Regulatory Compliance News

ACMA Finalizes Remade Class Licence and Technical Rules for Cordless Devices

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has formally remade and enacted the Radiocommunications (Cordless Communications Devices) Class Licence 2024, updating frequency arrangements and operational conditions for short-range voice hardware. Replacing the legacy 2014 regulatory framework prior to its sunsetting date, the modernized class licence governs authorized spectrum access for low-power wireless audio equipment—including residential and commercial cordless telephones, DECT handsets, wireless microphones, and headsets—enabling license-free operation provided equipment complies with specified technical rules.

The finalized regulatory framework includes significant structural spectrum adjustments designed to align with ACMA’s broader spectrum planning strategies. Authorization for the 857–861 MHz and 861–865 MHz frequency bands was formally revoked as part of the regulator's long-term re-planning of the 803–960 MHz spectrum. Additionally, operational arrangements in the 1880–1900 MHz band were updated alongside parallel amendments to the Radiocommunications Equipment (General) Rules 2021 to accommodate advanced Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications (DECT) applications. Following subsequent public consultations, ACMA further varied the class licence to eliminate restrictive clauses that limited certain equipment strictly to private use, granting broader operational flexibility for commercial and enterprise deployments.

Manufacturers, importers, and distributors placing cordless communication devices on the Australian market must ensure their technical construction files reflect these updated operational limits. Equipment must maintain strict compliance with ACMA General Equipment Rules, electromagnetic energy (EME) exposure limits set by ARPANSA, and applicable EMC standards. Suppliers are required to verify product compliance through a valid Supplier's Declaration of Conformity (SDoC) and affix the Regulatory Compliance Mark (RCM) prior to commercial distribution.