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CE Machinery Directive, Summary of New Requirements
Sun, 18 Jul 2010 21:20:03
New requirements on Machinery in Europe On December 29th 2009 a new Machinery Directive, 2006/42/EC, came into force in the EEA (EU + Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway) and Switzerland. Exporters of machinery to the states in this area should analyse the p...
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Expanded Environmental Capabilities
Mon, 12 Jul 2010 03:16:34
Austest Sydney and Melbourne have expanded their environmental test capabilities with new Salt Spray and Temperature/Humidity chambers. This testing is suitable for tropical country climate tests, AS/NZS 4601 and standards such as those relating to Taxi C...
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New ACMA PSTN and Cabling Standards for comment
Tue, 06 Jul 2010 01:15:27
Australias’ Communications Alliance Ltd invites public comment on the following two draft Standards: Analogue interworking and non-interference requirements for Customer Equipment for connection to the Public Switched Telephone Network (DR AS/CA S00...
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Travel Adaptor banned from sale
Mon, 05 Jul 2010 23:49:15
Australian and New Zealand importers should be careful when considering purchase and importation of travel adaptors for sale or distribution Austest and Harvest Labs have received numerous submissions from clients for testing and certification of travel a...
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Electrical Safety, Lighting and Energy Efficiency Accredited Testing Scope Extended
Mon, 28 Jun 2010 01:20:02
Austest Sydney is proud to announce the following additions to our accredited test scope covering safety testing of domestic and commercial electrical items, LED lighting, IP Testing and MEPS / Energy Efficiency: AS/NZS 60335 Part 2.2 Vacuum Cleaners and ...
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FAQ
The ACMA's regulatory regime for Telecommunications devices does place greater emphasis on the supplier for compliance, that is true. However, as you will see from Schedule 1 of the ACMA's Telecommunications Labelling instrument, most equipment falls under compliance level 3, thereby requiring compliance testing to the applicable standards by a recognised testing authority (RTA).
RTA is the new name for Austel listed/ ACMA accredited test houses.
Following testing by an RTA to the mandatory Section 376 standards, and after seeking permission to use the "A-Tick" (if you haven't already sought permission to use the C-Tick), you may label & sell your equipment (don't forget you must also comply with the EMC Framework).
There is no requirement to submit test reports or statements of compliance direct to the ACMA. Statements of compliance from test houses have no weight under the new system, it's test reports that matter! The ACMA do not issue individual permit numbers for products, nor assess your variations to them (until an audit). So the process is greatly streamlined as you don't have to wait 30+ days for a permit number. You may however be audited, and test reports together with other compliance folder requirements will be inspected.
Schedule 1 of the labelling instrument outlines equipment and their applicable compliance levels.
In summary, to comply with the various compliance levels you must have for:
Compliance level 1:
a) A description of the item; and
b) A declaration of conformity.
Example: Equipment designed to connect to telex.
Compliance Level 2:
a) A test report or reports that shows that the item meets the requirements of each applicable standard; or
b) A written statement by a certification body (such as ourselves), certifying that the item complies with each applicable standard; or
c) If section 17 of the labelling instrument applies, ie only if it is impracticable to test the item because of it's size, location or nature, - a written statement by a competent body certifying that reasonable efforts have been made to avoid a contravention of each applicable standard.
Example: AS/ACIF S003 as it relates to Digital CAS interface for data only.
Compliance Level 3:
a) A test report or reports from a recognised testing authority (new name for ACMA accredited test house) that shows that the item meets the requirements of each applicable standard; or
b) A written statement by a certification body certifying that the item complies with each applicable standard; or
c) If section 17 applies - a written statement by a competent body certifying that reasonable efforts have been made to avoid a contravention of each applicable standard.
The majority of equipment is compliance level 3. PSTN connected data & voice equipment, ISDN BRI & PRI, leased line equipment, all fall under compliance level 3, so 95% of products tested by accredited test labs under the old Austel regime, continue to require testing. That is not to say the standards will remain the same, and there has been some relaxation of compliance criteria within the mandatory standards. A key point is that items that fail to comply with the standards cannot be given a compliant report, and therefore suppliers cannot attest compliance with the appropriate section 376 standard. It is also worth noting, that advices to industry, previously issued by Austel, have no place under the new regime, although the Comms Alliance www.commsalliance.com.au (previously Australian Communications Industry Forum) produce guidelines.
The labeling instrument lists the following items that need to be contained within a compliance folder. These are separate to the EMC Framework requirements, although 1 folder may contain information to satisfy both EMC & telecomms. Product Description. This may include the following:
Photographs of the item and / or brochure
A reference to the version of any software that is incorporated in the item Further sufficient information, such as a block/interconnection diagram, for a person (including ACMA auditor) to determine whether the item labeled is the same as the item for which the Declaration of Conformity, test report or statement by a competent or certification body has been made.
Original or certified copies of test reports relating to the equipment, indicating compliance with all relevant section 376 standards (if compliance level 2 or 3)
Signed Declaration of Conformity (stating the item complies with s.376 standards). Copies of the declaration of conformity are available to Austest clients. Note ACMA supplier codes are only issued to Australian entities, so if you are a non Australian manufacturer, you may wish to take advantage of our compliance folder service where we allow the use of our ACMA supplier code on your products. Ask us more about this service by emailing  or by completing our customer feedback form on the contact page.
Assuming the product is "new", ie tested to ACMA standards after 1 July 1997, and fails to comply with said standards, the product cannot be marked with the "A-Tick". The following mark must be placed on non compliant equipment. The label must be durable and at least 5 mm high.
The following statement must also be provided on packaging and incorporated in documentation supplied with the non compliant item, and must be in the same font size as other text in the documentation:
Do not connect this customer equipment or customer cabling to a carrier or carriage service provider's network or facility unless:
(a) you have the consent of the network manager; or
(b) the connection is in accordance with a connection permit or connection rules.
Connection of this customer equipment or customer cabling may cause a hazard or damage to the network or facility, or persons, with consequential liability for substantial compensation.
The item can be re-examined to all current applicable ACMA standards, or you can approach a certification body, such as AB Certification Services, who may provide you with, following assessment of previous test reports in comparison to existing ACMA standards, a statement of compliance. This statement of compliance can then form part of your compliance folder attesting compliance to the new ACMA compliance regime. The item must then be labelled as per the new ACMA regime, ie with the A-Tick, C-Tick and one of several options including supplier code #.
In most cases, for less than $1000 we can audit your company's compliance folders ON-SITE, and provide feedback regarding missing or insufficient documents and compliance evidence. We systematically examine your compliance folders to highlight insufficient or missing documentation. This audit report can then become part of your compliance documentation, and give peace of mind prior to being audited by the ACMA.
There's a lot of confusion regarding the use of the C-Tick mark, compliance folders and the mutual acceptance criteria between the ACMA (Australia) and Radio Spectrum Management (New Zealand).
Where radio products fall within levels of conformity A1, A2 and A3 (note 802.11x and Bluetooth are A1) and they have been labelled with an Australian Supplier Code Number and the C-Tick compliance mark for supply to the Australian market and these products are then supplied to the New Zealand market, the NZ RSM does not require the supplier to remove the Australian Supplier Code Number and the C-Tick compliance mark.
The supplier or their agent must, however, apply a New Zealand Supplier Code Number label to the product and hold a compliance folder for the product New Zealand. For Australian or International companies that do not a local NZ entity, we offer our local agent services for only a few hundred $$. We hold compliance folders on-line, in New Zealand, Australia, Singapore and other countries.
When performed correctly, pre-compliance testing before submitting a product for final test gives confidence that the product will either pass 1st go, or require only minimal changes. Our pre-conformance open area site is available for checking emissions during prototype stage, measuring the effect different components have on your overall system. Alternatively our main site is available for such measurements at a fee competitive to hiring EMC equipment and performing your own tests. TIP: Do pre-compliance testing early and often. To incorporate sound EMC techniques, the problem areas must be isolated (test early), and the design must not alter previously devised protection techniques (test often).
TIP: When modifying a mains powered product or telephone interface to suppress emissions, take care to ensure the change has not altered electrical safety requirements. Use a consultant or test house that has intimate knowledge of both electrical safety and EMC standards, or be faced with unnecessary retesting.
TIP: Use the slowest logic clocking possible. Fast transitions and higher clock speeds contain more unwanted energy (and harmonics). Energy distribution is affected by rise & fall times, duty cycle, the shape of the clock waveform & PCB layouts.
TIP: The response of an EMI receiver has a typical bandwidth of 120KHz for radiated & 9KHz for conducted emissions. If several harmonics from 2 or more clocks fall within the bandwidth of the receiver, the measured field strength will be higher than either of the individual harmonics, with an increase of up to 6dB. Where you can, select your clock frequencies to avoid such clashes. If designing a product, the program "Clock Architect" from TKC may be helpful. Click Here to go to the TKC Web page to obtain a trial version of this handy program.
TIP:The ground connection on your printed circuit board is not a waste outlet where all unwanted emissions flow. PCB groundplanes and surfaces of enclosures are not 'infinite current sinks'. Although good grounding is part of the solution to unwanted emissions, it should not be the only technique.
The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has ruled that Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) devices with up to 4 Watt of power may now be used in Australia in the 920-926 MHz band. A new version of the ACMA's Radiocommunications (Low Interference Potential Devices) Class Licence 2000 has been published which increases the output power level for RFID's in the 920MHz to 926MHz band. There are several caveats...the device must be a Gen2 RFID and power levels greater than 1W can only be used if necessary for system performance. These devices can be tested in either our Central Coast NSW or Adelaide facilities.
Wireless Low Interference Potential devices such as Wireless Lan, Wireless Remotes and Remote Controls (non Infra Red) are referenced by the ACMA's LIPD Class Licence and the majority of these devices fall under AS/NZS4268. This standard has recently been revised to include abnormal tests performed at -10 degC & +50C deg while a variation of supply voltage is also required, so ensure testing is performed to the latest version. This testing can be performed at either our Central Coast NSW or Adelaide facilities.
TIP:When sourcing a product for the Australian or NZ Telecom markets, make sure it complies with similar safety and EMC requirements in other countries. A modem that passes German or UK requirements will require less modification than a product designed for the domestic North American market.
TIP:If your principal focus is Australia, although NZ or other counties may be next on your list, design your product (or have it tested) with these countries in mind. One product may be suitable for several markets.
Most products fail electrical safety due to inadequate isolation between differing voltages within a product. For example, a mains powered fax machine needs to have re-inforced isolation between mains (240Vrms) and secondary low voltage circuits. It also needs supplementary isolation between internal telephone connected circuitry (TNV) and low voltage circuits. This isolation across barriers varies widely dependent upon circuit potentials and how they are used. Once again, consultation at the preliminary design stage of a product can save many hours of board and component rework, not to mention expense and delay. TIP: Use an electrical safety test house at the design stage of a product. A preliminary look at a product for safety may cost as little as $100 and save thousands in avoiding retrofitted boards and components.
Austest Laboratories has signed an agreement with TUV Rheinland Japan Ltd to be a Certification Body Testing Laboratory (CBTL) for the issuance of safety certification under the globally recognized CB Scheme.
Following the change, TUV Rheinland has processed more than half a dozen CB Certificates on behalf of Austest resulting in lower costs and a faster turn around for Austest clients.
"As our latest approved lab for CB testing and report TUV Rheinland welcomes Austest as a valuable test and certification partner within our region" stated David Wood, Manager - Products of TUV Rheinland Australia.
Austest's scope of CB testing includes a wide range of IEC 60335 standards for household electrical items, IEC 60598 Series for Lighting, IEC 60950 for IT and Telecommunications Equipment, IEC 61558 for power supplies and IEC 60065 for audio and video equipment.
Contact Martin on +61 2 9882 6500 or for more info on CB Testing and Certification.
Austest has secured an agreement with our preferred electrical safety certification body to issue certificates in 4 days (subject to compliance and required documentation). This is a huge advance on other safety approval providers who can take anything up to 6-8 weeks to process an approval. The 4 day turn around comes at NO ADDITIONAL COST. Coupled with our existing New Zealand Telecom advance approval numbers issued in 24 hours, this shows proof of our commitment to provide the fastest testing and approval service possible.
Adding to Austest's existing capabilities for testing of power supplies to the MEPS (Minimum Energy Performance Standard) AS/NZS 4665, we have expanded to provide testing and listing of audio video and related equipment inc digital set top boxes to AS/NZS 62087:2008.
Apart from testing to energy efficiency standards, Austest provides a total compliance package covering electrical safety testing, approval including the RCM Mark, Certificate of Suitability or Prescribed Item Listing, and compilation of ACMA compliance folders and A-Tick and C-Tick. We also provide compliance folder audits to ensure continued compliance with regulatory requirements.
Involve your test house from the design stage of a product. No, we're not just say this to earn more money ! Redesigning printed circuit boards (EMC and safety), and finding compliant isolating components (safety and interworking) is easy at the design stage, expensive and frustrating after the product has been made and ready to sell.
It will save you money !
Austest Laboratories and our Certification Body known as AB Certification now share resources and common management with Harvest Laboratories of Melbourne and Auckland NZ, following Austest's acquisition on Tuesday by Approval Specialists P/L.
The acquisition of Austest, together with the 1 May purchase of Comlabs in Melbourne, forms the largest combined telecommunications, EMC, Safety and approvals company in Aust/NZ. These two labs, added to the substantial resources of Harvest Labs Auckland, provide clients with true 1 stop compliance for local and international markets. Drawing on the resources of the Approval Specialists Group (www.approvalspecialists.com) Austest clients now have true access to global markets thru CB Certification, expanded telecommunications services and dedicated approval consultants in Asia, Europe and Latin-South America.
Contact Martin on +61 2 9882 6500 or for more info on services or for quote requests.
Austest staff are hitting the road in May with exhibitions in Melbourne and Sydney. This is your chance to meet in person and resolve any compliance or test questions you may have.
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CeBIT (Darling Harbour 12-14 May) is Australia's leading Business Technology Event and this year promises to be bigger than ever! For international compliance issues, our Stand C30, Hall 3 (near the rear Caf?) will have Ms Chun Kim, director of Approval Specialists Inc, who is happy to provide detailed responses to questions on Asia-Pac and Latin-South American Approvals and in particular, exporters interested in China and South Korea. |
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In Melbourne, Aus-Tech is Australia's premier advanced manufacturing and machine tool exhibition and is from Tues 12 May till Friday 15 May at Melbourne Exhibition Centre, Southbank Vic. Philip Hitchcock from Austest Melbourne will be present in the "manufacturers walk" to help with telecommunications, Safety and EMC related issues including C-Tick compliance folders. |
Austest Melbourne has become the 1st telecommunications and safety lab in Australia to achieve A2LA (the American Association for Laboratory Accreditation) listing for a range of telecommunications, safety and energy standards. ACMA RTA (Recognised Testing Authority) status has been achieved via accreditation by A2LA and the Mutual Recognition Agreement between NATA and A2LA. The scope of Austest Melbourne has been radically expanded less than 1 year after the purchase of the facility located in East Brunswick, formerly known as Comlabs. The A2LA accredited testing scope includes;
- AS/NZS4665 (Energy Efficiency for Power Supplies)
- AS/NZS 60950.1 (safety of IT & Telecomms equipment)
- AS/ACIF S002 (interworking / PSTN)
- AS/ACIF S003 (Customer Switching Systems)
- AS/ACIF S004 (Voice)
- AS/ACIF S008 (Cables and cabling products)
- AS/ACIF S016 (E1)
- AS/ACIF S031 (ISDN Basic Rate)
- TBR003 (Euro ISDN Basic Rate)
- AS/ACIF S038 (ISDN Primary Rate)
- TBR004 (Euro ISDN Primary Rate)
- AS/ACIF S040 (Disability)
- AS/ACIF S043.1 (DSL range of Standards)
- AS/ACIF S043.2
- AS/ACIF S043.3
Austest staff have recently completed a comprehensive audit including verification of network tests for one of Australiaโ€�s most respected alarm manufacturers, to verify compliance with AS/NZS 2201.5 for Alarm transmission systems per ASIAL requirements. We believe this is to date, the most comprehensive system audit performed of a Class 4 system.
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Austest Sydney and Melbourne have expanded their environmental test capabilities with new Salt Spray and Temperature/Humidity chambers. This testing is suitable for tropical country climate tests, AS/NZS 4601 and standards such as those relating to Taxi Cab Alarm Systems / passenger transport regulation 2007. Sydney Combined Temperature -70 C to +150 C and Humidity 30% – 98% rh Chamber for equipment 1m(w) [...]
read more >>
Australian and New Zealand importers should be careful when considering purchase and importation of travel adaptors for sale or distribution Austest and Harvest Labs have received numerous submissions from clients for testing and certification of travel adaptors, resulting in most failing to meet AU/NZ requirements and in particular, the dimensional requirements within AS/NZS 3112 as referenced [...]
read more >>
Austest Sydney is proud to announce the following additions to our accredited test scope covering safety testing of domestic and commercial electrical items, LED lighting, IP Testing and MEPS / Energy Efficiency: AS/NZS 60335 Part 2.2 Vacuum Cleaners and Water-Suction Cleaning Appliances Part 2.21 Storage Water Heaters Part 2.31 Range Hoods Part 2.43 Clothes Dryers [...]
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Austest Sydneys’ Electrical safety Lab has taken delivery of a 6KVA 1-300V AC (420 VDC), 1-999.9Hz AC Power Source to assist multi-country CB standards testing and also to support local manufacturers in simulating 60Hz and other supply variations on their equipment. Enquiries to austest@austest.com.au
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The mandatory human exposure standard in Australia is the Radiocommunications (Electromagnetic Radiation ? Human Exposure) Standard 2003 (EMR Standard) with its amendments and applies to most mobile and portable radiocommunications transmitters operating in the 3kHz to 300GHz frequency range. The EMR Standard differentiates between devices used by an aware user (generally understood to be a [...]
read more >>
Ultra-Wideband (UWB) devices have the ability to transmit at low output power levels over a broad range of the radiocommunications spectrum and are best suited for short range communications/applications. As such, they are muted as the next advance in wireless short distance applications such as “wireless USB” and may be considered to have greater application [...]
read more >>
CeBIT (Sydney Exhibition Centre, 24th-26th May, 2010) is Australasia’s leading Business Technology Event and we?re excited to be exhibiting again this year for the 5th time. For international compliance issues, our Stand G40, Hall 3 (near the rear Caf ) will have Ms Chun Kim, director of Approval Specialists Inc, who can provide detailed responses to questions [...]
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With Free Entry to the Expo and all business seminars, The Australian Business and IT Expo (ABITE) brings together a dynamic combination of business and technology representatives. Technology, established and new, presents Business Owners and Managers with enormous challenges in sorting through many issues including relevance, priority and cost. Meet face to face to source ideas, [...]
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The ACMA have amended the various labelling notices for Telecommunications, EMC and Radiocommunications to allow for the electronic display of the required A-Tick/C-Tick/RCM compliance logo and supplier code /alternatives, for devices that have an integrated display. This alternative to standard product labels on a device does not apply to products that do not have an integrated [...]
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The New Zealand Commerce Commission has today issued a decision related to Telecom?s use of VDSL technologies in the provision of wholesale broadband services. The Commerce Commission confirmed that if Telecom Wholesale were to employ VDSL technology to deliver the regulated bitstream service used to provide broadband, (ie, the unbundled bitstream access service, UBA) then [...]
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Following expansion of our services in Australia and New Zealand, positions are available in both our Sydney and Auckland laboratories. Both Austest Laboratories Sydney and Harvest Laboratories Auckland have positions available for safety engineers or testing officers. Experience in Australian and IEC safety standards preferred, Immediate Start. Austest Sydney is employing an additional engineer experienced in Medical [...]
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Following a recent successful CB Scheme audit of our Sydney lab, Austest Laboratories has expanded the scope of safety standards to include IEC 60335-2-82 for Amusement Machines. This allows Austest to issue a globally accepted CB report and associated TUV Rheinland Japan CB Certificate for various gaming machines, currency dispensers, weighing machines and poker / slot machines. [...]
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Approval Specialists Pty. Limited have had their ACMA Certification Body status renewed for 2010, allowing the issue of Certification Body statements for a range of devices including GSM voice and data devices including devices that employ GPRS over GSM. http://www.acma.gov.au/webwr/stds_compliance/certification/ab2010.pdf
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The Communications Alliance (new name for ACIF), has produced new versions of AS/ACIF S003 relating to FXS and extension ports under the ACMA’s requirements for A-Tick. The 3 new standards are: AS/CA S003.1:2010 Customer Access Equipment for connection to a Telecommunications Network Part 1: General This standard is a general standard for voice gateway equipment including all [...]
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In accordance with Australian Communication and Media Authority (ACMA) requirements, all devices must comply with the requirements of all of the applicable ACMA mandated Labelling Notices. The supplier of a ?host? device (lap top PC, Data Tracking device as examples) incorporating an already C-Ticklabelled (compliant) module(s) (Bluetoothtm or wireless LAN) must ensure the resulting final product still meets all [...]
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We’re often asked about the approval requirements for grid connect inverters, which seem to be the hot product for 2010 (along with LED lighting), as people move towards a carbon neutral footprint for their homes. Austest is approved by the Clean Energy Council for testing to AS/NZS3100 and is the main safety test requirement for inverters. AS/NZS60950.1:2003 may [...]
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From time to time we hear of importers selling untested or non compliant products in the Australian market, ranging from telecommunications devices requiring A-Tick or general electrical items subject to C-Tick / EMC requirements. The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) have the ability to impose fines or product recalls for companies found to have breached [...]
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The ACMA (Australian Communications and Media Authority) registered an amendment to their Telecommunications Labelling (Customer Equipment and Customer Cabling) on the 23rd of December (Amendment Notice 2009 (No. 1), which included reference to 3 new revisions of the DSL standards that apply to CPE (Customer Premises Equipment). These technical standards are: Telecommunications Technical Standard (Requirements for [...]
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WiMax approval for imported devices is not possible in Australia at the moment as the ACMA have not established a class licencing system, therefore each item must have an individual licence depending on where it is operated. For customer premises type devices, this is simply impractical. Here’s a summary: Current approved Australian WiMAX bands [...]
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Austest Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide can now perform RoHS testing of electrical components and printed circuit boards for manufacturers and exporters seeking compliance with CE marking requirements under the RoHS Directive. The RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) Directive, took effect within European Union member states on the 1st of July 2006 and restricts the use [...]
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A-Tick compliance of GSM and 3G devices in Australia requires testing to the relevant ACMA standards, carrier acceptance, the compilation and holding of a compliance folder with the required standards and marking of the product with the A-Tick logo and suppplier code (or ABN/ACN Aust Trademark). Testing to the required standards such as AS/NZS60950, AS/ACIF [...]
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Harvest adds VDSL2 to Chorus New Zealand telecommunications testing scope
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Austest Melbourne has expanded it’s telecommunications service offerings with the addition of the following New Zealand Telecom Accredited Standards testing: All non-voice, and voice products – PTC 200, PTC 211, PTC 212 ETSI TBR3 and ETSI TBR4 TNA 134 (Telecom std basic rate & primary rate) TNA 136 (Primary Rate Lite), TNA 137 (Ericisson AXE BR) [...]
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The following draft standards are available for you to comment on. The closing date for comment on these draft standards is 7 September 2009. DR09914CP, AS/NZS 3820:200X Essential safety requirements for electrical equipment This Standard was prepared by the Joint Standards Australia/Standards New Zealand Committee QR-012, Conformance Marking to Regulatory Requirements to supersede AS/NZS 3820:1998 [...]
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On June 30 the CEO of Standards Australia, John Tucker, sent out an email talking about the global financial crisis blah blah, and how bad things were. Well they seem particularly bad at Standards Australia to the point where they are having trouble adhering to their raison d’etre. The progress of standards making has ground to a snails [...]
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Australias’ Communications Alliance Ltd invites public comment on the following two draft Standards: Analogue interworking and non-interference requirements for Customer Equipment for connection to the Public Switched Telephone Network (DR AS/CA S002:2010) Requirements for customer cabling products (DR AS/CA S008:2010) DR AS/CA S002:2010 is a revision of the 2005 edition of the Standard. It proposes [...]
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The mandatory human exposure standard in Australia is the Radiocommunications (Electromagnetic Radiation ? Human Exposure) Standard 2003 (EMR Standard) with its amendments and applies to most mobile and portable radiocommunications transmitters operating in the 3kHz to 300GHz frequency range. The EMR Standard differentiates between devices used by an aware user (generally understood to be a [...]
read more >>
Ultra-Wideband (UWB) devices have the ability to transmit at low output power levels over a broad range of the radiocommunications spectrum and are best suited for short range communications/applications. As such, they are muted as the next advance in wireless short distance applications such as “wireless USB” and may be considered to have greater application [...]
read more >>
The ACMA have amended the various labelling notices for Telecommunications, EMC and Radiocommunications to allow for the electronic display of the required A-Tick/C-Tick/RCM compliance logo and supplier code /alternatives, for devices that have an integrated display. This alternative to standard product labels on a device does not apply to products that do not have an integrated [...]
read more >>
New requirements on Machinery in Europe On December 29th 2009 a new Machinery Directive, 2006/42/EC, came into force in the EEA (EU + Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway) and Switzerland. Exporters of machinery to the states in this area should analyse the provisions as there are important changes in the new directive. Some of these are [...]
read more >>
As of 20 July 2009, EMC Directive 2004/108/EC will be in force, replacing EMC Directive 89/336/EEC. For products marketed in the European Union (EU) after 20 July 2009, all the applicable technical documentation and Declaration of Conformity (DoC) should be updated to include this new directive. We will provide further analysis of the new directive in a separate [...]
read more >>
Austest Sydney and Melbourne have expanded their environmental test capabilities with new Salt Spray and Temperature/Humidity chambers. This testing is suitable for tropical country climate tests, AS/NZS 4601 and standards such as those relating to Taxi Cab Alarm Systems / passenger transport regulation 2007. Sydney Combined Temperature -70 C to +150 C and Humidity 30% – 98% rh Chamber for equipment 1m(w) [...]
read more >>
New requirements on Machinery in Europe On December 29th 2009 a new Machinery Directive, 2006/42/EC, came into force in the EEA (EU + Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway) and Switzerland. Exporters of machinery to the states in this area should analyse the provisions as there are important changes in the new directive. Some of these are [...]
read more >>
Until this month, there has been a lack of uniform approach to certification in Japan of products that combine wireline technologies such as dial up, ISDN or Broadband, and RF/Wireless devices with 802.11a/b/g, UWB or cordless phone technologies. This has now been clarified with JATE producing an english version here.. Interpretation_Art9. Please direct certification questions regarding JATE to Ms [...]
read more >>
In a clear wake up call to other energy efficiency regulators, the United States Department of Energy have from April 14, changed their requirements for MEPS registration of products under the Energy Star program. “The EPA has strengthened its approval systems and is no longer relying on an automated approval process. Companies are now required [...]
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MEPS (Minimum Energy Performance Standards) Approval for power adaptors and batters chargers became mandatory in Korea from the 1st of January, 2009 and applies to all products (power adaptors & Battery chargers) manufactured after 1 January, 2009. Note that MEPS testing needs to be performed by each importer of the power supply or charger. Procedure for Testing [...]
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Effective 1 Jan 2010, the Korea Customs Service has amended customs importation procedures for all products falling under the scope of KCC approval. The Ministry of Justice, Republic of Korea, has revised the designated notice of goods, per ”"Notice of Korea Customs Service, No. 2009-115 and Article 226 of Customs Act”, with the revised notice effective as of January [...]
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Independent of Host (IOH) module certification in Japan for either wireless or wireline devices is subject to the following conditions: - The Module must include all HW and SW required for telecommunications operation. If a specific driver is required, it will need to be included in the certification. - The Module has to remain easily user-installable [...]
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Here’s a summary of NCC approval requirements for Wireless Lan devices Firstly, it’s important to note that Notebook PCs equipped with WLAN, BT or WWAN modules can?t be certified as a system approval. Certification can only be achieved as a limited module within a specific host. The model and brand name of the laptop/host will then be listed [...]
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As of 20 July 2009, EMC Directive 2004/108/EC will be in force, replacing EMC Directive 89/336/EEC. For products marketed in the European Union (EU) after 20 July 2009, all the applicable technical documentation and Declaration of Conformity (DoC) should be updated to include this new directive. We will provide further analysis of the new directive in a separate [...]
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Portable lithium secondary cells and batteries for use in portable electrical equipment have been included in the Korean safety certification (KC) scheme for consumer products from 1 July, 2009 The responsible authority, KATS (Korean Agency for Technology & Standards) previously revised regulations for Quality Management & Safety Control of Industrial Products to include safety requirements for such [...]
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Effective July 15, the US Administrative Council for Terminal Attachments (ACTA) increased its fee for processing Telephone Terminal Equipment (TTE) for inclusion to the Part 68 database to USD$525.00 per submission. This fee is in addition to the fee charged by the TCB (Telecommunications Certification Body). TCBs issue registration numbers for equipment meeting requirements [...]
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Until this month, there has been a lack of uniform approach to certification in Japan of products that combine wireline technologies such as dial up, ISDN or Broadband, and RF/Wireless devices with 802.11a/b/g, UWB or cordless phone technologies. This has now been clarified with JATE producing an english version here.. Interpretation_Art9. Please direct certification questions regarding JATE to Ms [...]
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VCCI Council will commence enforcement of radiated disturbance limits above 1GHz for products subject to conformity verification report filing on and after October 1, 2010. Curiously, for one year until September 2011 it is up to each member to decide whether or not they will opt in conformity assessment tests above 1GHz. Confused ? The VCCI are asking very [...]
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Independent of Host (IOH) module certification in Japan for either wireless or wireline devices is subject to the following conditions: - The Module must include all HW and SW required for telecommunications operation. If a specific driver is required, it will need to be included in the certification. - The Module has to remain easily user-installable [...]
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Austest Sydneys’ Electrical safety Lab has taken delivery of a 6KVA 1-300V AC (420 VDC), 1-999.9Hz AC Power Source to assist multi-country CB standards testing and also to support local manufacturers in simulating 60Hz and other supply variations on their equipment. Enquiries to austest@austest.com.au
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CeBIT (Sydney Exhibition Centre, 24th-26th May, 2010) is Australasia’s leading Business Technology Event and we?re excited to be exhibiting again this year for the 5th time. For international compliance issues, our Stand G40, Hall 3 (near the rear Caf ) will have Ms Chun Kim, director of Approval Specialists Inc, who can provide detailed responses to questions [...]
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With Free Entry to the Expo and all business seminars, The Australian Business and IT Expo (ABITE) brings together a dynamic combination of business and technology representatives. Technology, established and new, presents Business Owners and Managers with enormous challenges in sorting through many issues including relevance, priority and cost. Meet face to face to source ideas, [...]
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Following expansion of our services in Australia and New Zealand, positions are available in both our Sydney and Auckland laboratories. Both Austest Laboratories Sydney and Harvest Laboratories Auckland have positions available for safety engineers or testing officers. Experience in Australian and IEC safety standards preferred, Immediate Start. Austest Sydney is employing an additional engineer experienced in Medical [...]
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Austest Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide can now perform RoHS testing of electrical components and printed circuit boards for manufacturers and exporters seeking compliance with CE marking requirements under the RoHS Directive. The RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) Directive, took effect within European Union member states on the 1st of July 2006 and restricts the use [...]
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Harvest adds VDSL2 to Chorus New Zealand telecommunications testing scope
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Austest Melbourne has expanded it’s telecommunications service offerings with the addition of the following New Zealand Telecom Accredited Standards testing: All non-voice, and voice products – PTC 200, PTC 211, PTC 212 ETSI TBR3 and ETSI TBR4 TNA 134 (Telecom std basic rate & primary rate) TNA 136 (Primary Rate Lite), TNA 137 (Ericisson AXE BR) [...]
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Following from the recent successful transition of Austest Melbourne?s ISO 17025 accreditation from NATA to A2LA, Austest Sydney has achieved A2LA (the American Association for Laboratory Accreditation) accreditation for a wide range of safety, EMC, telecommunications, and safety energy standards. A2LA is a signatory to several multilateral mutual recognition arrangements including the International Laboratory [...]
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Australian and New Zealand importers should be careful when considering purchase and importation of travel adaptors for sale or distribution Austest and Harvest Labs have received numerous submissions from clients for testing and certification of travel adaptors, resulting in most failing to meet AU/NZ requirements and in particular, the dimensional requirements within AS/NZS 3112 as referenced [...]
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Austest Sydney is proud to announce the following additions to our accredited test scope covering safety testing of domestic and commercial electrical items, LED lighting, IP Testing and MEPS / Energy Efficiency: AS/NZS 60335 Part 2.2 Vacuum Cleaners and Water-Suction Cleaning Appliances Part 2.21 Storage Water Heaters Part 2.31 Range Hoods Part 2.43 Clothes Dryers [...]
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Austest Sydneys’ Electrical safety Lab has taken delivery of a 6KVA 1-300V AC (420 VDC), 1-999.9Hz AC Power Source to assist multi-country CB standards testing and also to support local manufacturers in simulating 60Hz and other supply variations on their equipment. Enquiries to austest@austest.com.au
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Following a recent successful CB Scheme audit of our Sydney lab, Austest Laboratories has expanded the scope of safety standards to include IEC 60335-2-82 for Amusement Machines. This allows Austest to issue a globally accepted CB report and associated TUV Rheinland Japan CB Certificate for various gaming machines, currency dispensers, weighing machines and poker / slot machines. [...]
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We’re often asked about the approval requirements for grid connect inverters, which seem to be the hot product for 2010 (along with LED lighting), as people move towards a carbon neutral footprint for their homes. Austest is approved by the Clean Energy Council for testing to AS/NZS3100 and is the main safety test requirement for inverters. AS/NZS60950.1:2003 may [...]
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The following draft standards are available for you to comment on. The closing date for comment on these draft standards is 7 September 2009. DR09914CP, AS/NZS 3820:200X Essential safety requirements for electrical equipment This Standard was prepared by the Joint Standards Australia/Standards New Zealand Committee QR-012, Conformance Marking to Regulatory Requirements to supersede AS/NZS 3820:1998 [...]
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MEPS (Minimum Energy Performance Standards) Approval for power adaptors and batters chargers became mandatory in Korea from the 1st of January, 2009 and applies to all products (power adaptors & Battery chargers) manufactured after 1 January, 2009. Note that MEPS testing needs to be performed by each importer of the power supply or charger. Procedure for Testing [...]
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Effective 1 Jan 2010, the Korea Customs Service has amended customs importation procedures for all products falling under the scope of KCC approval. The Ministry of Justice, Republic of Korea, has revised the designated notice of goods, per ”"Notice of Korea Customs Service, No. 2009-115 and Article 226 of Customs Act”, with the revised notice effective as of January [...]
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Portable lithium secondary cells and batteries for use in portable electrical equipment have been included in the Korean safety certification (KC) scheme for consumer products from 1 July, 2009 The responsible authority, KATS (Korean Agency for Technology & Standards) previously revised regulations for Quality Management & Safety Control of Industrial Products to include safety requirements for such [...]
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Here’s a summary of NCC approval requirements for Wireless Lan devices Firstly, it’s important to note that Notebook PCs equipped with WLAN, BT or WWAN modules can?t be certified as a system approval. Certification can only be achieved as a limited module within a specific host. The model and brand name of the laptop/host will then be listed [...]
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Australias’ Communications Alliance Ltd invites public comment on the following two draft Standards: Analogue interworking and non-interference requirements for Customer Equipment for connection to the Public Switched Telephone Network (DR AS/CA S002:2010) Requirements for customer cabling products (DR AS/CA S008:2010) DR AS/CA S002:2010 is a revision of the 2005 edition of the Standard. It proposes [...]
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The ACMA have amended the various labelling notices for Telecommunications, EMC and Radiocommunications to allow for the electronic display of the required A-Tick/C-Tick/RCM compliance logo and supplier code /alternatives, for devices that have an integrated display. This alternative to standard product labels on a device does not apply to products that do not have an integrated [...]
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The New Zealand Commerce Commission has today issued a decision related to Telecom?s use of VDSL technologies in the provision of wholesale broadband services. The Commerce Commission confirmed that if Telecom Wholesale were to employ VDSL technology to deliver the regulated bitstream service used to provide broadband, (ie, the unbundled bitstream access service, UBA) then [...]
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Approval Specialists Pty. Limited have had their ACMA Certification Body status renewed for 2010, allowing the issue of Certification Body statements for a range of devices including GSM voice and data devices including devices that employ GPRS over GSM. http://www.acma.gov.au/webwr/stds_compliance/certification/ab2010.pdf
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The Communications Alliance (new name for ACIF), has produced new versions of AS/ACIF S003 relating to FXS and extension ports under the ACMA’s requirements for A-Tick. The 3 new standards are: AS/CA S003.1:2010 Customer Access Equipment for connection to a Telecommunications Network Part 1: General This standard is a general standard for voice gateway equipment including all [...]
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In accordance with Australian Communication and Media Authority (ACMA) requirements, all devices must comply with the requirements of all of the applicable ACMA mandated Labelling Notices. The supplier of a ?host? device (lap top PC, Data Tracking device as examples) incorporating an already C-Ticklabelled (compliant) module(s) (Bluetoothtm or wireless LAN) must ensure the resulting final product still meets all [...]
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The ACMA (Australian Communications and Media Authority) registered an amendment to their Telecommunications Labelling (Customer Equipment and Customer Cabling) on the 23rd of December (Amendment Notice 2009 (No. 1), which included reference to 3 new revisions of the DSL standards that apply to CPE (Customer Premises Equipment). These technical standards are: Telecommunications Technical Standard (Requirements for [...]
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A-Tick compliance of GSM and 3G devices in Australia requires testing to the relevant ACMA standards, carrier acceptance, the compilation and holding of a compliance folder with the required standards and marking of the product with the A-Tick logo and suppplier code (or ABN/ACN Aust Trademark). Testing to the required standards such as AS/NZS60950, AS/ACIF [...]
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Harvest adds VDSL2 to Chorus New Zealand telecommunications testing scope
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Austest Melbourne has expanded it’s telecommunications service offerings with the addition of the following New Zealand Telecom Accredited Standards testing: All non-voice, and voice products – PTC 200, PTC 211, PTC 212 ETSI TBR3 and ETSI TBR4 TNA 134 (Telecom std basic rate & primary rate) TNA 136 (Primary Rate Lite), TNA 137 (Ericisson AXE BR) [...]
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In a clear wake up call to other energy efficiency regulators, the United States Department of Energy have from April 14, changed their requirements for MEPS registration of products under the Energy Star program. “The EPA has strengthened its approval systems and is no longer relying on an automated approval process. Companies are now required [...]
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Effective July 15, the US Administrative Council for Terminal Attachments (ACTA) increased its fee for processing Telephone Terminal Equipment (TTE) for inclusion to the Part 68 database to USD$525.00 per submission. This fee is in addition to the fee charged by the TCB (Telecommunications Certification Body). TCBs issue registration numbers for equipment meeting requirements [...]
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Approvals/Consulting: Approval Specialists will be open over the holiday season with the exception of public holidays Test Labs: Austest Labs will be closed from midday Christmas eve 24th Dec and will reopen Monday 4th Jan 2010 for business as usual. Harvest Labs will only be closed for public holidays and will be open with full staff at [...]
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Welcome to the product compliance blog for the Approval Specialists Group inc Austest and Harvest Labs. This site aims to provide a rapid Q & A for product compliance issues concerning manufacturers, importers and exporters and will over time expand to cover a wide range of countries and their unique approvals requirements. There doesn?t seem [...]
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Ultra-Wideband (UWB) devices have the ability to transmit at low output power levels over a broad range of the radiocommunications spectrum and are best suited for short range communications/applications. As such, they are muted as the next advance in wireless short distance applications such as “wireless USB” and may be considered to have greater application [...]
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The ACMA have amended the various labelling notices for Telecommunications, EMC and Radiocommunications to allow for the electronic display of the required A-Tick/C-Tick/RCM compliance logo and supplier code /alternatives, for devices that have an integrated display. This alternative to standard product labels on a device does not apply to products that do not have an integrated [...]
read more >>
In accordance with Australian Communication and Media Authority (ACMA) requirements, all devices must comply with the requirements of all of the applicable ACMA mandated Labelling Notices. The supplier of a ?host? device (lap top PC, Data Tracking device as examples) incorporating an already C-Ticklabelled (compliant) module(s) (Bluetoothtm or wireless LAN) must ensure the resulting final product still meets all [...]
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WiMax approval for imported devices is not possible in Australia at the moment as the ACMA have not established a class licencing system, therefore each item must have an individual licence depending on where it is operated. For customer premises type devices, this is simply impractical. Here’s a summary: Current approved Australian WiMAX bands [...]
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