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1. Introduction
The Government of Canada and New Zealand have agreed, through an exchange of letters, to implement Phase I of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA) for Conformity Assessment of Telecommunications Equipment (APEC-TEL MRA).
The MRA between Canada and New Zealand covers the recognition requirements of testing laboratories and the acceptance of test reports generated by recognized laboratories.
2. Regulatory authority in New Zealand
The radio spectrum regulator and regulatory authority for New Zealand is the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE).
Compliance information for suppliers is available on MBIE’s Radio Spectrum Management site.
2.1 Standards available for MBIE recognition
The electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and radio standards applicable to various classes of products can be obtained from the relevant Product Compliance Gazette Notices:
- Radiocommunications (EMC Standards) Notice 2015
- Radiocommunications Regulations (Radio Standards) Notice 2016
Note: Test reports for products assigned the highest conformity level of 3/A3 must be from an accredited testing laboratory. Test labs accredited by an International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC) signatory accreditation body (AB) are acceptable. All current Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) appointed ABs for Phase I procedures are ILAC signatories.
3. General requirements for Canadian CABs
Canadian CABs must meet the General Requirements for Designation as a Canadian Conformity Assessment Body (CAB).
4. Application requirements and processes for Canadian testing laboratories
Canadian testing laboratories do not need formal designation and recognition in order for their test reports to meet the New Zealand EMC and radio spectrum conformity assessment procedure. However, the DES-LAB Application for Designation or Recognition of a Canadian Testing Laboratory must still be submitted in order to be listed on ISED’s Canadian Testing Laboratories web page as a recognized lab to test to New Zealand standards.
New Zealand accepts endorsed test reports issued by laboratories accredited by an ILAC MRA Signatory AB.
For renewals, recognized CABs shall update their recognition expiration date by submitting their renewed or extended ISO/IEC 17025 Scope(s) of Accreditation and Accreditation Certificate(s) through DES-LAB Application for Designation or Recognition of a Canadian Testing Laboratory.
5. About the APEC-TEL MRA
The initial signing of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Mutual Recognition Arrangement for Conformity Assessment of Telecommunications Equipment (APEC-TEL MRA) took place on May 8, 1998. Participation in the APEC-TEL MRA is voluntary and includes two phases: Phase I for mutual acceptance of test reports and Phase II for certification of product approvals.
6. For more information
For more information about the Canada-New Zealand MRA, please contact MRA Admin.