Radiocommunications (Electromagnetic Compatibility) Standard 2001

Administered by Department of Communications and the Arts

Legislation au F2005B00131 Not in force Legislative Instrument

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The AUSTRALIAN COMMUNICATIONS AUTHORITY makes this Standard under subsection 162 (1) of the Radiocommunications Act 1992.

Dated 2 November 2001

A J SHAW
Chair

G W LUTHER
Senior Executive Manager

Australian Communications Authority

Contents

Page

Part 1 Preliminary

1 Name of Standard

2 Commencement

3 Interpretation

4 Revocation

Part 2 Exceptions and qualifications

5 Devices to which this Standard does not apply

6 Application of this standard to complex assemblies

7 Transitional arrangements for supply of devices after modification of a standard

Part 3 Applicable standards

8 Devices to which this Standard applies

9 Standards of performance

10 Excepted provisions of applicable standards

11 Devices to which more than 1 applicable standard applies

Schedule 1 Applicable standards

Part 1 AS and AS/NZS standards

Part 2 EN, IEC and CISPR standards

Part 1 Preliminary

1 Name of Standard

This Standard is the Radiocommunications (Electromagnetic Compatibility) Standard 2001.

2 Commencement

This Standard commences on gazettal.

3 Interpretation

(1) In this Standard:

Act means the Radiocommunications Act 1992.

applicable standard, in relation to a device, means a standard listed in Schedule 1 that applies to the device.

Australian/New Zealand Standard means a standard approved for publication on behalf of Standards Australia International Limited and the Council of Standards New Zealand.

Note Copies of Australian/New Zealand standards are available from offices of Standards Australia International Limited.

end user means a consumer:

(a) to whom a device is supplied; and

(b) who is a residential, light industrial or commercial consumer;

but does not include a manufacturer that is supplied with a device for the purpose of incorporating it as a part of a separate device.

fixed installation means a combination of types of devices, components and hardware that are assembled and installed at a place of use in such a way that the combination cannot be moved without a part of the combination being at least partially disassembled.

general electricity supply means electrical supply that is alternating current (AC) having a normal frequency of 50 Hz and the standard voltages of:

(a) 240 volts between a phase conductor and the neutral conductor; and

(b) 415 volts between any 2 phase conductors of a 3 phase system.

low voltage means single phase mains electrical supply.

(2) In this Standard:

(a) a reference to an applicable standard is a reference to a standard as in force from time to time; and

(b) if an applicable standard is replaced by a standard with the same title number (apart from the year), the replacement standard is taken to be the same standard.

(3) For subsection (2), an applicable standard is taken to have the same title number as another applicable standard if the whole number (that is, ignoring any digits appearing after a decimal point), in the following format is the same:

AS/NZS [number][: or -][year].

(4) In this Standard:

(a) a reference to a document with the prefix ‘IEC’ is a reference to a standard as in force from time to time, published by the International Electrotechnical Commission; and

(b) a reference to a document with the prefix ‘CISPR’ is a reference to a standard as in force from time to time published by the International Special Committee on Radio Interference; and

(c) a reference to a document with the prefix ‘EN’ is a reference to a ‘European Normative’ harmonised standard as in force from time to time published by the European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardisation and commonly referred to as ‘CENELEC’.

4 Revocation

The Radiocommunications (Electromagnetic Compatibility) Standard 1998 made on 11 November 1998 is revoked.

Part 2 Exceptions and qualifications

5 Devices to which this Standard does not apply

(1) This Standard does not apply to the following devices:

(a) a radiocommunications transmitter;

(b) a device that complies with a radio emission standard that applies to the device under a law of the Commonwealth (except for this Standard) or of a State or Territory;

(d) a device used in military equipment or weapons systems of the Defence Force or by the defence force of another country operating in cooperation with the Defence Force;

(e) a device with a power consumption not exceeding 6 nanowatts;

(f) a device that is designed or adapted for conducting a test, measurement or study of electromagnetic phenomena in an educational, training or research establishment;

(g) a spare part that has:

(i) identical specifications to the device it is to replace; or

(ii) the same radiofrequency emission characteristics as that device;

(h) a component, except a component that is an assembly of components that forms part of a finished device;

(i) a device that is for incorporation into another device and is not to be supplied to an end-user.

(2) This Standard does not apply to a device that is used for exhibition or demonstration if it is the sole example of the device used for that purpose.

(3) This Standard does not apply to a fixed installation.

Note Despite subsection (3), section 197 of the Act prohibits a person from knowingly or recklessly causing interference to radiocommunications.

(4) This Standard does not apply to a device that is designed for and operates from an AC electrical supply other than a general electrical supply.

Example

A device that receives its electrical supply from batteries or an external DC power source is not exempt from the Standard.

(5) This Standard does not apply to a vehicle that is registered, or is capable of being registered, under a law of the Commonwealth or a State or Territory, for use on a public road.

(6) This Standard does not apply to a device that is used solely for law enforcement activities by any of the following agencies:

(a) the Australian Federal Police;

(b) a police force or service of a State or Territory;

(d) the New South Wales Crime Commission;

(e) the Independent Commission against Corruption of New South Wales;

(f) the Criminal Justice Commission of Queensland;

(g) a criminal law enforcement authority established by or under a law of the Commonwealth, a State or Territory;

(h) a body or organisation responsible to the Australian Police Ministers’ Council for the facilitation of national law enforcement support.

Note 1 Subsection 24 (1) and section 25 of the Act provide for exemptions for specified Defence Force activities from the operation of the Act. Section 26 of the Act and regulation 6 of the Radiocommunications Regulations 1993 provide for exemptions for specified Defence Force activities from the operation of Parts 3.1, 4.1 and 4.2 of the Act.

Note 2 Subsection 24 (2) of the Act provides for exemptions for the Australian Secret Intelligence Service and the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation from the operation of the Act.

6 Application of this standard to complex assemblies

(1) Subsection (2) applies to a device supplied in a configuration that:

(a) contains 2 or more devices (component devices); and

(b) does not form part of a larger device.

(2) For the application of this Standard:

(a) the device is taken to be a single device made up of its component devices; and

(b) the individual component devices are not taken to be devices to which this Standard applies.

7 Transitional arrangements for supply of devices after modification of a standard

(1) If a device is first offered for supply less than 2 years after an applicable standard in force under this Standard (other than an EN standard) is modified, the device is taken to meet the applicable standard if it meets the standard as in force before the modification.

(2) If a device is first offered for supply 2 years or more after an applicable standard in force under this Standard (other than an EN standard) is modified, the device must meet the applicable standard as modified.

(3) If an EN standard applies to a device, the transitional arrangement from the reference standard to the modified standard is the arrangement as published in the Official Journal of the European Communities as in force from time to time.

Note Information about the Official Journal of the European Communities is available from the following website: http//www.europa.eu.int/eur-lex/en/help-about.html.

(4) This section does not apply to the making of a new standard (that is not a modification of an existing standard) that applies to a device.

Part 3 Applicable standards

8 Devices to which this Standard applies

(1) Subject to subsections (3) and (5), this Standard applies to a device to which any of the Standards listed in Schedule 1 apply.

(2) For subsection (1), an applicable standard that is expressed as applying to emissions made by a device, rather than to the device itself, is taken to apply to the device.

(3) For 2 years from the making of this Standard, the standards mentioned in subsection (4) are taken to apply only to devices designed for connection to a low voltage electrical supply.

(4) For subsection (3), the standards are as follows:

(a) AS/NZS 1044;

(b) CISPR 14-1;

(d) AS/NZS 4051;

(e) CISPR 15;

(f) EN 55015.

Note After the expiration of 2 years from the making of this Standard, the standards mentioned in subsection (4) will apply to all single phase, 2 phase and 3 phase powered devices that can be operated from a general electrical supply.

(5) The following standards do not apply to a device that is designed primarily for domestic use:

(a) AS/NZS 4251.2;

(b) EN 50081-2;

9 Standards of performance

For paragraph 162 (1) (a) of the Act, the standard of performance of a device is a standard that would enable the device to comply with the applicable standard applying to the device, with the exception of a standard, or a provision of a standard, mentioned in section 10.

10 Excepted provisions of applicable standards

(1) For section 9, the following provisions of applicable standards in Schedule 1 do not apply to the standard of performance of a device:

(a) subclauses 7.2.1 and 8.4 of AS/NZS 1044, EN 55014-1 and CISPR 14‑1;

(b) subclause 4.2 of AS/NZS 3548, EN 55022 and CISPR 22, to the extent that a warning label is required.

(2) For this Standard, a standard applies to a device only to the extent that the phenomena is emitted disturbance associated with conducted (continuous and intermittent) radiofrequency disturbance or radiated radiofrequency disturbance.

(3) For a device to which this Standard applies, only those test procedures and measurement methods as are necessary for the operation of subsection (2) apply.

11 Devices to which more than 1 applicable standard applies

For section 9, if more than 1 applicable standard applies to a device, the applicable standard to be applied is the one more or most closely related to the primary purpose of the device.

Example

The applicable standard applying to a household appliance (such as a washing machine) that contains a microprocessor is AS/NZS 1044 (which applies to various household appliances), not AS/NZS 3548 (which applies to information technology equipment).

Schedule 1 Applicable standards

(subsections 3 (1), 8 (1) and 10 (1))

Part 1 AS and AS/NZS standards

AS standards

AS 62040.2

AS/NZS standards

AS/NZS 1044

AS/NZS 1053

AS/NZS 2064

AS/NZS 2557

AS/NZS 3548

AS/NZS 3652

AS/NZS 4051

AS/NZS 4251.1

AS/NZS 4251.2

Part 2 EN, IEC and CISPR standards

EN standards

EN 50065-1

EN 50081-1

EN 50081-2

EN 50091-2

EN 50148

EN 50199

EN 50227

EN 50263

EN 50270

EN 55011

EN 55013

EN 55014-1

EN 55015

EN 55022

EN 55103-1

EN 60204-31

EN 60439-1

EN 60669-2-1

EN 60669-2-2

EN 60669-2-3

EN 60687

EN 60730-1

EN 60730-2-5

EN 60730-2-6

EN 60730-2-7

EN 60730-2-8

EN 60730-2-9

EN 60730-2-11

EN 60730-2-13

EN 60730-2-14

EN 60730-2-18

EN 60870-2-1

EN 60945

EN 60947-1

EN 60947-2

EN 60947-3

EN 60947-4-1

EN 60947-4-2

EN 60947-4-3

EN 60947-5-1

EN 60947-5-2

EN 60947-5-3

EN 60947-5-6

EN 60947-6-1

EN 60947-6-2

EN 61008-1

EN 61036

EN 61037

EN 61038

EN 61268

EN 61326

EN 61543

EN 61800-3

EN 61812-1

IEC standards

IEC 60204-31

IEC 60439-1

IEC 60669-2-1

IEC 60669-2-2

IEC 60669-2-3

IEC 60687

IEC 60730-1

IEC 60730-2-5

IEC 60730-2-6

IEC 60730-2-7

IEC 60730-2-8

IEC 60730-2-9

IEC 60730-2-11

IEC 60730-2-13

IEC 60730-2-14

IEC 60730-2-18

IEC 60870-2-1

IEC 60945

IEC 60947-1

IEC 60947-2

IEC 60947-3

IEC 60947-4-1

IEC 60947-4-2

IEC 60947-4-3

IEC 60947-5-1

IEC 60947-5-2

IEC 60947-5-3

IEC 60947-5-6

IEC 60947-6-1

IEC 60947-6-2

IEC 61000-3-8

IEC 61000-6-3

IEC 61000-6-4

IEC 61008-1

IEC 61036

IEC 61037

IEC 61038

IEC 61268

IEC 61326

IEC 61543

IEC 61800-3

IEC 61812-1

IEC 62040-2

CISPR standards

CISPR 11

CISPR 12

CISPR 13

CISPR 14-1

CISPR 15

CISPR 22

Overview

The Radiocommunications (Electromagnetic Compatibility) Standard 2001 was enacted by the Australian Communications Authority under subsection 162(1) of the Radiocommunications Act 1992. This Standard addresses the issue of ensuring electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) in radiocommunication devices to prevent interference with other radiocommunication services. The objective of this legislation is to establish a consistent standard for the performance of radiocommunication devices in terms of their electromagnetic emissions, thereby facilitating the smooth operation of various communication services. The Standard applies to a broad range of devices, subject to certain exceptions, and incorporates various applicable standards to ensure that devices meet specific EMC requirements. This Standard came into effect upon gazettement and repealed the previous Radiocommunications (Electromagnetic Compatibility) Standard 1998.

Scope and Application

The Radiocommunications (Electromagnetic Compatibility) Standard 2001 applies to a broad range of devices and equipment, with certain exclusions, under the authority of the Radiocommunications Act 1992. It primarily applies to devices that are designed to be connected to a general electrical supply, which is defined as alternating current (AC) with a frequency of 50 Hz and standard voltages of 240 volts between a phase conductor and the neutral conductor, and 415 volts between any two phase conductors of a three-phase system. However, it does not apply to several types of devices, including radiocommunications transmitters, devices already compliant with other emission standards, prototypes, military equipment, devices with extremely low power consumption, devices used for educational, training, or research purposes, spare parts with identical specifications to the device they replace, components that are not assemblies forming part of a finished device, devices for incorporation into other devices not intended for end-user supply, devices used solely for exhibition or demonstration, fixed installations, and devices used solely for law enforcement activities by specified agencies. The Standard also does not apply to vehicles registered for public road use and devices operating from non-general AC electrical supplies such as batteries or external DC power sources. Transitional arrangements are provided for the supply of devices after a modification of an applicable standard, allowing a two-year period for compliance with the previous version of the standard. The Standard applies to devices to which any of the standards listed in Schedule 1 apply, with some standards initially applying only to devices designed for connection to a low voltage electrical supply for the first two years post-enactment. Additionally, certain provisions of the applicable standards are excepted from the scope of this Standard, and if multiple applicable standards exist, the most closely related standard to the primary purpose of the device is to be applied.

Key Provisions

The Radiocommunications (Electromagnetic Compatibility) Standard 2001, made under section 162(1) of the Radiocommunications Act 1992, establishes the performance requirements for devices in relation to electromagnetic compatibility. This Standard aims to ensure that devices do not emit electromagnetic disturbances that could interfere with other radiocommunications services. The Standard applies to devices that are subject to the applicable standards listed in Schedule 1, which include a mix of Australian/New Zealand Standards (AS/NZS), International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), and International Special Committee on Radio Interference (CISPR) standards, as well as European Normative (EN) standards. The Standard imposes obligations on the entities it governs by specifying the applicable standards for electromagnetic compatibility, detailing exceptions and qualifications, and setting out the performance requirements for devices. The applicable standards are listed in Schedule 1, which includes both AS/NZS and international standards, such as EN, IEC, and CISPR standards. The Standard also outlines specific exemptions, such as for devices used in military equipment, devices with very low power consumption, and devices used solely for law enforcement activities. It further specifies that certain standards only apply to devices designed for connection to a low voltage electrical supply for the first two years following the Standard's commencement. Additionally, the Standard outlines transitional arrangements for the supply of devices after the modification of applicable standards, ensuring that devices offered for supply within two years of a standard's modification can still meet the previous version of the standard. If a device is offered for supply two years or more after a standard's modification, it must meet the updated version of the standard. This transition period helps manufacturers and suppliers adjust to changes in standards without immediate compliance pressure. The Standard also sets out the excepted provisions of the applicable standards, meaning that certain parts of the standards do not apply to the electromagnetic compatibility performance of devices. For example, specific subclauses of some standards related to conducted and radiated radiofrequency disturbance are excluded from the scope of this Standard. It further clarifies that only those test procedures and measurement methods necessary for compliance with the electromagnetic compatibility requirements are applicable. The Standard imposes penalties and consequences for non-compliance with the provisions of the Radiocommunications Act 1992. Any breach of the Act or its regulations can lead to both civil and criminal penalties. Civil penalties can include fines and orders to cease non-compliant activities. Criminal penalties may include imprisonment, fines, or both, depending on the severity and intent behind the breach. The exact penalties are determined by the courts and can vary based on the specific circumstances of the case. In summary, the Radiocommunications (Electromagnetic Compatibility) Standard 2001 sets out the performance requirements for devices to ensure they do not emit electromagnetic disturbances that could interfere with other radiocommunications services. It applies to devices subject to specified standards, outlines exceptions, and specifies transitional arrangements for standard modifications. The Standard also sets out the excepted provisions of applicable standards and the consequences for non-compliance with the Radiocommunications Act 1992.

Area of Law: Technology Law
Instrument: Legislative Instrument
Concepts: Definitions & Interpretation; Regulatory Standards; Enforcement Powers

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Sourced from the Federal Register of Legislation at 26 August 2026. For the latest information on Australian Government law please go to https://www.legislation.gov.au.

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