Check Testing

Check testing refers to activities undertaken to ensure that GEMS products meet the relevant determination’s GEMS level, labelling, and other requirements.

Further information may be obtained from the GEMS Check Testing Policy.

The GEMS Compliance Monitoring Program outlines the GEMS Regulator’s check testing focus:

• GEMS Compliance Monitoring Program 2020/2021
• GEMS Compliance Monitoring Program 2019/2020
• GEMS Compliance Monitoring Program 2018/2019
• GEMS Compliance Monitoring Program 2017/2018
• GEMS Compliance Monitoring Program 2016/2017

The number of models and products check tested during the compliance monitoring program depends on a range of factors including the product type; the availability of models; the availability of an appropriate accredited body to conduct the check test; the accredited body’s schedule; and, the time and resources required to analyse the check test results if applicable.

Results of Check Tests conducted under the Compliance Monitoring Program:

• Check Testing Results - July to December 2020
• Check Testing Results - January to June 2020
• Check Testing Results - July to December 2019
• Check Testing Results - January to June 2019
• Check Testing Results - July 2018 to December 2018
• Check Testing Results - July 2018 to December 2018
• Check Testing Results - January 2018 to June 2018
• Check Testing Results - July 2017 to December 2017
• Check Testing Results - July 2016 to June 2017
• Check Testing Results - Mains Voltage Halogen Non-Reflector Lamps
• List of Suspended or Cancelled GEMS Registrations.

Models of GEMS products are selected for check testing using an intelligence led, risk based approach.

Check tests are conducted on behalf of the GEMS Regulator by National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) accredited or affiliated bodies based either in Australia or overseas. These bodies must meet certain requirements in order to be able to test a GEMS product. 

Check tests are performed in two stages:

Stage (1) Check Test

Usually, a single GEMS product is tested in a Stage (1) check test and must not fail to meet the requirements of the relevant GEMS determination. If the product fails, a further two or three products are tested at the registrant’s expense during Stage (2).

Stage (2) Check Tests

Where the Stage (1) check test fail relates to GEMS level requirements, specifically MEPS:

1. Initially, two further GEMS products must be tested.
2. If both products fail, the product model fails; if both products pass, the product model passes.
3. If one product fails and one product passes, a third product is tested.
4. If two of the three products fail, the product model fails.
5. If two of the three products pass, the product model passes.

Where the Stage (1) check test fail relates to GEMS labelling requirements:

• Three further products must be tested.
• If two of the three products fail, the product model fails.
• If two of the three products pass, the product model passes.

However, for some products, for example, lamps, a single product/two or three products are not considered representative of the model. In these situations, alternative arrangements are made.

Read the Check Testing Policy