, you are required to comply with all the applicable Australian requirements regardless of the product situation in other countries.
In brief, clectrical product compliance is paramount to safeguarding your business from lawsuits and recalls. See related posts.
So, how can GK Global Services come to my rescue? We will relieve you from the burden by completing all approvals in a cost-effective way.
Moreover, we are quite aware of the similarities and differences between our requirements and requirements in other markets.
In simple words, we will empower you to navigate these waters with confidence and ease. See related posts.
More about RCM Certification Australia & EESS
Our expertise spans a wide range of areas, including:
- Sourcing & Global Supply Chain. We'll deal with your overseas suppliers, and any overseas work that need to be organised, including managing orders, conducting factory inspections e.g. DUPRO or technical inspections, and evaluating product technical specifications.
- Regulatory Compliance, Quality Assurance, and Retailer Due Diligence. From obtaining necessary test reports and certificates to ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and obtaining your approvals and registrations, we will relieve you from the burden.
- Handling Complex Issues. We are capable of handling very complex topics on your behalf, such as customer complaints, recalls, intellectual property disputes, and conflicts with clients, offering invaluable advice and leadership to achieve optimal outcomes.
We’re well-versed in concepts such as LVD, EMC, ecodesign, refrigerants, ACCC product safety, safety, EESS, certification, listing, MEPS, GEMS registration, energy efficiency, CEC certification, CB, dangerous goods, CE Declaration, CE Marking, ROHS, REACH, RECS, REAS, RF, EMF, RED, UL, GCC, and more. We can support your product lunch in Australia, New Zealand, the EU, the GCC, the US, and others.
A simple guide to electrical product compliance in Australia & New Zealand
If you’re planning to sell electrical products in Australia, there’s more to it than just bringing a great product to market—you also need to ensure it meets strict safety and performance standards. Therefore, product compliance also comes in.
At GK Global Services, we help businesses navigate the complex world of electrical product compliance, focusing on the key certifications required: the RCM (Regulatory Compliance Mark), sometimes called SAA certification, and the EESS (Electrical Equipment Safety System).
Understanding Electrical Product Certification
Electrical product certification is more than just a legal requirement—it’s a way to protect consumers, reduce safety risks, and show that your brand is committed to quality. In Australia, there are three main certifications that matter.
The RCM is a must-have for most mains-connected electrical product sold in Australia and/or New Zealand. It shows that your product complies with local electrical safety, electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), and other regulatory standards.
Furhtermore, getting the RCM involves accredited product testing and other documentation, which can vary depending on what you’re selling. It’s mandatory, but it can also be quite complex—which is where GK Global Services can help.
2. The elusive SAA certification
SAA certification (or similar certifications) shows that your product has been tested and meets Australian safety standards. It’s particularly valuable because it reassures both regulators and customers that your product is safe and reliable. Moreover, certification is mandatory for most mains-connected electrical products intended to be used in a household.
That’s why testing is usually carried out by an accredited lab, and certification is granted based on how well your product meets the required safety standard (usually the AS/NZS series).
3. Electrical Equipment Safety System (EESS)
The EESS is a national safety framework that covers a wide range of electrical products (most mains-connected domestic electrical products). Under this system, manufacturers must register their products and show they meet safety requirements before entering the market. Additionally, this also requires manufacturers to comply with very specific terms and conditions e.g. that reasonable efforts will be made to maintain product safety.
The goal? To reduce risks and make sure only safe, compliant electrical products reach Australian consumers.
Why compliance Matters
Because it protects your business from product recalls, criminal prosecutions, monetary penalties, and reputational damage. Additionally, being certified gives your customers confidence that your products are trustworthy and safe to use.
What can GK Global Services do for you
We specialise in helping businesses—big and small—understand and meet Australian compliance requirements. We’ll get everything sorted on your behalf.
GK Global Services is here to make that journey easier, faster, and more reliable.
The expert who will help you
Gonzalo
Founder, Managing Director & Principal Partner
MBA, PMP, PRINCE2 Agile, NV1 & Professional Engineer
Gonzalo is a seasoned senior professional with a strong track record of delivering results. With extensive experience in senior management across various industries including information technology, government, consumer goods/FMCG, mining, engineering, and construction, Gonzalo brings a wealth of expertise to every role he undertakes. His leadership spans both local and international settings, making him a versatile and invaluable asset in any organization. He has worked with electrical products his entire career.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the RCM mark and is it mandatory in Australia?
The Regulatory Compliance Mark (RCM) is used to who that an electrical or electronic product complies with applicable Australian and New Zealand (with some limits) electrical safety and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) requirements. Most electrical products will need to meet the requirements in electrical safety and EMC. Not doing so exposes suppliers to recalls, prosecutions, and others.
Related reading:
New Zealand’s new rules for electrical products
ACCC mandatory standards for button batteries
- Does CE marking cover Australian electrical compliance requirements?
The short is answer is no. Australia doesn’t recognise CE marking, or any overseas marking in electrical product safety.
Related reading:
CE Compliance Australia & CE Certification Australia
- What is SAA certification and when is it required?
SAA certification is a commonly used industry term referring to electrical product safety certification demonstrating compliance with Australian standards. More correct words to describe the above are RCM, EESS, Australian certificate, and others.
Related reading:
SAA Certification & SAA Approvals
- What is the Electrical Equipment Safety System (EESS)?
The Electrical Equipment Safety System (EESS) is Australia’s national framework for electrical equipment safety, although is not fully followed by all states. Depending on the product category and risk classification, different EESS requirements are applicable to your products.
- What happens if electrical products are sold without RCM, SAA, or EESS compliance?
Non-compliant electrical products can expose businesses to product recalls and prosecutions, and negative subsequent consequences. Australian suppliers, importers, manufacturers, and distributors are responsible for ensuring products comply with applicable regulations.
Related reading:
New Zealand’s new rules for electrical products
- How can GK Global Services help with electrical product certification in Australia?
GK Global Services provides end-to-end support for electrical product compliance, safety, and certification. We do the heavy lifting so you can take care of more profitable tasks. We also provide management consulting, coaching, and IT consulting/project management services if you need them.
Related reading:
Learn more about GK Global Services
Learn more about our management consulting services
Lear more about our coaching services
Learn more about our IT consulting and project management services.
Let's get your electrical products on the Australia/New Zealand and European markets. Beat RCM Certification
You should contact GK Global Services today to embark on a transformative journey towards excellence.