A-TICK Certification 

Under the Telecommunications Act 1997 and the Radiocommunications Act 1992, the Australian Communications Authority (ACA) is responsible for technical regulations, including mandatory labeling requirements for:

Telecommunications customer equipment and cabling

Radio communication devices

Specific electrical and electronic equipment

Labeling requirements for these items are specified in relevant Labeling Notices (see next page). Each notice outlines product categories, applicable standards, and compliance criteria. Australian manufacturers, importers, or their authorized agents (suppliers) must comply with these requirements before selling or supplying products in Australia.

Compliance Labels

Suppliers must affix compliance labels to products to demonstrate adherence to Labeling Notices and standards.

A-Tick Compliance Label

For telecommunications customer equipment and cabling, the A-Tick label includes:

The A-Tick symbol

A compliance code

Supplier identification (e.g., ACA-issued supplier code, Australian Company Number, or other details specified in the Labeling Notices).

Example:
[A-Tick Label with Supplier Code N####]

For further details, visit the ACA website.

C-Tick Compliance Label

Radio communication devices or specific electrical/electronic equipment must comply with relevant Labeling Notices to be sold in Australia. The C-Tick label applies to products covered by:

Radio Communications (Compliance Labeling – Transmitters) Notice 2001 (EMC regulatory arrangements)

Radio Equipment (Compliance Labeling) Notice No. 1 1996 (radio communication compliance)

Radio Communications (Compliance Labeling – Electromagnetic Radiation) Notice 2003 (EMR regulatory arrangements)

Under EMC regulations, products must bear a C-Tick label before entering the Australian market. Non-radio communication products compliant with Electromagnetic Radiation (EMR) rules also require this label. For telecommunications products, EMR compliance is covered by the A-Tick label.

Example:
[C-Tick Label with Supplier Code N####]

For C-Tick guidelines, visit the ACA website.

Label Authorization

Suppliers must obtain ACA approval to use A-Tick or C-Tick labels. Application forms are available in relevant Labeling Notices. Registered C-Tick users may switch to A-Tick (and vice versa) but must notify the ACA.

Note: Legacy registrations (e.g., AUSTEL holders) must re-register with the ACA to update records.

Regulatory Compliance Mark (RCM)

The RCM is a joint Australia-New Zealand compliance mark. It may replace the C-Tick but not the A-Tick. RCM use requires compliance with additional regulations (e.g., electrical safety under AS/NZS 4417).

Example:
[RCM Label with Supplier Code N####]

Requirements for RCM use:

Non-telecommunication suppliers must register with Standards Australia.

Notify the ACA of intent to use RCM.

Download RCM guidelines from the Standards Australia website.

Labeling Notices & Standards

Labeling Notices for telecommunications, radio communications, EMC, and EMR are available on the ACA website.

Mandatory standards are listed on the ACA website under respective categories (telecommunications, radio communications, EMC, EMR).

Technical standards (e.g., AS/ACIF SXXX series) can be downloaded free from the Australian Communications Industry Forum (ACIF) website.

Note: Not all technical standards are publicly accessible. Required standards may be purchased via the Standards Australia Office or their website.

Key Terms:

ACA: Australian Communications Authority

EMC: Electromagnetic Compatibility

EMR: Electromagnetic Radiation

RCM: Regulatory Compliance Mark

Final Note: Suppliers should note that not all technical standards or requirements are explicitly listed here; refer to ACA guidelines for comprehensive details.