A single set of rules for radio equipment
ACMA EMC rules are set for a long-overdue tidy-up. The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has opened a public consultation on a proposal to fold the substantive requirements of the Radiocommunications (Electromagnetic Compatibility) Standard 2017 and the Radiocommunications Labelling (Electromagnetic Compatibility) Notice 2017 into the Radiocommunications Equipment (General) Rules 2021. Once those provisions have been moved across, both older instruments would be repealed.
The idea isn’t new. ACMA first floated it during its review of EMC regulatory arrangements in late 2023, and this consultation now puts the detail on the table.
The aim is to modernise the recognised EMC standards, compliance exemptions and labelling requirements, while broadly maintaining existing regulatory outcomes where appropriate. In short, suppliers should end up with one rulebook rather than three, without a big shift in what they actually have to achieve.
What the new ACMA EMC rules would change
ACMA is seeking feedback on proposals to:
- update device classifications and associated definitions to reflect changes in technology
- recognise additional EMC industry standards
- simplify and align equipment supply and labelling arrangements, including bringing labelling into line with telecommunications equipment rules
- update electromagnetic energy (EME) requirements and make a range of technical and machinery amendments
Who should pay attention
The changes matter most to manufacturers, importers and other suppliers of products covered by Australia’s EMC arrangements. That broadly means electrical and electronic equipment that could interfere with radiocommunications. Anyone who currently relies on the EMC Standard or the labelling notice to show compliance should check how the new ACMA EMC rules would affect their products.
How to have your say
The consultation opened on 9 November 2026 and closes at 5pm (AEDT) on Friday 29 January 2027. The consultation paper and draft amending instrument are on the ACMA website, where you can also make a submission.
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General information only, not legal advice. Check the official source before acting.
Source: ACMA. Licence: CC BY 4.0.
