DOCUMENTATION AND OTHER VENDOR REQUIREMENTS FOR AM-FM CLOCK AC ADAPTOR

ELECTRICAL SAFETY REPORT COVERING:

PLUGPACK
If a device is supplied with a separate plugpack power supply or charger, 
all compliance documentation relevant to that is also required.
The preferred electrical safety report covers the current versions of these standards:
AS/NZS AS/NZS 61558.1
AS/NZS 61558.2.6 (for iron core transformer type)
AS/NZS 61558.2.16 (for switchmode type)
AS/NZS 3112:2017+A1:2021 (for adaptor with integral pins).
Note:  AS/NZS 3112+A1: 2021 covers the AC plug portion and NOW includes impact (tumble) testing. Approval certificates that were based on test reports to AS/NZS3112:2017 (ie without +A1:2021) became invalid on June 2022, regardless of their expiry date!
"Brick" type adaptors with detachable power leads do not require AS/NZS3112.
Safety reports to the AS/NZS 62368.1 standard  (Audio/video, information and communication technology equipment) will now ONLY be accepted if the Approval certificate specifically names the device it is intended to power. (Eg "To power XY1234 radio.") 
For "standalone" (general purpose)  plugpacks, ONLY the 61558 test standards can be used, plus the relevant parts of  AS/NZS 3112+A1: 2021.
Note: You can use reports to European versions of these standards (Eg EN 61558.2.6 instead of AS/NZS 61558.2.6)  but they must either mention the "Australian Variations," or a "Top Up" report must be obtained that covers the Australian requirements not covered by the overseas version of the standard, AND testing to the relevant parts of AS/NZS 3112+A1: 2021 is still required.

DECLARED ARTICLE 
An AC Adaptor is a declared (AKA Proclaimed or  Prescribed) article. It consequently requires a current Australian Approval certificate. 
NB: The date on the Electrical Safety Report must be earlier than the date on the Approval Certificate! A later date means it is not the report that the Approval Certificate is based on. (In that case, the Approval must be updated). 
It must also be registered by the importer on the EESS (ERAC) Database.
NB! In all states except NSW, "wildcard" model numbers (eg "ABCxxxyyy" where "xxx" and "yyy" represent voltage and current codes) are no longer permitted on Approval Certificates. The certificate ("RECS type") must list all the model numbers it covers.
The NSW "REAS" type still allows "wildcards," so that type will need to carry the "NSWXXXX" approval number. Most private regulators (eg SAA Approvals) now issue dual RECS/REAS types.

In New Zealand:
• The retailer must sign and keep an on hand an sDoc (Statutory Declaration of Compliance) as well as keep copies of all relevant Approval documentation.
The  rating label must also carry any mandatory text described on its approval certificate.
• In NZ the rating label must now specifically indicate that the product  is designed to be able to work on 230 Volt mains. A product just labelled "240V"  (meaning "up to 240V") is now deemed to be "unsafe"! The label can specificaly state 230V, or 230V can be within the allowable range of voltages, eg "100 - 250V,"

POWER CORD
If the adaptor uses a separate power lead, we require current Australian Approvals Certificates for: 
•  The mains cord
• The mains plug 
• The appliance connector (if a detachable cord is used). 
This is IN ADDITION  to the Approval Certificate for the plugpack itself, if applicable.

EMC  REPORT
An EMC report to the current version of AS/NZS CISPR 32 (or European equivalent) is required, either as a standalone report, or if a "bundled" plugpack, preferably as part of the report for the device it is meant to power.
(NZ ONLY) HARMONICS AND FLICKER REPORT COVERING:
AS/NZS 61000.3.2:2013 
Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC)-Limits - Limits for harmonic current emissions (equipment input current = 16 A per phase)

ENERGY EFFICIENCY (MEPS/GEMS) REPORT TO
AS/NZS 4665.1:2005+A1
 Performance of external power supplies - Test method and energy performance mark, AND:
AS/NZS 4665.2:2005
Performance of external power supplies - Minimum energy performance standard (MEPS) requirements
The adaptor must also be registered on the www.energyrating.gov datatbase, and carry the appropriate efficiency rating marking.
Note: Battery chargers that incorporate  an actual  battery management cycle are exempt from GEMS.
However, if  the charging cycle circuitry is not incorporated in the power supply body (ie it is built into the battery or charging base), then the power supply is captured by GEMS.

DEC-LABELLING
This item is either a declared article itself, or it contains declared articles (240V lead components, AC adaptor etc).
All declared articles must be labelled  in accordance with  the requirements of their approval certificates.
Currently (2023) items with approvals issued by the NSW Dept of Fair Trading must be marked with their "NSWXXXXX" approval number. With approvals issued by all other authorized bodies (SAA approvals, UL etc), provided the approval is registered on the ERAC database, the item can be marked with just an RCM. 
However there is nothing to stop you putting both the approval number AND the RCM on the label. With the current state of confusion about ERAC, that is the recommended procedure .

BUTTON CELL
Requirements for products that contain button (coin) cells 32mm and under (in particular, remote controls).

GENERAL: 
• All consumer products that incorporate button batteries must have measures incorporated to prevent young children from accessing the batteries as per section 4.8 of AS/NZS 62368.1:2018: "Products containing lithium coin/button cell batteries" 
• Coin/button batteries bundled with products or offered for sale as standalone items must be supplied in child-resistant packaging. Typically this will mean the batteries are individually sealed in tough plastic envelopes, and that assembly(ies) then sealed in another, separate, layer of tough plastic (which will typically be the retail presentation pack). Both layers of plastic must require the use of cutting tools to open. 
Simple "dime store" blister packs where all the batteries can fall out at once are now illegal.
• All such products must also carry appropriate warnings.

EXEMPTIONS:
• Soldered-in batteries 
• Removeable batteries that require substantial disassembly of the product (eg computer backup) 
• Equipment designed for locations where it is unlikely that children will be present
• Professional equipment not normally available for retail sale. Note: Anything sold in a retail environment (Jaycar, Harvey Norman etc), regardless of purpose, is automatically excluded from this category.

REQUIREMENTS FOR PRODUCTS WITH USER-ACCESSIBLE BATTERY COMPARTMENTS (IN PARTICULAR REMOTE CONTROLS THAT USE COIN CELLS):
The battery compartment must be so designed as to make it unlikely that young children would be able to remove the cover. 
Acceptable methods are:
• A cover using a captive metal screw that requires a standard  screwdriver (typically Phillips) to open.
This must pass safety saftey testing as outlined in 4.8.4.3 "Battery replacement test" of AS/NZS 62368.1:2018.
This involves removing and replacing the screw 10 times, using a torque screwdriver set to the tension specified. After ten removals and replacements, the screw must still be able to be tightened to the specified torque. In other words, the plastic must not start to disintegrate so that it is no longer capable of holding the screw.
• A cover that has two separate locking mechanisms that have to be simultaneously operated to open
• A slotted cover that requires the use of a coin or similar object to open, and requires 90 degrees or more of rotation.

Ideally, the battery compartment would be designed so that the presence of the cover is required to hold one of the battery contacts against the battery, preventing operation unless the cover is re-fitted.

EMC REPORT COVERING:

AS/NZS CISPR 32:2015
Electromagnetic compatibility of multimedia equipment - Emission requirements
This supersedes both AS/NZS CISPR13 and AS/NZS CISPR22
This is required for the main product. If a plugpack power supply is bundled with it, then either the CISPR32 report should include that adaptor, or a separate report be supplied for the adaptor.

(NZ ONLY) HARMONICS AND FLICKER REPORT COVERING:

AS/NZS 61000.3.2:2013 (Currently NZ Only)
Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC)-Limits - Limits for harmonic current emissions (equipment input current = 16 A per phase)

OTHER MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS:

PSI-GEN
Pre-Shipment Inspection: Standard Checking Requirements for All Products
1. Factory address of PSI location MUST match address shown on initial Brief. (Critical Failure). Inspectors must take reasonable steps to verify that goods Inspected were actually made on those  premises.
2. GB internal packing must match specification (ie styrfoam, recycled fibreboard etc) and products must survive specified-height  drop test of outer carton, without obvious damage to product Giftbox.
3.  Labelling of outer carton must match supplied Data
4. Artwork of giftbox must match supplied artwork
5. Packed IM must match supplied Artwork
6. Warranty information either in manual or as separate document must match supplied documentation /artwork.

PSI-240V
Pre-Shipment Inspection: Additional Checking Requirements for all mains-powered electrical products.
1. All critical components listed in Safety report must be identified and photos inserted in PSI report
2. Internal construction and wiring must match safety report. Internal Photos of an inspected sample must be included 
3. Markings on Appliance, Plug, Cord and Appliance connector (if used) must match the requirements of their approval certificates.
 
4. If any approval date shows due to expire 6 months or less  after date of inspection, shipment must be marked "Fail" pending confirmation manufacturer intends to renew. 
5. Mechanical operations (switches etc) must be tested for the  specified number of operations.

6.  Timers must be tested for timing accuracy
  
7. For high-power heating appliances (heaters, irons etc) and lighting products, actual measured  Power consumption must match rating label.
8. Internal construction and layout must match photos in EMC report. (Same photos as for Safety report).
9. A high-voltage (HIPOT) insulation test must be carried out, as per the safety report. If the factory does not have such facilities in-house, they will need to explain the method they use to confirm safety compliance.

IP
Be aware of Intellectual Property issues and traps. Examples are Patents on White LEDs, Rovicorp's acquisition of a range seemingly trivial but potentially costly features of on-screen displays for Set Top Boxes, VCRs etc.
Also, all digital Video and Audio licensing must be in place (eg MPEG, MP3 etc)

DOC-QUAL
QUALITY OF COMPLIANCE DOCUMENTATION
For most electrical appliances, ideally there should be no more than about 7 documents, including approval certificates.  It is expected that suppliers will have all these documents in place prior to the tendering process. 

1.NO EVALUATION CAN COMMENCE AND NO ORDERS CAN BE PLACED UNTIL SUITABLE QUALITY DOCUMENTATION  HAS BEEN SIGHTED BY QA.
2. THE FACT THAT DOCUMENTATION MEETS OUR DOCUMENT QUALITY STANDARDS DOES NOT NECESSARILY MEAN THE DOCUMENTS ARE ACCEPTABLE. THE PRODUCT STILL MUST BE SHOWN TO MATCH THE REPORTS.

Documents may be rejected for any of the following reasons:

• Test reports that are more than 3 years old
• Test reports from labs with insufficient accreditation
• Test reports that cover an unreasonable range of models, or completely unrelated models
• Illegible Documents that are not original PDFs from lab or certifying body (Scans of paper documents are NOT acceptable)
• Test reports that do not include clear identifying photos
• Test reports that mention Photo annexes which are not supplied 
• Electrical safety reports with a later date than the Approval certificate
• Electrical Safety reports that do not address Australian Regional Differences.
• Documents with unexplained discrepancies between PDF date and issue date
• Documents that are only Drafts, and/or unsigned and/or undated 
• Documents that are made up of more than 4 PDF sections (including Photo Annexe)
• Documents that are missing pages
•  Mixtures of model-specific and irrelevant documents (so-called "shovelware"). That is, supplying a large stack of unsorted files and expecting  QA  to find for the relevant ones. 

KNOWN CUSTOMER SATISFACTION ISSUES (FROM PAST EXPERIENCE):

CLOCK
240V clocks with battery backup must not gain or lose more than 5 minutes per hour when AC power is removed

RADIO AMFM
AM/FM Radios and Tuners
All FM tuners must cover at minimum 87.5MHz to 108Mhz
All AM receivers must at minimum cover 530kHz to 1602kHz. If possible the tuning range should extend up to 1701kHz to cover the extended AM band.
AM radio tuners in HiFi systems must have credible sensitivity, not just be an "afterthought" (The top-rating radio station in Sydney is on AM!)

MANUAL
USER MANUALS.
• All instruction manuals must be in clear, grammatically correct English. If required by QA, factory manuals must be re-written by a specialist manual authoring company.
• Fonts must be no smaller than 6 Point Arial, and must be easily readable by a person with normal vision, or using their normal reading glasses. That is, no additional magnification should be required to read the manual.
• All mandatory warning statements as required by the relevant safety standard must be included in the manual.
NOTE: Contrary to common belief, these do NOT have to be a word-for-word recitation of what is written the  the Standard; it is permissible to modify them to more accurately describe the particular product.
• A copy of the current Group Warranty Statement must be included in the  "Warranty" section. Take care to ensure that division contact details are correct. (For example, don't put Variety Store details in a Supermarkets product warranty).

