FAQ’s

• 1.Can I import and sell a product that has a certificate issued overseas?+

  No. In particular CE certification and/or documentation is not recognised at all under Australian law.  Therefore, CE or similiardocumentation cannot be used as a basis for compliance in Australia. We have very specific and an independent requirement for product certification.

• 2.Do I have to do anything if I import and/or sell electrical equipment or appliances?+

  Yes. All electrical equipment and appliances sold in Australia and New Zealand must comply with the essential safety criteria of AS/NZS 3820 and be electrically safe.
  As an importer, you have an obligation under law is to ensure that any item or items that you import are electrically safe in accordance with AS/NZS 3820 and this is regardless of who uses it or where it is used.
  In particular, any item that is for a home or for household use, irrespective of where a person purchases the item, be it on-line or a physical outlet, must comply with the Australian Regulatory requirements including the requirements of the Regulatory Compliance Mark (RCM). The RCM requirements are set-out in AS/NZS 4417 series. Check this site, www.eess.gov.au, for more information.
  Specific “high risk” electrical equipment and appliances that are defined under law must be certified prior to sale by either a JAS-ANZ accredited certifier or by a government regulator. The requirement for certification is not mandatory for equipment that is only marketed and used for commercial and industrial purposes, however compliance with AS/NZS 3820 is required.

• 3.What is high risk electrical equipment?+

  High risk electrical equipment are items that are defined under legislation. There are currently two lists that are similar but not exactly identical. One is gazetted under NSW legislation that are all deemed to be high risk and the other is published in AS/NZS 4417.2 with these being graded into three risk levels with “high risk” category being Level 3.

• 4.Do I need to get a Certificate for high risk electrical equipment or appliance?+

  Yes. All electrical items classified as high risk must be certified.
  You can find the products listed in AS/NZS 4417.2, the EESS website, the NSW Gazette or you can use our document “Defined Electrical products” that is a collection of both lists and also includes the additional Level 2 products for New Zealand.

• 5.Is an AICAS certificate accepted everywhere in Australia and New Zealand?+

  The applications for this acceptance are in progress for JAS-ANZ and as a Recognised External Certification Scheme under Queensland legislation and as a Recognised External Approvals Scheme under NSW legislation.
  AICAS can currently issue Certificates of Suitability for Non-declared and Non-prescribed electrical equipment.

• 6. What documentation do I need to get Certification?+

  You will need:
      a) An endorsed test report or reports from an accredited laboratory. The Report/s must cover the current applicable Australian standards for your product.
  The reports to have colour photos of all aspects of the product.
      b) A copy or draft of the instructions that will need to cover the use, maintenance and installation if required
      c) Labels including the required Australian markings
      d) Complete the online Application From in full
      e) Pay the Application fee
  Note: Please download the AICAS documents; Terms, Conditions and Obligations and the Application Guide. Read these carefully as they will explain what is specifically required for each step of the Application process.

• 7. Can I register a model series?+

  You may register a model series in addition to those separately listed that have different electrical characteristics or functions. Model series can be requested by listing them on the application form as a General Modification. However, when you want to sell a specific model or models out of the series, you must then register the specific model identifier/s together with their trade/brand name to be used in Australia and/or New Zealand. Note: The model number may be a ‘family’ type where specific set letters/numbers appear and then a space or “/” or “-” or some other clear delineation followed by number, letters or codes that distinguish additional features or supplier coding not related to the electrical safety parameters.
  Refer to the Fee Schedule for costs of additional models.

• 8. Do I need to add a brand or trade name?+

  Yes. All brand or trade names must be listed. We will not issue a certificate without a brand/trade name. If you have multiple brand/trade names that can be used for all models then they will be all listed against each applicable model. If a brand/trade name is specific to just one model then that brand will be included with just the specific model.

• 9. Where can I get the application form?+

  The Application is to be completed online at www.aicasau.com/Home/Application.
  However, a downloadable version is available for you to use as a guide in completing the on-line Application. It will be emailed to you after you commence the Online Application or it can be submitted by email to info@aicasau.com.

• 10. What is the fee for a certificate?+

  Check our Fee Schedule for your specific certificate application type

• 11. How long does it take to receive a Certificate?+

  The turnaround can be 5 to 10 working days or longer as it is highly dependent on the quality of the test report/s, instruction manual/s and other required documentation. The time starts when all information as required under the AICAS Terms, Conditions and Obligations has been provided and is all correct. Therefore, any missing or incorrect information will delay the issuing of the certificate.
  There is an express service available with a one working day turn around for a higher fee however it is also dependent on the quality of information you provide. Contact us for more information.

• 12. Does the Certificate expire?+

  Yes. The maximum term of a certificate is 5 years. It can then be renewed or extended. However, a shorter period may apply, for example, hair straighteners are limited to two years. It also can be limited by new changes published in a Standard or at the request of the applicant. A shorter period may apply if requested by the applicant or, limited because of impending changes to the relevant product Standard or a change in Regulatory requirements. If not renewed then the certificate will expire.

• 13. Can a certificate be cancelled?+

  Yes. A Certificate may be cancelled, Suspended or withdrawn if there is a breach of the AICAS Terms, Conditions and Obligations, as a result of a Complaint due to a non-conformity, through Regulatory requirements or by the Certificate holder.

• 14. Do I have to update the certificate every time the standard changes?+

  No. The certificate does not have to be updated if the standard version changes during the validity period of the certificate. However, the test report must be updated to the latest standard when modifying the product or at renewal time.

• 15. Do I have to do anything after I have the product certified?+

  Yes. You have the obligation under law to ensure that all products which you import and sell are identical to the certified product. Therefore it is an ongoing responsibility to ensure each shipment of a model is verified through a process that ensures the products are identical to the original. Note that this means all components, materials, construction, marking and instructions are identical.
  If any change is made to the product it must be assessed and the relevant documents detailing the change/s and the assessment are to be submitted as an Application for Modification so the change can be reviewed, then accepted and added to the Certificate. Failure to notify AICAS of any change will render the Certificate invalid.

• 16. Can the certificate be renewed?+

  Yes. First, AICAS will send a Renewal Notice to you at six months prior to expiry. If you wish to continue selling the product do not delay in advising that you will Renew the Certificate. Then immediately organise to have the product assessed to the current Standards as this may take several months to complete.

• 17. What must I do if the certificate has almost expired?+

  The first important action you need to take is to apply for Renewal immediately. Then you must organise with urgency the assessment of the product against the current applicable Standard/s.
  Failure to submit the Application for Renewal prior to the expiry date will mean the Certificate has expired and you will have to submit a New Application for Certification.

• 18. What can I do if I only have a limited stock to sell off when near the Expiry of the Certificate?+

  If the product is to be discontinued and only a small amount of stock remains in Australia/NZ to be sold, an Extension Application may be applied for a maximum period of 12 months. Refer to the Extension Application Guide for details. 

• 19. How and who determines the risk levels for electrical equipment?+

  The risk levels are set at a particular Standards Meeting from information presented by the government regulators.
  A special risk assessment computer program is used to determine a products ‘level’ based on a number of factors including safety incidents reported to the Regulators. They are classified as low (Level 1), medium (Level 2) or high (Level 3). The level 2 & 3 products and risk categories are published in the standard AS/NZS 4417.2.

• 20. Can I get a certificate for other electrical equipment or appliances not classified as High Risk?+

  Yes. AICAS will issue Certificates of Suitability for non-regulated electrical products. The same requirements apply to gain the certification for a non-regulated product as for a regulated product.

• 21. Is it OK to sell my product without a certificate if it is already being sold by another company?+

  No. However, if the certificate is in the manufacturers name and you are buying it from them, then you may, providing your model and brand name are on or will be added to the certificate.
  Alternatively you may have your own certificate based on the manufacturers certificate but you must provide written permission from the certificate holder to do so.
  If the certificate belongs to a company other than the manufacturer, you must obtain written permission to use their certificate and have your model and brand name added to the certificate. This usually does not happen in a competitive market, then your only option is to obtain the test reports from the manufacture and apply for your own Certificate.

• 22. Is it possible to apply for a certificate for equipment or an appliance for other than those that require a certificate under law?+

  Yes. AICAS can certify almost any electrical equipment or appliances. The application process is the same as for mandatory certification and that all the applicable requirements of out Terms Conditions and Obligations are meet. This may also be advantageous for you as many retailers and government are requiring independent certification as proof of electrical safety and compliance with standards.

• 23. Do I have to notify AICAS if I have a safety issue with my certified product?+

  Yes. Under the AICAS Terms, Conditions and Obligations you are required to inform us on any issues or incidents that occur with your products. Failure to do may render the Certificate invalid and will be withdrawn.

• 24. What is EMC compliance and is it mandatory?+

  EMC or Electro Magnetic Compatibility is the goal of reducing or eliminating the affects electromagnetic interference in or by electrical equipment and appliances. EMC is a mandatory requirement that covers any electrical device that emits radio signals or electro magnetic frequencies either through the air or conducted through wiring systems.
  Aicas provides a service to review EMC test reports for compliance with Australian and New Zealand requirements.

For more information on the EESS/RCM system
Certificate search on the ERAC National Certification database.
For more regulatory information for Australia and New Zealand - ERAC website.
  ACT www.actpla.act.gov.au
  NSW www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au
  NT www.worksafe.nt.gov.au
  NZ www.ess.govt.nz
  QLD www.eso.qld.gov.au
  SA www.sa.gov.au
  TAS www.wst.tas.gov.au/electricity
  VIC www.esv.vic.gov.au
  WA www.energysafety.wa.gov.au