The existence of multiple regulatory marks, which apply in relation to particular technical requirements, is inconsistent with the evolution in the communications and IT technical and commercial environments.

The ACMA has four labelling notices:

• Telecommunications Labelling (Customer Equipment and Customer Cabling) Notice 2001 (the Telecommunications Labelling Notice);

• Radiocommunications Devices (Compliance Labelling) Notice 2003 (the Radiocommunications Labelling Notice);

• Radiocommunications Labelling (Electromagnetic Compatibility) Notice 2008 (the EMC Labelling Notice); and

• Radiocommunications (Compliance Labelling – Electromagnetic Radiation) Labelling Notice 2003 (the EME Labelling Notice).

The labelling notices require suppliers to apply a label (compliance mark) to specified devices to illustrate compliance with the requirements of the relevant Notice. There are currently three compliance marks—C-Tick, A-Tick and Regulatory Compliance Mark (RCM)—that can be applied in respect of the identified ACMA technical regulatory requirements. These compliance marks are considered to be ‘regulatory marks’. Each compliance mark is a prima facie indication of compliance with applicable technical requirements.

However, the existence of multiple regulatory marks, which apply in relation to particular technical requirements, is inconsistent with the evolution in the communications and IT technical and commercial environments. The use of multiple marks also has the effect of increasing regulatory and compliance costs for industry.

Following a public discussion period in 2009, the ACMA has made an in-principle decision to consolidate the existing compliance marks into a single consolidated compliance mark (the RCM) covering telecommunications, radiocommunications, EMC and EME technical requirements.

Subject to final ACMA approval, from 1 July 2012 all ACMA Labelling Notices will specify the RCM as the compliance mark to indicate compliance with applicable regulatory requirements. The A-tick and C-tick will be phased out over a period of three years. Devices already labelled with the A-Tick or C-Tick at the end of the transition period will not be required to be relabelled.

The implementation of a consolidated compliance mark will lessen some industry administrative burdens by reducing the complexity of the compliance marking arrangements and the time required to understand and meet those arrangements. Simpler marking arrangements should also increase the likelihood of compliance and so improve regulatory outcomes.