Short Range RF Devices and Australian Compliance Requirements

HomeDocument LibraryShort Range RF Devices and Australian Compliance Requirements

Short Range Devices (Low Power RF transmitters and associated RF receivers) are categorised by the ACMA as “Low Interference Potential Devices” (LIPD’s), as they are considered to pose a low risk of interference to other RF communications devices.

The LIPD Class Licence is used by the ACMA to manage the RF spectrum with respect to Short Range Devices. The LIPD Class Licence authorises users to operate a wide range of low power radiocommunications devices in predefined segments of the radiofrequency spectrum.

The LIPD Class Licence does not require licence applications or licencing fees to be paid. Under the LIPD class licence all users of the same occupied spectrum do so, on an uncoordinated shared basis and if interference occurs, the onus is on the user to resolve interference.

To ensure compliance with the LIPD Class Licence arrangements the following process is used:

  • Establish Sound Technical Grounds for product compliance;
  • Complete a Declaration of Conformity;
  • Collate product information and create a Compliance Folder;
  • Label the product with the C-Tick mark and Supplier Identification Number.

Sound Technical Grounds:

The supplier must show technical grounds for compliance of their product with the requirements of AS/NZS 4268. The technical grounds are generally evidenced in the form of a formal test report. A test report can sometimes be sourced from the manufacturer of the product, otherwise the LIPD will need to undergo compliance testing and have a test report generated.

Declaration of Conformity:

The supplier must complete a Declaration of Conformity. The Declaration of Conformity is a one page document stating compliance of a product with the relevant standard. The document is signed by the individual accepting responsibility for compliance of the product.

Compliance Folder:

Product information on the sample should be collated and may include brochures, descriptions of the product, circuit diagrams, component overlays, product branding and model details etc. A Compliance Folder is then created to house the Test Report,
Declaration of Conformity and Product Information. A compliance folder should be held for each product series and all compliance records must be in English. This folder will need to be presented to the ACMA when they visit your premises to perform an audit.

Labeling:

The C-Tick is an identification trademark registered to the ACMA, which signifies compliance with applicable standard and also provides a traceable link between the equipment and the supplier. The C-Tick mark and supplier identification number are placed on the external surface of the product near the model number. Any organisation wishing to use the C-Tick compliance mark must first make written application to ACMA, who will provide a supplier identification number.

The ACMA’s Radiocommunications (Short Range Devices) Standard 2004 adopts and modifies the requirements detailed in AS/NZS 4268:2008 – Radio equipment and systems – Short range devices – Limits and methods of measurement.

AS/NZS 4268 details limits for the following:

  • Frequency band of operation
  • Radiated power level of the fundamental transmit frequency
  • Radiated power level of spurious emissions
  • Bandwidth of the of the fundamental transmit frequency
  • Frequency stability under extreme voltage and temperature conditions

Where can I find more information?

Commonwealth Law – Radiocommunications (Low Interference Potential Devices) Class Licence 2000:


https://www.comlaw.gov.au/comlaw/management.nsf/lookupindexpagesbyid/IP200507488?OpenDocument

ACMA website – Low Interference Potential Devices:


https://www.acma.gov.au/WEB/STANDARD//pc=PC_1278

ACMA website – Radiocommunications standards compliance & labeling:


https://www.acma.gov.au/WEB/STANDARD//pc=PC_2679

Back to Document Library