Compliance standards for EMC & Radio

Why are standards necessary?

Standards are needed to ensure safe and satisfactory products that are fit for their intended use. The Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) and Radio Standards prescribed by Radio Spectrum Management (RSM) also protect the radio spectrum, minimising interference and allowing effective use of radiocommunications services.

Joint Australia and New Zealand standards (AS/NZS) and international standards (IEC-CISPR, ETS, EN, & FCC), are adopted in New Zealand where possible, to maximise trade opportunities, equipment availability and minimise compliance costs.

The standards referred to can generally be obtained from Standards New Zealand and SAI Global.

Mutual recognition

An agreement exists between New Zealand and:

• Australia, which provides for direct acceptance of compliant, correctly labelled electrical and electronic products, as well as some radio products across both markets. Information regarding acceptability of specific products may be obtained from accredited testing bodies.
• China, which allows for direct acceptance of compliant new electrical, electronic and component products labelled in accordance with the agreement using the CCC-NZ mark.

Recognition of testing bodies

New Zealand has mutual recognition of testing bodies in accordance with the Radiocommunications Regulations (Mutual Recognition: Accredited Testing Body) Notice 2008. This means New Zealand accepts accredited test reports from:

• the European Community
  
• Singapore
• Taiwan
• the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation Group (APEC).
  

What are the compliance requirements for electrical, electronic and radio products?

The formal requirements to be met by suppliers of electrical, electronic and radio products are prescribed in Gazette Notices as follows:

• EMC Standards Notice – electrical and electronic product technical standards
• Radio Standards Notice – radio communication transmitter technical standards and the respective radio licence requirements
• Radiocommunications Compliance Notice – levels of conformity, compliance folders and product labelling
• Mutual Recognition Notices – mutual recognition with other countries for test reports, standards, and product labelling.

Are there other standards or publications?

Reference standards

Reference Standards provide guidance to approved radio engineers (ARE) regarding matters which must be considered in determining the compatibility between radio services when certifying spectrum licences.

Codes of Practice

Codes of Practice are guidelines for equipment suppliers, installers and operators to minimise the risk of interference.

Voluntary Standards

Voluntary standards provide guidance on a variety of matters relating to the manufacture, installation and use of EMC and radio products.

Public Information Brochures (PIBs)

PIBs provide licensing and other general information on a range of common radio services such as CB Radio, Amateur Radio, and Maritime VHF Radio. Guides for ARE/ARC’s and the installation of Power Drive systems are also covered.