Action on banned radio devices
The Government’s Radio Spectrum Management (RSM) team has teamed up with major online marketplaces to make sure 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 1 July 2023, to 30 June 2024.
The work done by RSM, means essential services and individual consumers have greater protection from potential interference.
Users of non-compliant devices could face 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 aware of.
Impact on the motor vehicle industry
All radio-transmitting devices imported, sold or installed in this country must only transmit within the conditions of a radio licence under the Radiocommunications Act 1989.
Vehicles imported into New Zealand, new or used, must also meet this requirement. Radio and communication systems installed in vehicles must operate under a licence to make sure they do not cause unwanted interference. However, vehicle wireless systems are generally agreed upon worldwide to ensure compatibility in most countries.
In New Zealand, RSM has created several general-user radio licences so wireless systems in vehicles can operate within specific frequency bands without causing interference.
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.
Communication products that are installed in used-imported vehicles after their manufacture may pose interference risks if they aren’t compliant with New Zealand regulations. These devices should be checked for compliance before use.
Importers must make sure that second-hand vehicles meet local radio-frequency regulations before sale.
Likewise, vehicle owners who purchase after-market communication equipment should check that it meets New Zealand’s standards. This will prevent interference and make sure it works as it should.
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.