FAQ

A:

Registration is what is required to meet EESS legislative requirements to legally sell level 3 equipment and level 2 equipment.

Certification is a step in the process for registering (mandatory for level 3 equipment registration, optional for level 2 or level 1 equipment registration)

Certification is the attestation by an independent body that they have assessed evidence of compliance to a relevant safety standard(s) required to verify the equipment is electrically safe. When issued by a RECS (Recognised External Certification Scheme) it is an attestation the equipment meets the Equipment Safety Rules and is electrically safe, and the certificate can be used in the EESS Platform.

A certificate does not enable a supplier to supply equipment to market. It is simply a mechanism to ensure that the veracity of test evidence (test reports relevant standard or standards are correctly applied to address all risks of the equipment) to demonstrate the equipment is electrically safe.

A certificate is not mandatory for levels 1 or 2 equipment but is for level 3.

A certificate can be held by anyone (the certificate applicant) and is often held by the overseas manufacturer. It is an expectation the responsible supplier has a relationship with the certificate applicant for any certificate the Responsible Supplier is relying on. For example, the certificate may be protected by an Access Token, so the responsible supplier needs to get this from the certificate applicant before using the certificate to register the equipment on the EESS.

In addition, the Responsible Supplier will need to be able to verify the equipment registered (and imported) is the same (design, construction, components etc.) as the equipment that was used for certification.

Registration is the formal process of recording a Responsible Supplier and/or specific electrical equipment in the national EESS Platform before the equipment is supplied to the Australian or New Zealand market.

There are two main types of registration:

1. Responsible Supplier registration:

A business or person must register as a responsible supplier if they manufacture or import in-scope electrical equipment for sale. To enable an equipment registration there must first be a registered Responsible Supplier to link the equipment registration to.

Only the Australian or New Zealand based manufacturer or importer of the in-scope equipment (first person/business in Australia or New Zealand who receives the equipment for on-sale) can be the Responsible Supplier. Overseas companies, or ‘agents’ in Australia who assist in compliance matters (or are agents for ACMA purposes), cannot be registered as the EESS Responsible Supplier.

2. Equipment registration:

Certain types of electrical equipment must also be registered:

Level 3 equipment must be registered via linking to a certificate on the EESS platform.

Level 2 equipment must be registered.

Level 1 equipment registration is voluntary, although the responsible supplier must still be registered.

Any certificate used for registration must list the current relevant standard in force as at the time of registration.

Equipment registration links a product (Model/Trade name) to the registered responsible supplier and provides regulators and buyers (wholesalers/retailers/public) with traceable information on the equipment Model’s compliance to EESS equipment safety laws.

Note: When people refer simply to a “registration”, they are often talking about an equipment registration—the database record that links a model of electrical equipment to a responsible supplier and records its compliance status.

A:

LEVEL 3 (L3) equipment is In-scope electrical equipment that:

• Is within equipment type definitions of level 3 equipment
• Has an input rating of 50VAVac or more, or
• Has an input rating of 120VDC or more.

For equipment type definitions of level 3 equipment – see EESS In-scope Equipment Definitions and Risk Levels v4.3

It does include in-scope electrical equipment rated at 230V or 240V.

A responsible supplier is not compliant with EESS law if registering equipment as L3 when it is Level 2 (L2), Level 1 (L1) or not in scope (L0) equipment.

For a compliant L3 equipment registration, it must have a current Certificate of Conformity that lists as the primary electrical safety standard a current:

• Australian (AS) electrical safety standard, or
• Australian and New Zealand (AS/NZS) electrical safety standard, or
• Only if there is not an AS or AS/NZS version of the standard do you list an IEC standard, or
• A standard accepted by the Regulator.

Note the EESS system checks the relevant standard when registering and will not accept a standard that is not a current relevant safety standard.

The responsible supplier should have a compliance folder that includes evidence of compliance to the full AS or AS/NZS equipment safety standard (a valid test report is an example) and record the exact location (at least street address) of that compliance folder.

If the responsible supplier is identified as having incorrectly registered equipment, then the equipment registration may be cancelled (e.g. if you register as L3 when it is either L1 or L2 or is L0 – not in-scope equipment).

If a responsible supplier is unaware of the relevant equipment safety standard or required documents, they should consider engaging an electrical equipment safety consultant to assist in determining the required standards and documentation.

A:

LEVEL 2 (L2) equipment is In-scope electrical equipment that:

• Is within equipment type definitions of level 2 equipment
• Has an input rating of 50VAVac or more, or
• Has an input rating of 120VDC or more.

For equipment type definitions of level 2 equipment – see EESS In-scope Equipment Definitions and Risk Levels v4.3

It does include in-scope electrical equipment rated at 230V or 240V.

A responsible supplier is not compliant with EESS law if registering equipment as L2 when it is Level 3 (L3), Level 1 (L1) or not in scope (L0) equipment.

For a compliant L2 equipment registration, it must list as the primary electrical safety standard a current:

• Australian (AS) electrical safety standard, or
• Australian and New Zealand (AS/NZS) electrical safety standard, or
• Only if there is not an AS or AS/NZS version of the standard do you list an IEC standard, or
• A standard accepted by the Regulator.

Note the EESS system checks the relevant standard when registering and will not accept a standard that is not a current relevant safety standard.

The responsible supplier will need to have a compliance folder that includes evidence of compliance to the full AS or AS/NZS equipment safety standard (a valid test report is required) and record the exact location (at least street address) of that compliance folder in the registration process.

If the responsible supplier is identified as having incorrectly registered equipment, then the equipment registration may be cancelled (e.g. if you register as L2 when it is either L1 or L3 or is L0 – not in-scope equipment).

If a responsible supplier is unaware of the relevant equipment safety standard or required documents, they should consider engaging an electrical equipment safety consultant to assist in determining the required standards and documentation.

A:

LEVEL 1 (L1) equipment is In-scope electrical equipment that:

• Is NOT within equipment type definitions of level 2 or Level 3 equipment
• Has an input rating of 50VAVac or more, or
• Has an input rating of 120VDC or more.

e.g. It does NOT include equipment rated at 5V, 12V, 25V etc – that equipment is ‘Not in scope’ equipment (L0). It does include in-scope electrical equipment rated at 230V or 240V.

A responsible supplier is not compliant with EESS law if registering equipment as L1 when it is Level 2 (L2) or Level 3 (L3) equipment or L0 equipment.

For a compliant L1 equipment registration, it must list as the primary electrical safety standard a current:

• Australian (AS) electrical safety standard, or
• Australian and New Zealand (AS/NZS) electrical safety standard.
• Only if there is not an AS or AS/NZS version of the standard do you list an IEC standard.

e.g. if using the 62368 standards then do not list IEC 62368, .1ensure you list and have evidence to show compliance to AS/NZS 62368.1 standard.

The standard MUST be the current edition of the standard. And whenever the standard has a new edition or amendment the responsible supplier will need to update their compliance and the registration.

Listing only standards related to Australian Communications Media Authority or Electro-Magnetic Compatibility requirements is not a valid equipment registration.

The responsible supplier will need to have a compliance folder that includes evidence of compliance to the full AS or AS/NZS equipment safety standard (e.g. a valid test report would do this) and record the exact location (at least street address) of that compliance folder in the registration process.

If the responsible supplier is identified as having incorrectly registered equipment, then the equipment registration may be cancelled (e.g. if you register as L1 when it is either L2 or L3 or is L0 – not in-scope equipment or do not reference a valid equipment safety standard).

If a responsible supplier is unaware of the relevant equipment safety standard or required documents, they should consider engaging an electrical equipment safety consultant to assist in determining the required standards and documentation.

A:

LEVEL 0 (L0) equipment is electrical equipment that:

• Is NOT in-scope electrical equipment even if rated 230VAC, or
• Has an input rating of 49VAC or less, or
• Has an input rating of 119VDC or less

e.g. it may include household equipment rated at 5V, 12V, 25V etc

It does NOT include equipment that is Level 1 (L1), Level 2 (L2) or Level 3 (L3) equipment.

A responsible supplier may not be compliant with EESS law if registering equipment as Level 0 when it is Level 1, Level 2 or Level 3 equipment.

For L0 correct equipment registrations the responsible supplier must list as the primary electrical safety standard a current:

• Australian (AS) electrical safety standard, or
• Australian and New Zealand (AS/NZS) electrical safety standard.
• Only if there is not an AS or AS/NZS version of the standard can an IEC standard be used.

e.g. if using the 62368 standards then do not list IEC 62368.1, the responsible supplier must ensure they list, and have compliance to, the AS/NZS 62368.1 standard.

The standard MUST be the current edition of the standard. And whenever the standard has a new edition or amendment the responsible supplier will need to update their compliance and registration.

Listing only standards related to Australian Communications and Media Authority or electro-magnetic compatibility requirements is not a valid equipment registration.

The responsible supplier will need to have a compliance folder that includes evidence of compliance to the full AS or AS/NZS equipment safety standard (a valid test report) and record the exact location (at least street address) of that compliance folder in the registration process.

If the responsible supplier is identified as having incorrectly registered equipment, then the equipment registration may be cancelled (e.g. if you register as L0 when it is either L1 or L2 or L3 in-scope equipment, or do not reference a valid equipment safety standard).

If a responsible supplier is unaware of the relevant equipment safety standard or required documents, they should consider engaging an electrical equipment safety consultant to assist in determining the required standards and documentation.

A:

The Electrical Equipment Safety System (EESS) is designed to make sure that electrical products for home use are safe for consumers. When we talk about ‘in-scope’ electrical equipment, we’re referring to items that meet certain criteria:

• They work with voltages above 50 Volts AC or 120 Volts DC.
• They are rated for voltages below 1000 Volts AC or 1500 Volts DC.
• They are intended for use in homes, personal use, or similar settings.

It doesn’t matter if products are marketed for home, business, or industrial use—’in-scope’ is defined in law. If the authorities say a product falls within this definition, it will be considered ‘in-scope’ unless the supplier can prove otherwise. This helps ensure that all relevant electrical equipment is properly regulated for safety.

You may also wish to review the risk levels and their definitions.

A:

The Electrical Equipment Safety System (EESS) is for electrical equipment used in homes and personal settings. Equipment used solely for businesses, industries, medical purposes, or extra low voltage (below 50V AC RMS or 120V ripple-free DC), and high voltage (above 1000V AC RMS or 1500V ripple-free DC) is not included.

Note: All electrical equipment being sold must be electrically safe. So even if deemed not ‘EESS-in-scope’ equipment, it must be designed and manufactured so as not cause injury to people or damage to property (such as hazards from heat, fire, explosion, electric shock). Compliance with relevant electrical safety standards and sound engineering design is required.

For more information, refer to the Not in-scope requirements page.

A:

In simple terms, a responsible supplier can sell in-scope equipment when they have an active equipment registration.

For an active equipment registration there are several factors that need to be met:

Note: these factors assume there is no identified electrical safety issue with the equipment, irrespective of compliance to relevant safety standard or registration, if a safety issue is identified the equipment is not ‘electrically safe’ and cannot be sold.

1. The responsible supplier themselves needs to be registered. This registration needs to be renewed annually by the Authorised Officer. If this registration expires, all equipment registrations will expire, and equipment can no longer be sold.

2. For level 3 equipment, for the equipment to be registered:
   1. the responsible supplier must register the equipment via linking it to a valid certificate of conformity issued to a current relevant safety standard. (note: if the standard on the certificate has been superseded – which the EESS system checks, the certificate can no longer be used for registering equipment, despite any marked expiry date of that certificate),
   2. If the certificate expires, the registration expires. If you wish to keep selling the equipment, you need to make a new registration using a valid certificate to the current relevant safety standard. (note: when registering equipment take care to consider the registration length you choose, noting the certificate expiry date),
   3. Once the equipment is registered, and for as long as the equipment is registered, the Responsible Supplier can import and sell the equipment. This is allowed in the EESS even if the relevant safety standard is updated.

3. For Level 2 equipment:
   1. the equipment needs to meet the current relevant safety standard at the time it is registered (Responsible Supplier must state the relevant safety standard when registering – which the EESS system checks),
   2. the responsible supplier needs to be able to produce a compliance folder showing compliance to that relevant safety standard upon request by the regulator,
   3. Once the equipment is registered, and for as long as the equipment is registered, the Responsible Supplier can import and sell the equipment. This is allowed even if the relevant safety standard is updated.

4. For level 1 equipment, (noting level 1 equipment is not required to be registered but is recommended so buyers can see the Responsible Supplier has equipment meeting EESS requirements):
   1. the equipment needs to meet the relevant safety standard at the time it is imported,
   2. If choosing to register, note that the registration length is set to one year to ensure the details are checked and updated at least yearly,
   3. If the level 1 equipment complies with the relevant safety standard at the time of import of that specific equipment, then so long as the Responsible Supplier remains registered, they can sell that already imported equipment. This is allowed in the EESS even if the relevant safety standard is updated.
   4. If the relevant safety standard us updated, then before importing any further of that level 1 equipment the Responsible Supplier must confirm the equipment complies with the new updated standard (irrespective of what is listed on the registration).

A:

The term of registration for equipment is 1, 2 or 5 years, or the expiry of the linked certificate as at original registration, whichever comes first.

If you did not get the full 1, 2 or 5 years you selected, it is because the linked certificate will expire before that selected term (years) expires.

It is a legislative requirement that a level 3 equipment registration expiry date cannot extend beyond the expiry date of the linked certificate, regardless of the registration length selected. If you choose a registration term longer than the certificate expiry, the equipment registration will end on the certificate expiry date.

The EESS platform now performs verification checks on certificates to assist you comply with your legal requirements.

During the registering process, the system checks the certificate expiry date and if it is sooner than the length of registration selected then that certificate expiry date becomes the equipment registration expiry date. You should see helpful information on the relevant page, and if your chosen registration term is longer than the certificate life, you will receive a pop-up warning giving you options to proceed.

Action to take:

To minimise paying for unused registration time, select an equipment registration length (1, 2, or 5 years) that is the closest match to the certificate expiry date. If you wish to continue supplying the equipment after the registration expiry, you will need to have the certificate renewed (or obtain a new certificate) and renew the registration and pay a new fee.

If you choose and want a full 1 year term, you need to have a certificate that has an expiry date greater 1 year from date you register (and certificate is also to the current relevant standard as in force at time of registration).

If you choose and want a full 2 year term, you need to have a certificate that is uploaded onto the EESS platform and that has an expiry date greater 2 years from date you register (and certificate is also to the current relevant standard as in force at time of registration).

If you choose and want a full 5 year, you need to have a certificate that is uploaded onto the EESS platform and that has an expiry date of 5 years from the date you register (i.e. issued and uploaded to EESS Platform on the day you register – as no certificate can have an expiry date > 5 years from date of issue) and you register on the day the certificate was issued and uploaded to EESS platform (and certificate is also to the current relevant standard as in force at time of registration).

Note: In pragmatic terms, if the certifier doesn’t upload on same day they issued certificate (eg they take a week to upload) and you take a week to register after the certificate is uploaded to EESS platform, you may have to select and pay for 5 year term but only receive 4 years 11 ½ months  – i.e. just less than full 5 years as a certificate issued two weeks ago will now have an expiry in 4 years and 11 ½  months).

Options:

For level 3 equipment registrations, if the certificate expiry date is shorter than the term of equipment registration you have selected, then you have the following options:

1/ Accept the expiry date of the equipment registration will be limited to the expiry date of the certificate, and you will pay an equipment registration fee greater than that period – and proceed to finalise the equipment registration,

or

2/ Select a different (shorter) term of equipment registration that is less than the expiry date of the certificate – and proceed to finalise the equipment registration,

or

3/ Navigate back to the screen where you select the certificate (Registration Details screen) and select a different certificate with an expiry date longer than the term of equipment registration you want – and proceed through the equipment registration steps to finalise the equipment registration,

or

4/ Navigate back to the screen to select the certificate (Registration Details screen) and click on Save, and record the EQR number. Then have the certificate renewed (if it is within 6 months of expiry) or obtain a new certificate for the models you want to register, and when the (new or renewed) certificate is uploaded onto the EESS platform, go back to the EQR case and select the relevant certificate (‘retrieve’ the certificate again) and complete the equipment registration process.

or

5/ Withdraw the registration application and renew or obtain a new certificate (and ensure it is uploaded to the EESS platform), then start a new equipment registration with that certificate.

NOTE: if you do not have a certificate with suitable expiry date longer than the equipment registration period you need to register the equipment now, then register the equipment for a term of registration that is less than the certificate expiry (or at a minimum choose registration period of 1 year) and then

• Have the certificate used for the equipment registration renewed, and have it uploaded to the EESS platform, have this done just prior to the equipment registration expiry date, and then when the equipment registration is within 30 days of expiry renew it with that renewed certificate (with the certificate renewed to the latest relevant standard and amendments that will be applicable as at the time you do the renewal of the equipment registration) – you will be able to choose a longer registration period at that time.

Or

• Obtain a new certificate for the models you want to register, and have it uploaded to the EESS platform, have this done just prior to the equipment registration expiry date, and then when the equipment registration is within 30 days of expiry renew it with that new certificate (with the certificate issued to the latest relevant standard and amendments that will be applicable as at the time you do the renewal of the equipment registration) – you will be able to choose a longer registration period at that time.
• NOTE: at equipment registration renewal you can choose a different certificate to the one originally used, so long as the certificate has at least one of the Models with associated Trade Name on it that is on the current equipment registration you are renewing.

Or

• Obtain a new certificate for the models you want to register, and have it uploaded to the EESS platform, to the latest relevant standard and amendments that will be applicable as at the time you do the equipment registration and simply conduct a new equipment registration as soon as the certificate is uploaded. With the new certificate just issued you will be able to choose a longer registration period. This means for a short period you will have two equipment registration and can let the first one with the limited term of equipment registration lapse when it expires as you have the new equipment registration as well.

Background:

Just having a certificate of conformity for level 3 equipment may not be enough for a new equipment registration if the certificate expiry date is shorter than the term of registration you want to select.

EESS legislation has always required that a level 3 equipment registration cannot be longer than the expiry date of the certificate related to the equipment registration (as at the time of registration).

The intent of the EESS is to have equipment comply to the latest safety standard at time of registration, but also give some certainty to suppliers for the period of equipment registration. Relevant safety standards are regularly updated to ensure they provide and improve minimum safety standards over time.  Certificates are given a maximum 5 year term before expiry so that any equipment, irrespective of registration status, will be reassessed and updated to latest safety standard requirements, at most, no longer than every 5 years. Noting that 5 year certificate expiry doesn’t take into account changes to the relevant safety standard, so it may be required that the certificate needs to be updated sooner than the certificate expiry date if a new equipment registration is required and the relevant safety standard has been updated.

As such level 3 equipment registration requires that the certificate used for registration is to the relevant standard as at the time of equipment registration, and the maximum equipment registration term is limited to the expiry date of that certificate.

To assist Responsible Suppliers ensure they meet legislative requirements when registering and to ensure compliance with the law, the EESS platform registration process now checks the expiry on the certificate to ensure the registration does not exceed that expiry date.

Reminder: the EESS fees are regulatory fees. They are not a fee for service. No GST applies.

A:

You are getting this alert because the EESS platform now performs verification checks to assist you comply with EESS legislation. The EESS legislation has always required the equipment to meet the current relevant standard as in force on the day of registration. The old system did not do this check and relied on the Responsible Supplier to understand the correct requirements, and that they were properly making a legal registration.

The EESS platform now performs verification checks on certificates to assist you comply with your legal requirements. You are getting this alert because the standard listed on the certificate has been superseded and is no longer current (is not the current relevant standard in force).

Upon registering, if you are linking to a certificate for level 3 or level 2 equipment, the certificate must be to the relevant standard as in force on the day of registration.

To proceed, you need to ensure the certificate is to the current relevant standard (including being to a relevant edition and all amendments that are in force).

Action to take:

If you are the ‘Certificate Applicant’ (company listed on the certificate) then contact the certifier to begin process to update the certificate. If you are not the Certificate Applicant, then contact the Certificate Applicant (company listed on the certificate) to arrange with them to contact the certifier to update the certificate to the current relevant standard before you proceed.

To stop this alert message occurring when registering equipment, the solution is one of the following options:

• Before registering the equipment, confirm the certificate on the EESS platform is to the latest edition of standards and amendments in force for the equipment type

If the certificate is not to the current standards, then:

• Before registering, have the certificate updated to the latest edition and amendments of the relevant standard, and ensure the certifier has uploaded the new certificate data before you attempt to register the equipment
• Ensure the certificate is updated to include all published amendments or new published edition even if they not yet in force (best practice), and ensure the certifier has uploaded the new certificate data before you attempt to register the equipment, that is:
• When obtaining a renewal of a certificate, ensure the certificate is to the latest published edition or amendments (especially if they are soon to become in force), and ensure the certifier has uploaded the renewed certificate data before you attempt to register the equipment.
• When seeking a new certificate, ask the certifier if there are any new editions or amendments published and if they are coming into force soon, as they should be aware of these transition periods and should be able to inform you of upcoming changes. If there are new editions or amendments, consider obtaining test reports that include those before applying for a certificate.
• If purchasing equipment from an overseas supplier ask them to confirm the certificate they have is to the latest relevant standard and amendments, including any upcoming new editions or amendment published but perhaps still in a transition period. And ensure the certifier has uploaded that certificate data before you attempt to register the equipment
• If it is level 2 or level 1 equipment, consider registering without linking to the certificate (after ensuring the equipment does comply to the latest edition and amendments) – choose ‘I will NOT be linking to a certificate’ and proceed to enter the relevant details (including choosing a current relevant standard that you have full test report evidence the equipment complies to)

Background:

Just having a certificate of conformity for level 3 equipment or a certificate of suitability for level 2 equipment may not meet the requirement to be suitable for a new equipment registration if, after the certificate was issued, there is a new edition or an additional amendment to the relevant standard that has come into force but is not listed on the certificate.

It is immaterial if the certifier who issued the certificate states the certificate is still valid (such as, it has not reached the expiry date the certifier has stated on the certificate). By law it is no longer valid to use to register equipment.

Standards are regularly updated to ensure they provide and improve minimum safety standards over time. When a relevant standard has a new edition or an amendment, it is given a transition date before it supersedes the existing standard (as published in the standard or specified by regulators). This transition date (generally this could be 12 months, 18 months , 2 year and even up to 5 years) allows for the manufacturer or Responsible Supplier to ensure they have time to modify the equipment (if required), obtain a new test report and certification to the updated edition or amendments before the new edition or amendments come into force.

To assist Responsible Suppliers ensure they meet legislative requirements when registering and not break the law, for level 3 and level 2 equipment linked to a certificate, the EESS platform registration process checks the standards on the certificate to ensure it is correct. If the standard is not a current relevant standard the EESS platform will not allow the Responsible Supplier to proceed (as they would not be meeting the EESS law if they did) and displays the alert.

The old system did not do this check and relied on the Responsible Supplier to understand the correct requirements, and that they were properly making a legal registration.

A:

Registration on the EESS platform as a Responsible Supplier is necessary to meet the requirements of the EESS and ACMA. The person in the Responsible Supplier organisation who performs this task will be the Authorised Officer responsible for ensuring compliance with all legislative requirements.

1. The Authorised Officer should set themselves up with a Responsible Supplier account. The ‘Setting Yourself Up’ Learning Guide can help.

Then:

The Authorised Officer should set up their business and invite team members to join. Refer to the ‘New Responsible Supplier’ Learning Guide for step-by-step instructions.

As an existing Responsible Supplier, your Authorised Officer must set up the business in the new EESS platform (and link your old registration account) and then invite team members to join. Refer to the Learning Guide for step-by-step instructions.

NOTE: When setting up the EESS platform and linking to your old account, carefully follow the steps and ensure you provide the correct information.

A:

A Responsible Supplier is a company or business situated in Australia or New Zealand that, for the purpose of sale, is either an onshore manufacturer OR imports In-scope electrical equipment from overseas.

An Authorised Officer is the Australian or New Zealand based business owner of the Registered Responsible Supplier, or is a senior person, based in Australia or New Zealand, of the Registered Responsible Supplier, with delegated responsibility from management/owner for electrical safety and/or regulatory compliance, and to make the Responsible Supplier Declaration required by the EESS.

Only the Authorised Officer can make the annual Responsible Supplier declaration of compliance to EESS requirements.

NOTE: Every Responsible Supplier registration is required to have an Authorised Officer listed. The Authorised Officer does not need to be registered as an Authorised Representative.  An Authorised Representative is not mandatory.

An Authorised Representative is a person who has written permission to act for, or on behalf of, the Registered Responsible Supplier to register In-scope equipment (levels 1 to 3) – such as an employee of the Responsible Supplier business or a consultant contracted to perform equipment registration functions for the Responsible Supplier.

However, this term has largely been superseded by the Roles and user access in the new EESS Platform, where different users that can perform equipment registrations, or other tasks, have been created:

• Business Administrator: invited by the Authorised Officer as a team member within the Responsible Supplier company – to perform equipment registrations and make payments of payment carts, and other administrative tasks required so as to free up the Authorised Officer. Such tasks include maintaining company details up to date, inviting users and consultants etc).
• User: invited by the Authorised Officer or Business Administrator as a team member within the Responsible Supplier company to perform equipment registrations, make payments of payment carts.
• Consultant, Full or Limited consultants (external companies invited by the Responsible Supplier to perform equipment registrations for the Responsible Supplier),
• Third Party Certifier (RECS) – invited by the Responsible Supplier to perform equipment registrations for the Responsible Supplier – but only can register equipment where the RECS have issued a certificate to that Responsible Supplier business. 

A Certificate Applicant is any person who obtains a Certificate from a Certifier, sometimes also called a Certificate Holder.

NOTE: A Certificate Applicant may be located in an economy other than Australia and New Zealand.

NOTE: A Responsible Supplier can (and should) also register as a Certificate Applicant.

A:

The Certificate Applicant (certificate holder) can apply a password to a certificate as a security measure to prevent unauthorised use. Please contact the Certificate Applicant to obtain the password.

A:

Before you begin:

If you have used a certificate for the registration, you must have the models listed on the certificate before modifying the equipment registration.

• If you are the certificate applicant (certificate holder) make an application to the certifier who issued the certificate and follow their process to have the models added to the certificate.
• If you are not the certificate applicant (certificate holder) contact the certificate applicant (certificate holder) and ask them to contact the certifier and have the models added to the certificate.

Wait for the certifier to upload the certificate modification onto the EESS platform (they should do that within 3 days of finalising the modification to the certificate).

Once the new models are on the certificate and the EESS platform, log into your account.  Additional models (of the same ‘family’ of equipment) can be added to an existing equipment registration using the ’Equipment Registration – Modify’ option from the lefthand navigation bar. Enter the Equipment Registration number and select the option to ‘Add models.’ Follow the steps.

Note: If you have not used a certificate for the equipment registration (level 2 or level 1 equipment) you can simply go through the process of adding models to the registration.

A:

You may be attempting to register as a new Responsible Supplier, but someone in your organisation has already registered.

OR

Your ABN may already be in use. Search for Responsible Suppliers in the Public Search by entering the ABN, which will allow you to check who has used the ABN.

OR

Your ABN may have been used to link your company as an ‘affiliated supplier’ (a NZ company links to an AU counterpart or visa-versa). If in doubt, contact your affiliate.

If your ABN is already in use and it shouldn’t be, advise us at eessadmin@oir.qld.gov.au.

A:

If you are using a certificate to register your equipment, verify that your Trade Name has been included on the certificate of conformity or suitability. If your Trade Name is not present, contact the certificate holder and request that your Trade Name be added to the related Model on the certificate. If you are the Certificate holder, contact the issuing certifier to request that it be added.

If the information is on the certificate, complete a “Modify Registration” process to add a Trade Name. When the certificate number displays again, ‘refresh’ the certificate number to make the new models visible.

If your Trade Name appears on the certificate and in the Public Search results, but you are still unable to select, please email eessadmin@oir.qld.gov.au for assistance.

A:

Compliance Folders are mandatory for Level 2 equipment.

Folders must contain copies of test reports to relevant standards together with other safety related information (such as a safety instruction manual, copies of nameplates, external and internal photos of the equipment, certificate details for cords and plugs used etc). The Compliance Folder must be maintained for five years after the term of equipment registration ends.

A:

Most products are sold nationally and so are required to be registered to meet requirements of jurisdictions who apply the EESS.

If the product is sold only within New South Wales (NSW) and not beyond that State’s borders, you do not need to register with EESS.

Note: While transition processes remain in place, if you have an NSW regulator issued certificate, contact eessadmin@oir.qld.gov.au. It is recommended you obtain certificates from EESS Regulators or Recognised External Certification Schemes (private certifiers accredited to issue certificates for the EESS) to make registration easier.

A:

Yes, you can do this for those RECS certifiers that have chosen to use the EESS platform certificate application process (noting a Certificate Applicant can still use the traditional certificate application process of each RECS certifier).

To use this option, your role must include being a Certificate Applicant. On your ’My organisation’ page the Role will be specified as below:

If you are already a Responsible Supplier and wish to extend to be a Certificate Applicant look at the learning guides relevant to you to extend your role: Learning guides – EESS.

There is an updated ‘Certifier Selection’ screen during the Application stage, enabling Certificate Applicants to nominate a certifier as part of the application process. This includes being able to select any RECS certifier who has chosen to use this process. If the RECS certifier has chosen not to use this process their name will not appear.

This process can be used for new, modify or renewal of a certificate for EESS regulator certificates, or any RECS certifier who has chosen to use this process.

A:

It may be that your certificate is

1. a) not a recognised EESS certificate and not sanctioned (not allowed to be uploaded) for the EESS platform, or
2. b) the certifier hasn’t yet uploaded it.

You can generally expect your certifier to upload your certificate to the EESS platform within three days of the certification date. Please get in touch with your certifier if the certificate has not been uploaded within the expected timeframe.

Note: Only certificates issued in accordance with the EESS requirements are allowed to be uploaded to the platform.

Enrichment is a term to describe the process used by a certifier to update certificate data from the old system (a legacy certificate) into the right format for EESS.

Enrichment of a legacy certificate is a simple 4-step process, performed by your certifier.

To enrich a certificate your certifier will access the EESS platform and using the manual certificate upload process:

1. Log into the platform and open the MODIFY CERTIFICATE screen
2. Enter the certificate number and select the appropriate checkboxes to confirm the purpose of the modification
3. Select SUBMIT.

The system will present a screen requesting missing information. The certifier will:

4. Enter your Certificate Applicant Business ID number and confirm the prefilled profile details (such as Certification type and Standards, model(s) and tradenames) displayed on screen are correct. Select COMPLETE VALIDATION.

The enrichment is complete.

Enrichment is only necessary if you want to do something with the certificate, for example, add a modification, add extra models or trade names, update the standard, or renew the certificate so you can renew your equipment registration.

Legacy certificates and any registrations using them remain in the EESS platform as valid registrations. They do not need to be updated unless you want to modify or renew. If your certifier will not enrich the certificate, you can still use the legacy certificate to register equipment ONLY if the certificate displays the current safety standard.

You cannot renew equipment registration with a legacy certificate that is not enriched. You will have to do a new registration.

See also What fees are applicable for certificate enrichment? [Financial]

A:

The Business ID is the key factor to match certificates to a Certificate Applicant’s correct account on the EESS.

To have a certificate uploaded onto the EESS it needs to be uploaded to a Certificate Applicant account.

If you are a Certificate Applicant or a combined ‘Certification Applicant & Responsible Supplier’ on the EESS you need to have the certificates uploaded to your account. You will have a Business ID that identifies your account for the certifier to upload to.

The Business ID is displayed on the certificate view in the public view of certificates. If you are a Certificate Applicant or a combined ‘Certification Applicant & Responsible Supplier’, the business ID also appears on your home page and My Organisation page of your account.

Note: A Responsible Supplier can also be a Certificate Applicant. There is a button on the My Organisation page to extend to be a certificate applicant—no extra cost or information required.

If you are a Responsible Supplier who obtains certificates in your own business name, you MUST upgrade to be a combined ‘Certification Applicant & Responsible Supplier’.

A:

As a Responsible supplier, you can authorise placement of the Regulatory Compliance Mark (RCM) on Level 1 in-scope the equipment for which you have evidence that it meets electrical safety requirements.

As a registered Responsible Supplier, you can authorise placement of the RCM on level 2 or level 3 equipment once the equipment has been registered on the EESS platform.

You must not sell unmarked (in-scope) electrical equipment.

It is your responsibility to ensure you remain in compliance with Australian Standard AS/NZS 4417.1, which provides rules for the use of the RCM, including marking placement and dimensions. It is available once you register on the EESS platform. Find it in the Documents tab in your account.

A:

The Electrical Equipment Safety System (EESS) has changed the regulatory compliance marking requirements, now known as the ‘Regulatory Compliance Mark’ (RCM).

Under EESS, you no longer need different certificate numbers marked on different equipment types.

Correctly registering as a Responsible Supplier authorises use of the RCM (in accordance with the rules).

Australian Standard AS/NZS 4417.1 provide rules for the use of the RCM, including marking placement and dimensions.

This standard is available to registered EESS Responsible Suppliers when you log in to the EESS platform. Locate DOCUMENTS on the navigation bar in ‘My Organisation’ to download the standards free of charge.

If you are not an EESS registered Responsible Supplier, the standard is available for purchase.

A:

To reset your password, please:

1. Go to the EESS website – EESS – Electrical Equipment Safety Scheme.
2. Click on ‘EESS Platform Login’.
3. Click on ‘Forgot Password?’
4. Enter the email address that is associated with your account and click SUBMIT.
5. A verification code will be sent to the email address associated with your account. Please click the link in the email to return to the EESS website and reset your password.

For more information about passwords, refer to the Learning Guide.

A:

When logging on, if you enter the password incorrectly five times you will be locked out of the Platform.

To have your password unlocked, please email EESSadmin@oir.qld.gov.au

For more information about passwords, refer to the Learning Guide.

Registration applications (and with many functions in the EESS platform) creates a ‘Case ID’. You can withdraw any case by opening the case type and accessing the ‘Actions’ dropdown, located in upper left area of the screen.

Follow these steps to withdraw the Case ID:

1. Locate MY APPLICATIONS on your account home page and select the Case ID link (e.g. EQR-XXXX)
2. On the (top) left-side panel, select ACTIONS. A dropdown list will appear.
3. Select ‘WITHDRAW’.
4. The WITHDRAW page will display with a text box providing you with the option to record a reason for the withdrawal. Record your reason and select SUBMIT.
5. A pop up will appear. Click OK to confirm and the case will be ‘resolved-withdrawn’.

Once completed, you can return to your account to take other actions.

This error occurs because an existing application is already open. The platform prevents multiple instances from being open simultaneously.

To continue with the existing case, search the RS-XXXX number in the top left search icon field.

If you wish to withdraw the case, select ACTIONS > WITHDRAW.

A:
Fees relevant to Responsible Suppliers include regulatory charges for their registration as a Responsible Supplier and for the registration of level 2 and 3 (in-scope) electrical equipment. Responsible Suppliers can select 1,2 or 5 year terms for equipment.

In-scope electrical equipment classified as level 1 are free to register/list on the EESS Platform.

Responsible Supplier registration fees are due annually.

A:

Each time you perform a function that has a fee associated with it (for example, a Responsible Supplier annual renewal, new or renew of an equipment registration) a payment cart is created.

You can add as many equipment registrations into that payment cart as you like and pay them all at once, or you can progress the payment cart each time to pay as you go (or transfer the payment cart to another person in your business who is listed in your My Organisation page (e.g. accounting staff) who will complete the payment.

A:

You can make payment by BPoint or (if you are located in Australia) BPay.

BPoint is a secure payment option designed to process credit card for immediate payment. Payments made from outside Australia must use BPoint.

BPay is facilitated using online banking and available when paying within Australia. BPay transactions may take several days to be processed by your financial institution.

Your EESS registrations will only complete when payment has cleared.

For step-by-step instructions, refer to the Learning Guide.

A:

To remove a payment cart, click GO in the top right corner of the View Payment page to clear all items. Once the cart is empty, you can withdraw it.

You can access and manage your payment cart by:

1. Selecting payment cart from left side navigation bar (shopping cart icon)
2. Click on the payment cart case (PC-xxxx)
3. Click on GO (upper right side) to open payment cart

Then if you want to pay the cart:

4. then follow the steps to proceed with payment

OR if you want to remove the cart and not pay the registrations in the cart:

1. Click on ‘Actions’ drop down (located in upper left corner of screen)
2. Click on ‘View Payment’
3. Screen changes to the view of the payments in the payment cart – Click on ‘Remove all’ (located at end of payment details table)

Once cart is empty click on ‘Actions’ drop down and select ‘Withdraw’ and follow the withdraw process

A:

EESS does not charge a fee for enriching a legacy certificate (to you or the certifier).

If your equipment registration needs renewing and has a ‘legacy’ certificate, you can still use the existing ‘legacy’ certificates to make new equipment registration applications if the certificate is to a current standard) at the cost of a renewal registration.

EESS has no control over fees charged by certifiers for their services. There are eight recognised external certification scheme (RECS) certifiers. You can choose to have a certificate issued by any one of the available certifiers. (Energy Safe Victora as an EESS regulator also issues certificates). Individual certifiers may offer different levels of service to certificate applicants. We recommend you seek a certifier whose services best suit your needs and budget.

Your Responsible Supplier status ‘role’ in the EESS can be extended to include ‘Certificate Applicant’, (become a ‘Certification Applicant & Responsible Supplier’) which means, you can provide to any certifier you use the details of your business name, business email and business ID (as listed on your MY ORGANISATION page). Certifiers can then upload certificates directly to your account and you can view extra details not seen in public view as well as have a list of all certificates issued to you by all certifiers and manage your certificates by running a report to see what certificates you have and when they are expiring).

See also: My certification needs to be ‘enriched’. What does enrichment entail? [Certification]