Introduction

      C‑TICK was the legacy EMC (Electromagnetic Compatibility) compliance mark administered by Australia’s Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA). It was used to regulate electromagnetic interference and immunity of electrical and electronic products, and served as the mandatory EMC market entry mark for Australia in the past.

      Previously, Australian market compliance was split into three separate schemes: SAA for electrical safety, C‑TICK for EMC, and A‑TICK for radiocommunications products.

      From 1 March 2016, Australia officially adopted the unified RCM mark. C‑TICK and A‑TICK were fully replaced under the RCM framework. Authorities no longer accept standalone C‑TICK registrations for new products. Existing legacy products with registered C‑TICK may continue using the mark provided there are no product changes.

      For new electronic products exported to Australia, both EMC and safety requirements are covered under RCM registration; standalone C‑TICK marking is no longer permitted. RCM consolidates the former C‑TICK EMC requirements, SAA electrical safety requirements and radiocommunication compliance obligations.

Product Scope

Products previously regulated by C‑TICK requiring EMC compliance:

      1. Information technology equipment: computers, monitors, printers, switches, servers, etc.

      2. Household appliances: air conditioners, refrigerators, washing machines, microwave ovens, vacuum cleaners and small home appliances.

      3. Audio‑visual equipment: televisions, audio systems, projectors, etc.

      4. Lighting products: LED luminaires, electronic ballasts, dimming drivers.

      5. Industrial electrical control equipment: inverters, PLCs, switching power supplies, etc.

      6. Radio frequency products: Bluetooth, Wi‑Fi devices (formerly regulated under A‑TICK).

Application Process

      1. The product is tested for EMC in an ISO17025 accredited laboratory to Australian/New Zealand AS/NZS CISPR standards, and an EMC test report is issued.

      2. An Australian local supplier completes registration on the ACMA portal and obtains a supplier registration number.

      3. The C‑TICK logo together with the supplier registration number is printed on the product nameplate.

     Note: This procedure no longer applies to new products. RCM registration is required, where SAA safety reports and EMC reports are submitted together by an Australian local responsible party.

Certification Mark

      Legacy C‑TICK graphic logo. Minimum mark height ≥3 mm. The ACMA supplier registration number must follow the C‑TICK symbol (example: C‑Tick NXXXX). Both the mark and number must be printed on the product or nameplate; the number cannot be omitted.

      Important reminder: New export products manufactured after 2016 are prohibited from using standalone C‑TICK. RCM mark must be used instead. Australian customs and cross‑border e‑commerce platforms no longer accept standalone C‑TICK as market entry evidence.

Additional Information

      Technical specifications: Tested to AS/NZS CISPR EMC standards; supply voltage AC230V 50Hz

      Mandatory status: Mandatory for listed products under the old regime; scheme now repealed. New products follow mandatory RCM registration.

      Certificate validity: Legacy C‑TICK had no fixed expiry date. It remained valid if the product and relevant standards were unchanged. Retesting is required when standards are updated.

      Factory audit requirement: No factory inspection. Compliance relies on test reports plus supplier declaration.

      Certificate holder requirement: Must be an Australian locally registered supplier. Overseas manufacturers cannot apply for C‑TICK registration directly.