Action on banned radio devices

The government’s radio spectrum management (RSM) team has teamed up with major online marketplaces to ensure prohibited and non-compliant radio devices are unavailable for purchase in New Zealand. 

Using techniques such as geo-blocking, RSM successfully removed more than 35,000 non-compliant product listings during the financial year from July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024. 

The work done by RSM, which is part of the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, means essential services and individual consumers have greater protection from potential interference.

Users of non-compliant devices face potentially hefty penalties of up to $30,000 for an individual and $200,000 for a body corporate, so it’s an issue car importers, dealers and after-market suppliers need to be particularly aware of.

Impact on automotive

All radio-transmitting devices imported, sold or installed in this country must only transmit within the conditions of a radio licence as prescribed in the Radiocommunications Act 1989.

“Vehicles imported into New Zealand, new or used, must also meet this requirement,” explains Nathan Schaffer, manager of radio-spectrum investigations.

“Radio and communication systems installed in vehicles must operate under a licence to ensure they do not cause unwanted interference.

“However, vehicle wireless systems are generally harmonised worldwide to ensure compatibility in most countries.”

In New Zealand, RSM has created a number of general-user radio licences to allow for vehicular wireless systems to operate within specific frequency bands without causing interference.

Schaffer told Autofile Online: “Second-hand vehicles from markets such as Japan may have built-in communication or telemetry systems that are not compatible with New Zealand’s spectrum plan.

“Differences in spectrum allocation between countries can result in interference with local networks, particularly if these systems operate on frequencies assigned to other services in New Zealand.

“After-market communication products installed in used-imported vehicles may pose interference risks if they aren’t compliant with New Zealand regulations. These devices should be checked for compliance before use.

“The responsibility for compliance falls on importers to ensure that second-hand vehicles meet local radio-frequency regulations before sale.

“Likewise, vehicle owners who purchase after-market communication equipment should verify these products adhere to New Zealand’s standards to prevent interference and ensure seamless operation.”

The bigger picture

With the increasing ease of purchasing products via global platforms such as eBay, Facebook, Amazon, Trade Me, Alibaba and AliExpress, Kiwis are often unaware of the risks associated with buying non-compliant radio products.

Claire Smollett, national manager of RSM, says: “These products can operate on licensed channels and cause interference with critical communication systems, such as those used on aircraft and by ambulances.

“It’s important New Zealanders are aware of their responsibility when purchasing radios on overseas sites.”

There was an incident last year when RSM identified an interference issue with One NZ’s network that it managed to track back to a baby monitor bought via an e-commerce marketplace. 

The device was emitting signals that disrupted local communications services, which led to the owner being requested to stop using it. 

“This is an example of how everyday devices can cause disruptions if they don’t meet local compliance standards,” says Smollett. 

“By working to remove such products, RSM is giving consumers the trust that what they buy online will not disrupt vital communication systems.” 

RSM recommends consumers look out for the following when buying radio devices: 

• A New Zealand compliance mark. This can be the regulatory compliance mark (RCM), or the R-NZ on wireless and radio-transmitting devices or other electronic devices.

• GPS or cellphone jammers because these are banned in this country.

• Products that require a licence. Some licences are free, other must be paid for. Visit https://www.rsm.govt.nz/licensing/do-you-need-a-licence to find out more.

RSM is responsible for managing radio spectrum in New Zealand. This includes allocating rights for using the spectrum, enforcing compliance with licensing requirements, contributing to policy advice to government, and administering the Radiocommunications Act 1989 and Radiocommunications Regulations 2001.