The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has released a consultation paper proposing significant amendments to the regulatory framework for telecommunications customer equipment and cabling. The proposals aim to strengthen compliance, safety, and emergency call access requirements for devices supplied to the Australian market, particularly in response to concerns raised after the Optus outage in September 2025.

Key changes include extending the record-keeping period for compliance documentation from two years to seven years, limiting grandfathering arrangements for mobile phones to ensure ongoing compliance with the latest industry standards, and mandating adoption of the revised AS/NZS 62368.1:2026 safety standard for audio, video, and information technology equipment. A transition period of six or twelve months is proposed for manufacturers and importers to adapt to new requirements.

The amendments also seek to reduce duplicative compliance obligations for equipment already meeting equivalent aviation or electrical safety standards. These changes are intended to improve the durability of mobile phone connectivity to Triple Zero (Australia's emergency call service) and align Australian regulations with international best practices.

Stakeholders, including manufacturers, importers, and service providers, are invited to submit comments by September 17, 2026. The proposed measures are expected to have a broad impact on product approval, testing, labeling, and compliance processes across the telecommunications sector.

This proposal represents a high impact regulatory change for the Australian telecommunications sector.

Key reasons for high impact:

• Extension of compliance record-keeping from 2 to 7 years, affecting manufacturers and importers.
• Mandatory adoption of updated safety standards (AS/NZS 62368.1:2026) for a wide range of devices.
• Limitation of grandfathering arrangements for mobile phones, requiring ongoing compliance with latest standards.
• Introduction of transition periods for adaptation, affecting operational timelines.
• Reduction of duplicative compliance obligations, streamlining regulatory processes.

Who is affected?

Manufacturers, importers, service providers, and stakeholders involved in the supply, testing, and certification of telecommunications equipment, especially mobile phones and related devices.

Conclusion:

The proposed amendments will require significant operational and compliance adjustments, impacting product approval, labeling, and documentation practices across the industry