The Australian embedded lighting market has officially entered a new stage of 'compliance is king.' Recently, a new version of the Australian embedded lighting safety standard AS/NZS 60598.2.2 was released, making systematic adjustments across multiple dimensions, including the structural design, electrical safety, performance testing, and labeling requirements for embedded lights. All embedded lighting manufacturers and exporters aiming to enter the Australian market need to use the new standard as a benchmark to review and reorganize their production and certification processes.

I. New Standard Upgrade

AS/NZS 60598.2.2 is the core safety compliance basis for the embedded lighting market in Australia. The release of this new version is an important adjustment made by Australian regulatory authorities in light of recent safety incident data for embedded lighting and trends in industry technology iteration. Compared with the old standard, the new standard imposes stricter requirements across multiple dimensions:

1. It is to strengthen the requirements for electrical safety and structural design. The new standard has made adjustments to test items such as electrical insulation, temperature rise limits, and protection against electric shock for embedded lighting fixtures. In particular, for fixtures installed in special scenarios such as embedded in gypsum board or wooden structures, more stringent requirements for heat dissipation and flame retardancy have been proposed.

2. It is to refine performance requirements. More detailed regulations have also been made for the optical performance, photobiological safety, and electromagnetic compatibility of embedded lighting fixtures, further narrowing the grey areas of compliance.

3. Improve labeling requirements. It clearly requires products to clearly indicate key information such as rated power, installation restrictions, and applicable scenarios. Products that do not meet the labeling requirements will be directly deemed non-compliant.

For domestic lighting companies, once a product does not meet the new standards, it will be prohibited from entering the Australian market, and may even face recalls, fines, and other penalties. This directly affects the pace of a company's overseas business expansion. Therefore, planning for compliance certification in advance has become the top priority for companies looking to expand into the Australian market.

II. Key Points of Core Changes

1. Expansion of Scope

The title has been expanded from "Recessed Luminaires" to "Recessed Luminaires and Recessed Air Handling Luminaires," including recessed luminaires with ventilation/air handling functions (commonly found in commercial ceiling systems) within the same safety requirements framework, consistent with the fourth edition of IEC.

2. Technical Content Aligned with IEC Fourth Edition

The new edition overall aligns with the technical framework of IEC 60598-2-2:2023, including:

- Updated definitions and classifications for recessed luminaires

- Added specific requirements for recessed air-handling luminaires

- Strengthened provisions for mechanical strength and installation safety tests

- Updated test requirements related to heat resistance and fire safety

- Improved standardized requirements for markings and instructions

3. Australia/New Zealand Difference Clauses

Adopted as MOD, the standard retains the local difference clauses for the Australia and New Zealand region, mainly involving additional electrical safety requirements and regulatory adaptation.

Practical Impact on Export and Certification

Certification Path: Embedded downlights, panel lights, and air handling luminaires entering the Australian market need to follow the SAA/RCM compliance path, and the technical basis of test reports and certificates will switch from the 2016 version to the 2026 version.

E-commerce platform compliance: Compliance reviews on platforms such as Amazon Australia will simultaneously require adherence to the new version of the standards. 

Transition period: Currently, no clear transition deadline has been published by Standards Australia on public channels. The previous version AS/NZS 60598.2.2:2016 (including Amendment 1:2020) still coexists. It is recommended to follow the latest announcements on the Standards Australia website and from the Australian electrical safety regulatory authorities, and to confirm with accredited laboratories the timeframe for updating certificates.

CB Certification: If you already hold a CB certificate based on IEC 60598-2-2:2023, when converting to AS/NZS 60598.2.2:2026, the Australian differences clauses need to be additionally assessed.

III. Certification Application Process

Step 1: Preliminary Preparation (2–4 weeks)

Confirm applicable standards: AS/NZS 60598.2.2 (particular requirements for recessed luminaires), AS/NZS 60598.1 (general safety requirements for luminaires), and the driver must comply with AS/NZS 61347.1. Pay attention to the standard version (the current version is AS/NZS 60598.2.2:2016 Amendment 2:2021; industry sources mention a new version in 2026), and refer to the official release.

Choosing a laboratory: You must choose a CBTL laboratory accredited by JAS-ANZ (i.e., a laboratory with CB certification and recognized by Australia and New Zealand). Testing can be completed in a laboratory with accredited qualifications within China, without the need to send samples to Australia.

Confirming a local Australian agent: Overseas manufacturers must designate a local Australian agent, and the agent must be registered with EESS (Electrical Equipment Safety System).

Step 2: Submit Technical Documents and Samples

Technical document package to be prepared:

- Circuit schematic (indicating minimum creepage distance and electrical clearance)

- BOM list (including SAA/IEC certification numbers of components)

- Structural drawings (including fire distance calculation description)

- Authorization letter from Australian agent (notarized)

- Product manual and label design (in English)

- Declaration of Conformity (DoC)

Sample Requirements:

Main samples: 3 units (complete lighting fixtures with installation accessories)

Destructive test prototypes: 2 units (for irreversible tests such as material combustion)

Step 3: Product Testing (5–8 Weeks Standard Cycle)

The core test items are as follows:

Electrical Safety Tests

Insulation Resistance: ≥2MΩ at room temperature, still required after damp heat testing

Withstand Voltage Test: Apply 2U 1000V (U is the rated voltage), no breakdown for 1 minute

Ground Continuity: For Class I luminaries, the resistance between the ground terminal and accessible metal parts ≤0.5Ω

Fire Protection and Mechanical Testing

Glow Wire Test (GWT): Internal materials do not ignite at 850°C (reference AS/NZS 60695.11.3)

Enclosure Impact Test: Withstands 10J impact energy

Installation Clip Fatigue Test: 10 installation and removal cycles

EMC Testing (AS/NZS CISPR 15)

Conducted Disturbance (150kHz–30MHz)

Radiated Disturbance (30MHz–1GHz)

Photobiological Safety Testing (IEC 62471)

Blue light hazard assessment must reach RG0 (no risk) or RG1 (low risk)

IP Protection Rating Test

Outdoor embedded lamps: IP44 and above

Bathrooms and other humid environments: IP65

Step 4: Report Review and Certificate Issuance

The laboratory issues a Test Report.

Australian certification bodies (such as SAI Global and other SAA-recognized organizations) review compliance.

After passing the review, an SAA Safety Certificate is issued.

Step 5: RCM Registration and Marking

After SAA certification, complete registration in the RCM database (covering safety, EMC, and importer declaration).

Register an account through the EESS system (electrical safety part).

Affix the RCM mark on the product itself (or on the packaging/instruction manual if it is not feasible on the product).