Market Surveillance

The Electrical Equipment Safety System (EESS) is a regulatory framework aimed at increasing consumer safety when interacting with household electrical equipment (In-Scope electrical equipment).

The aim of the EESS is to ensure In-Scope electrical equipment is electrically safe before is offered for sale in Australia and New Zealand. The EESS outlines the safety requirements for registration of Responsible Suppliers and equipment in a centralised national database (National Register).

EESS registration fees can be used by Regulatory Authorities (RA’s) of the participating jurisdictions to increase market surveillance. This can happen in various post-market forms of compliance activities relating to the sale of In-Scope electrical equipment including, but not limited to:

• Check Testing
• Responsible Supplier Audits
• Equipment Registration and Retail Audits

Check Testing

This is a compliance activity where an RA from a participating jurisdiction of the EESS sources In-scope electrical activity from the marketplace (Australia wide) and subjects it to tests to the relevant standard. Where deviations occur, the RA engages with the Responsible Supplier and will take appropriate enforcement actions based on the level of risk the non-conformity presents.

Responsible Supplier Audits

The RA will conduct random audits on entries made in the EESS Registration database to ensure information is correct. Audits may include making general enquiries with the responsible supplier, or may lead to enforcement actions should breaches of legislation be unresolved.

Equipment Audits

The RA may conduct various audits of In-scope electrical equipment, such as EESS equipment registration checks, online seller checks, and visits to stores. Checks may include enquiries regarding correct registration, certificates of conformity, compliance folders, evidence of compliance to the relevant standard, and if the equipment is electrically safe.