1. Electrical Safety (EESS, RCM, SAA, CE, LVD, etc.)

Safety always comes first. If your product is mains-powered or likely to be used in the home, you’ll likely need to have it tested and certified by a third party. In many cases, it will also need to be registered on official databases, such as under the EESS (Electrical Equipment Safety System).

These requirements are in place to ensure that everyday Australians are protected from electrical hazards—and to prevent dodgy, unsafe products from entering our homes.

2. Electromagnetic Compatibility & Wireless Standards (EMC, RF, RED, EMF, EME, EMR)

If your product has electronics (and let’s be honest, most do), you’ll also need to show that it doesn’t interfere with other electronic equipment. That’s where EMC testing comes in.

Got wireless features like Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or anything radio-related? Then you’ve also got to make sure your device complies with radio frequency (RF) and electromagnetic emissions standards, including RED, EMF, EME, and others. These rules ensure your product doesn’t cause interference or health issues.

3. Energy Efficiency (MEPS, GEMS, ERP, and more)

Governments in both Australia and the EU are cracking down on energy-hungry appliances. If your product doesn’t meet energy performance standards, it may not be allowed to be sold—or it may need clear labelling.

Depending on what you’re selling, you may need to go through additional energy testing and register the product under schemes like GEMS (Greenhouse and Energy Minimum Standards) or MEPS (Minimum Energy Performance Standards).

4. Additional Requirements: Chemicals, Consumer Law & More (REACH, ROHS, ACL)

It’s not just about electrical safety or emissions. Australia and the EU also regulate chemical content in products. Hazardous substances like lead, cadmium, and certain flame retardants are either restricted or banned altogether under schemes like REACH and ROHS.

On top of that, consumer protection laws (like the Australian Consumer Law, or ACL) give end-users clear rights—so your warranty terms, refund policies, and product guarantees all need to comply.

RCM in Australia: Clearing Up the Confusion

One of the biggest myths we hear is:

“My product has CE certification, so that should cover Australia, too, right?”

Not quite. While some Australian standards are based on international models, Australia does not accept CE certification as evidence of compliance. The RCM (Regulatory Compliance Mark) is required for most electrical products sold locally, and obtaining proper RCM certification comes with its own set of rules and documentation.

Similarly, just because you’ve passed Australian compliance doesn’t mean you’re automatically covered in the EU. Each region has its own frameworks, and unfortunately, there’s no “one-size-fits-all” approval.

How GK Global Services Can Help

At GK Global Services, we make the compliance process easier, faster, and more cost-effective. Our team understands the ins and outs of both Australian and European product regulations, and we’ll guide you through every step of the journey.

Here’s what we can take care of for you:

• Help you figure out exactly what standards apply to your specific product
• Communicate with overseas suppliers and organise inspections
• Arrange the required lab testing, certifications, and registrations
• Handle all the paperwork and regulatory processes
• Ensure full legal compliance before your product hits the market
• And if you run into any roadblocks? We’re right there with you.

We Also Go Beyond Compliance

Global Sourcing & Supply Chain Management

Dealing with overseas suppliers? We can step in and manage that side of things for you too—everything from placing orders and reviewing technical documentation to factory inspections (like DUPROs or pre-shipment checks). We’ll make sure your suppliers deliver exactly what you expect.

Support with Complex or Sensitive Issues

If you’re dealing with things like customer complaints, recalls, intellectual property disputes, or other sensitive commercial matters, we can help you work through them, strategically and professionally. We’ll guide you with practical advice and clear communication.

We’re Here to Take the Pressure Off

At the end of the day, navigating product compliance across Australia and Europe doesn’t have to be a nightmare. Let GK Global Services handle the complicated bits, so you can focus on scaling your business with confidence.

Whether you’re a startup bringing your first product to market or an established business expanding into new regions, we’ll make sure you’re covered properly.

CASE STUDY IN ELECTRICAL PRODUCT APPROVALS: ALL-PURPOSE PUMPS

1. Can you please introduce yourself and your company?

Mathew Gorski. Product Manager @ All Purpose Pumps.

2. What challenge brought you to engage GK Global Services? 

After a recent acquisition of another company, we required some outside resources to assist us in registering some of the acquired equipment as compelled by the Electrical Equipment Safety System.

3. What was the solution proposed by GK Global Services?

GK Global was able to offer us the resources and knowledge required in this area to make this project happen. We were provided with templates and advice along the way that made it easy for us to follow.

4. What was the engagement outcome?

A successful outcome was reached.

5. In the consulting industry, fees for MBA-qualified consultants can be substantial, often reaching $650 per hour or more. Also, clients frequently express concerns about the perceived lack of value, lack of usefulness, and ethical considerations. Does this sound like GK Global Services?  

Gonzalo was very easy to engage with throughout, being able to outsource the required work saved us time & money internally, allowing us to focus on other projects.

GK Global Services: Your trusted and affordable solution beyond the big four consulting firms. We provide on-demand expert assistance to enhance your business operations. We also offer coaching services for professionals to progress their careers or businesses.

Among other tasks, we completed RCM and EESS compliance for APP.

Learn more about GK Global Services

Learn more about our go-to-market support services for electrical suppliers