Dear Colleagues,
I have been reading with interest the thread of Emails regarding Australian Compliance requirements. Valuable inputs have been provided in particular by Bill Ellingford, Roger Magnuson, Joe Finlayson, Joe Randolph and Kevin Richardson. A number of points need to be clarified: 1. CLASSIFICATION OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT In Australia, products which are designed to connect to a Telecommunications Network are regulated by the Telecommunications Labelling (Customer Equipment and Customer Cabling) Notice 2001, plus amendments 1,2&3. (TLN for short). Schedule 1 of this document contains a classification for all telecoms equipment to which the regulations apply, including the standards and compliance level applicable. The TLN can be downloaded from the ACA website: http://www.aca.gov.au/legal/notice/TLN2001.htm 2. SAFETY STANDARDS For products which are classified under Schedule 1 of the TLN, ACA TS001 is always required, and this calls up AS/NZS 3260. As Kevin mentioned, at some time in the future (possibly this time next year) ACA TS001 will be reissued to require testing to AS/NZS 60950:2000. Until TS001 is reissued AS/NZS 3260 remains applicable. 3. TELECOMS STANDARDS Due to the influx of new technologies new standards are constantly being introduced, and old standards amended. For example TS002 is being replaced by ACIF S002-2001, likewise TS003 & TS004 are being phased out and replaced by ACIF TS003 & ACIF S004 respectively. Information on new standards and impending changes can be found on the ACIF website: http://www.acif.org.au/acif/index.cfm. Due to the ongoing changes, it is important to get the product assessed by someone familiar with current requirements. 4. QUALIFIED TEST LABORATORIES Schedule 1 of the TLN states what Compliance Level is required. For Compliance Level 3 the test reports must be produced by a Recognised Testing Authority (RTA). As stated in earlier Emails a list of RTA's can be downloaded from NATA's website. The NATA RTA accreditation is standard specific so always be careful that the test laboratory has the correct accreditation. I realise that this Email diverges from Jim Robson's original request for information, however it may be of interest to others planning to sell their products in Australia. Kind regards, R Medding R MEDDING & ASSOCIATES Consultants and Consulting Engineers 15 Helenslea Road, Caulfield Nth, Victoria, 3161, AUSTRALIA Ph: +61 3 95328848 FAX: +61 3 95328849 Email: [email protected] Website: www.meddingassoc.com.au
