Power tools are available everywhere, both to professional tradespeople and laypersons alike. Australian law protects consumers against injury and property damage caused by electrical devices. Before supplying power tools in Australia, importers and distributors need to be aware that there are laws and regulations they must comply with such as electrical and mechanical safety, and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC).

While all electric power tools must be safe before being supplied to the market, many power tools such as portable consumer tools also require mandatory safety certification and equipment Level 3 registration on the Electrical Equipment Safety System (EESS) database. This also applies to any supplied battery chargers for the consumer or DIY market.

In addition, electric power tools must also comply with the Australian Communications and Media Authority’s (ACMA) EMC regulations before marking the tools with the RCM and signing the RCM Supplier’s Declaration of Conformity (SDoC). Some tools may have radiofrequency functions such as Bluetooth, NFC or Wi-Fi, these functions are also regulated by ACMA and supplier declarations must show compliance to radiofrequency (RF) standards.

Tools that include button or coin batteries are subject to safety and information standards mandated by the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) since June 2022.

Failure of importers or responsible suppliers to comply with regulatory requirements and ACCC standards may lead to costly market recalls. The ACCC is proactive and checks compliance with safety standards, performance claims or button/coin mandatory standards. Some typical product failures that can lead to increased risks for consumers and users of power tools are lack of compliance with electrical standards and mechanical guarding of tools, incorrect wiring or earthing, exposed live parts, overheating and risk of fire.

Below link to ACCC’s Product Safety webpage provides useful resources, news and information related to product safety laws and market recalls:

https://www.productsafety.gov.au/

What can I do to get assistance?

Market Access can assist you with meeting your regulatory obligations. We can provide customised regulatory training sessions for your company and the specific power tools you import into Australia or New Zealand. We can conduct due diligence and review your available test reports, certificates and information provided to the user such as rating/warning labels and user safety instructions for compliance in order to reduce your risk before the power tools are supplied to the market.

Market Access AUS Pty Ltd is an independent provider of product compliance services to manufacturers and distributors of electrical and electronic devices. Our specialist and highly experienced team will ensure your products conform with all applicable Australian regulatory requirements to not only minimize any risk of liability but assist your rapid time to market.

If you would like to discuss how Market Access can assist you with your regulatory requirements, please contact our general enquiries email Gunther Theisz at gtheisz@marketaccessaus.com.au or call our office on +61 2 9099 1557.