As of September 1, 2025, New Zealand’s Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment (MBIE) has implemented an updated Radiocommunications Regulations (Radio Standards) Notice 2025. This marks a significant advancement in aligning national radio product compliance with modern technology and international standards. The revised notice replaces the 2023 version and introduces an expanded and clarified regulatory framework intended to improve spectrum efficiency, encourage innovation, and ensure that users are protected from harmful interference.
Key Changes Introduced in the 2025 Notice
The updated regulation modernizes the compliance framework through several core changes:
Adoption of new standards for emerging technologies
Revision of outdated standards to better match today’s radio environment
Extension of compliance requirements to include previously unmandated products
The new rules aim to provide clarity for suppliers, increase regulatory coverage, and enhance spectrum management practices across New Zealand.
Expanded Product Classification and Standards
The notice outlines mandatory standards for a wide range of radio transmitters, including short-range devices (SRDs), land mobile radios, maritime and aeronautical equipment, and satellite services. Each product class is assigned specific conformity levels and must adhere to internationally recognized standards such as:
AS/NZS (Australia/New Zealand joint standards)
EN (European ETSI Harmonised Standards)
CFR (U.S. Code of Federal Regulations)
IEC and ANSI/TIA standards
Where applicable, standards issued by Australia’s ACMA are also recognized and integrated into the compliance framework.
Mandatory Conformity and Testing Requirements
All products must meet the specified conformity levels indicated in the notice. Depending on the class, this may include:
Electromagnetic compatibility and radiation testing
Compliance with frequency band usage and emission limits
Conformity assessments under the Radiocommunications (Compliance) Notice 2020
For short-range devices, for example, testing may be required under EN 300 330 or AS/NZS 4268, depending on the frequency range and application.
Exemptions and Transitional Provisions
Some products are exempt from the declaration of conformity and labeling requirements, such as:
SRD transmitters installed in vehicles during manufacture
Military radio transmitters used by the New Zealand Defence Force or cooperating foreign forces
Importantly, any products that were compliant with the 2023 notice as of September 1, 2025, are considered compliant under the 2025 notice, supporting a smoother transition for suppliers.
Operational Scope and Licensing Conditions
Under the new notice, radio transmitters must operate in accordance with a valid license, which could include:
General user radio or spectrum licenses
Individual radio licenses
Explicit exemptions granted by the Chief Executive of MBIE
This requirement reinforces New Zealand’s efforts to ensure that all active radio equipment functions within its legal spectrum environment.
Updated Tables of Standards and Emission Limits
The regulation includes detailed tables specifying:
Applicable technical standards for over 60 product categories
Levels of conformity (A1, A2, etc.)
Spurious and unwanted emissions limits based on frequency ranges
These updates are essential for maintaining consistent electromagnetic performance and minimizing cross-device interference in shared spectrum environments.
For this article’s source information and any product certification guidance, please contact Global Validity.
Quick Country Facts
New Zealand
Certification Body: Ministry of Economic Development (RSM: Radio Spectrum Management)
Certification Type: Mandatory
License Validity: Indefinite
Application Language: English
Legal License Holder: Local Representative
In-Country Testing Requirement: Testing Not Required
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