What is RCM?

Regulatory Compliance Mark (RCM) is a graphic symbol indicating a supplier's claim that a product meets applicable regulatory requirements. Typical examples include electrical safety under State Electricity Acts - Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC); and radio communications requirements under the Australian Radio Communications Act and New Zealand Radio Communications Regulations.

Why have a common RCM?

The concept of the RCM was created by industry, importers and regulators to reduce the variety of markings used to indicate regulatory compliance. The advantages to industry of a common mark, accepted and used by several regulators, include:

• simplifying marking requirements
• helping to achieve a higher level of understanding of regulatory requirements and processes.

A further advantage is that the management of a common mark encourages enhanced consultation between different regulators whose requirements affect a given industry.

Is the RCM accepted by regulatory bodies?

Electrical, EMC and radio communication regulators will accept the RCM as the supplier's claim of compliance, provided the conditions for its use are met. This avoids the need to have a different mark for each regulator.

What about other areas of regulation?

The committee responsible for AS/NZS 4417, which includes regulators and industry, is examining the use of the RCM in other fields relevant to electrical products, eg telecommunication equipment, medical electrical equipment and energy and water usage. In all cases the Standard can only cover these areas if the relevant regulatory bodies agree to the use of the RCM as part of their conformance requirements or processes.