EV Charger Certification for Australia: SAA, RCM and EESS Explained

EVDANCE Insights · EV Charging Guides

To sell an EV charger in Australia, the local importer or manufacturer usually needs to register as a responsible supplier in the Electrical Equipment Safety System (EESS), show that the charger meets the applicable electrical safety and EMC standards, and mark it with the Regulatory Compliance Mark (RCM). “SAA approval” is the name the trade often uses for the certificate of conformity issued by an accredited certifier. New Zealand takes part in the same system, so one compliance file can often serve both markets.

This guide explains each term, the standards involved and the documents an importer should collect from the factory.

The Key Terms

Term	What it means	Who handles it
EESS	The Electrical Equipment Safety System used by Australian states and territories and New Zealand to regulate in-scope electrical equipment	Electrical safety regulators
Responsible supplier	The local manufacturer or importer that registers in the EESS database and is accountable for compliance	The importer or brand in Australia or New Zealand
RCM	The Regulatory Compliance Mark, mandatory on in-scope equipment sold in participating jurisdictions; it also covers EMC requirements	Applied by a registered responsible supplier
“SAA approval”	Common name for a certificate of conformity from an accredited certification body, needed for higher-risk equipment and often used voluntarily for others	Accredited certifier, based on test reports
Risk levels 1, 2, 3	Equipment classes; registration is voluntary for Level 1 and mandatory for Levels 2 and 3	Defined under AS/NZS 4417

Where EV Chargers Fit

EESS guidance on electric vehicle supply equipment states that charge cables with an in-cable charging control and protection device and an integral RCD, the typical Mode 2 portable charger, are deemed in-scope Level 1 equipment. Level 1 product registration is voluntary, but the responsible supplier must still be registered, the product must comply with the relevant standards and the RCM must be applied. Many importers obtain a certificate of conformity anyway, because retailers, installers and online marketplaces ask for it.

Fixed wallboxes and charging stations are installed under the Australian wiring rules and checked by a licensed electrician. Requirements for these products can differ from portable units, so confirm their status with the electrical safety regulator or your certifier before you import.

Standards Referred To

IEC 61851 (and its Australian adoption) for conductive charging systems; see Mode 2 vs Mode 3 charging.
IEC 62196 for plugs, socket-outlets, vehicle connectors and inlets; Australia uses the Type 2 connector.
IEC 62752 for in-cable control and protection devices used in Mode 2 charging.
AS/NZS 60335.1 clause 30.2 on resistance to heat and fire for appliances that operate unattended.
AS/NZS 3112 for household plugs, and AS/NZS 3123 for industrial plugs such as three-phase leads.
AS/NZS 3000, the wiring rules, for installation of fixed chargers.

Test reports should reflect Australian conditions, including 230 V, 50 Hz ratings and Australian marking, not only a European report.

What the Importer Should Collect From the Factory

Full test reports for the exact model and configuration, including the Australian plug
The certificate of conformity, if one has been issued, and the certifier’s name
EMC test reports to support the RCM
Rating label artwork showing ratings, model, the RCM and the responsible supplier’s details; see rating labels and required markings
An Australian-English user manual with installation and safety instructions

If you sell under your own brand, check whether the certificate can be issued or transferred to your company and model name; our article on who owns the certificate explains the options.

Product Choices for Australia

Connector: Type 2 is standard for AC charging in Australia.
Portable plugs: 10 A and 15 A household plugs, and three-phase industrial plugs for higher-power portable units.
Heat: many sites face strong sun and high temperatures; see hot-climate EV charging.
Enclosure: IP65 or better for outdoor use; see IP ratings.

EVDANCE supplies portable chargers for the Australian market, including models such as the EV-ACS3210E that list SAA among their marks. Always request the certificate for the exact configuration you order. See our Australia supplier page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is SAA certification mandatory for EV chargers in Australia?

A certificate of conformity is mandatory for Level 3 equipment. Mode 2 portable chargers are treated as Level 1 under EESS guidance, so a certificate is not required by the EESS itself, but compliance with the standards, responsible supplier registration and the RCM are. Many buyers still ask for SAA approval.

Can a Chinese factory register as the responsible supplier?

The responsible supplier is the Australian or New Zealand manufacturer or importer. The factory provides the test reports and certificates; the local importer registers.

Does the RCM cover EMC as well as safety?

Yes. The RCM shows compliance with the applicable electrical safety and ACMA EMC or radio requirements.

Is New Zealand covered too?

New Zealand participates in the EESS, so registration and the RCM are recognized there. Check any local installation rules separately.

Key Takeaways

The local importer registers as responsible supplier in the EESS and applies the RCM.
EESS guidance treats Mode 2 charge cables with an integral RCD as in-scope Level 1 equipment.
“SAA approval” usually means a certificate of conformity from an accredited certifier, which many buyers expect.
Collect test reports for the exact Australian configuration, including plug, ratings and labels.

Sources & Standards

EESS — Information Bulletin 20-013, Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment
EESS — Registration purpose and responsible supplier requirements
AS/NZS 4417 — Regulatory compliance mark for electrical and electronic equipment
IEC 61851, IEC 62196, IEC 62752