Type Approval Services for Australia

If you want to market radio devices in Australia, these have to marked with the so called “C-Tick”.

The mark must be used exactly as described on the ACMA website.
No variations are permitted. The supplier codes are only issued to local companies.

Background Information on Australian Type Approval

The ACMA (Australian Communications and Media Authority) is responsible for regulating telecommunications, broadcasting, radio communications and online content. The ACA (Australian Communications Authority and predecessor of the ACMA) has introduced industry self-regulatory arrangements based on compliance with applicable technical standards and labeling. These regulatory arrangements aim to ensure that items meet mandatory technical standards and are appropriately labeled before supply or connection to a telecommunications network. The standards are designed to protect the health and safety of users and operators of a telecommunications network or facility, protect the integrity of a telecommunications network or facility, ensure interoperability with a telecommunications network for the supply of a standard telephone service and ensure access to emergency call services.

Choice of 3 different Compliance Levels for Type Approval in Australia

Depending on the risk associated with non-compliance with an applicable technical standard,
the supplier can choose between three different compliance levels:

▬ Compliance Level 1:
    You simply make a DoC (declaration of conformity) by
          - giving a description of your product and
          - complete and sign the declaration of conformity.
            Applicable in case non-compliance has only limited consequences
            for the safety of persons or the integrity of a telecommunications network

▬ Compliance Level 2:
    You must comply with the requirements stated in compliance level 1 plus
          - give evidence that the product meets applicable technical standards
            (e.g. test reports, certificates from other authorities etc.)
            Applicable if non-compliance may have adverse consequences for
            personal safety or the integrity of a telecommunications network

▬ Compliance Level 3:
    You must comply with the requirements stated in compliance level 1 plus
          - give evidence that the product meets applicable technical standards
            In this case all test reports have to come from an in-country RTA
            (recognized testing authority).
            Applicable if non-compliance may have serious adverse consequences
            for personal safety or the integrity of a telecommunications network

▬ For all compliance levels

▬ The DoC has to be signed by a local registered company because the supplier
    codes are only issued to local companies.
    Therefore a local presence – or a partner who can help you make contact with
    a local partner - is required to complete the type approval process.
    (supplier’s code has to appear on the label below the c-tick mark)

▬ Compliance records (= technical file) have to be kept by the person in charge
    of the DoC

Test Requirements for a GSM product:

▬ AS/NZS 60950.1:2003 - Safety of Information Technology Equipment
    (Assumes compliance to EN60950-1)
▬ AS/ACIF S042.1:2006 - Requirements for connection to an air interface
    of a Telecommunications Network - General
▬ AS/ACIF S042.3:2005 - Requirements for connection to an air interface
    of a Telecommunications Network GSM Customer Equipment
▬ Australian requirements for SAR

How to benefit from 7 layers’ support for Australian Type Approval

▬ All paperwork (application forms, declarations etc) that is required in order
    to set up the Australian DoC gets structured and completed by 7 layers
▬ Local partners in Australia are contacted and introduced into the
    project if necessary