Recent regulatory and legislative changes have seen the introduction of the Supplier s Declaration in place of approval processes for telecommunications and radio communications. The information technology and communications sector has been at the fore in supporting regulatory agencies in the development of SDoC-based compliance regimes because of its urgent need to have compliance requirements that are consistent with short product cycles and rapid technology development. The use of SDoC currently has limited application in the area of electrical safety but is to be considered further in the context of the development of a compliance regime based on a definition of essential safety requirements and the means for demonstrating compliance with those requirements. Since the introduction of SDoC, regulators and industry have learnt a great deal about the nature of the changes that this type of regulatory system brings and the preconditions for its successful use, particularly from the point of view of the small economy. There is much greater scope for the supplier to manage compliance costs.
Manufacturers are able to declare ranges of products and new features.
Importers and those with less technical skill can utilise technical services of certification bodies and testing laboratories to develop an assessment plan. Responsibility for compliance is focussed on the compliance of the end product. The performance of components and materials is to some extent not critical, provided the product represents a total solution. Greater flexibility in use of testing and assessment services has emerged. Also, compliance documentation can be upgraded as products are enhanced.