Compliance · RCM + ACCC + GST
Australia
RCM marking for electrical goods, ACCC mandatory standards, 10% GST and TGA/AICIS routes for health and cosmetics.
Key facts
| Currency | AUD |
|---|---|
| Electrical | RCM marking supported by supplier declarations and test reports |
| Safety regulator | ACCC enforces mandatory standards and can order recalls |
| GST | 10%; low-value imported goods GST collected at checkout |
| Health products | TGA for therapeutic goods and medical devices |
| Cosmetics | AICIS registration and ingredient assessment |
| Last verified | 2026-10-17 |
RCM is a declaration, not a certificate you buy
The Regulatory Compliance Mark shows that the supplier has declared conformity with the applicable electrical safety and EMC requirements. It is backed by test reports and a supplier declaration, and the Australian supplier is the party that holds the evidence. There is no single government certificate that replaces that file.
Because it is a declaration, the quality of the file matters when something goes wrong. Keep the test reports, the declaration and the traceability between the model and the report. A mark on the product without the file behind it is a label, not compliance.
Mandatory standards and the general safety duty
Some products have a mandatory standard with specific tests and warnings; others fall under the general consumer safety provisions. The ACCC can act on an unsafe product even where no specific standard exists, and it can require a recall.
Cosmetics and therapeutic goods take a different route again: AICIS assesses ingredients for cosmetics, while the TGA regulates therapeutic claims and medical devices. A product that sits on the boundary — a cosmetic with a therapeutic claim, for example — can change regulator depending on the wording on the pack.
Frequently asked questions
Does an overseas test report support RCM?
Often yes, if it covers the applicable Australian standards and the model is traceable. The supplier declaration and the file are still required.
Is GST collected at the border?
For low-value imported goods, GST is generally collected by the registered supplier at checkout. Above the low-value threshold, the border process applies.
Do I need an Australian entity?
Not always, but the RCM declaration and the supplier details have to point to a party that can be held responsible. A local distributor is the usual route for a foreign seller.
Ask a compliance question
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