Buying lighting from China
Designer lighting is the line with the biggest markup and the simplest check: is it RCM marked and registered?
What to spec
- Fitting type, size, finish and the lamp or LED module.
- Driver brand and type, dimming protocol, colour temperature and CRI.
- IP rating for wet areas and outdoors.
- Mounting: plaster ring, canopy size, ceiling height.
What it costs landed
A $900 design-store pendant is often a $120 pendant landed. The driver is the thing to check, not the shade.
Elje estimate, October 2026. Not yet from a delivered job; replaced with real landed numbers as jobs land.
| Item | Factory gate | Landed estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Designer pendant | $80 to $200 | |
| Same style, Australian design store | $600 to $1,500 |
What to check
- RCM mark on every electrical item, and a responsible supplier registered on the EESS database.
- In-scope electrical equipment needs registration before it is sold. Check the register, not the box.
- IP rating for bathrooms and outdoors.
- A licensed electrician installs; give them the instructions in English.
Mistakes we have seen
- Fittings with drivers that are not certified for Australia.
- Dimmers that do not suit the driver.
- Ordering by photo and getting a different colour temperature.
Questions
Can my electrician install imported lights?
Yes, if they are RCM marked and registered. Many will not touch unmarked fittings, and they are right not to.