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License Requirements

Transceiver Trading & Licensing (NZ — RSM)

If the equipment can transmit, the buyer must hold an Amateur Radio Operator Certificate and a valid callsign issued by Radio Spectrum Management (RSM). Receivers, antennas and other passive parts are fine.

Important: Trading transmit-capable gear on ShackSwap implies the buyer is appropriately licensed. Sellers should take reasonable steps to verify this (e.g., request a callsign). Listings that encourage unlicensed transmitting are not allowed and may be removed.

What this applies to

  • Amateur transceivers: handheld (HT), mobile and base HF/VHF/UHF sets.
  • External RF power amplifiers for amateur bands.
  • Digital voice/data hardware capable of transmission (DMR/D-STAR/C4FM, hotspots, TNCs, APRS trackers).
  • Home-built projects that include a transmit stage.

What this does not apply to

  • Receivers and scanners with no transmit function.
  • Antennas, tuners, coax/connectors, masts/towers and other passive components.
  • Test gear (meters, oscilloscopes, spectrum analysers) and non-RF parts/enclosures.

Seller responsibilities

  • Include your own callsign in the listing.
  • For transceivers/amps, ask buyers for their callsign before completing the trade.
  • State the band coverage and any out-of-band modifications clearly.
  • If selling to someone not licensed, the equipment must be rendered incapable of transmitting (e.g., receiver-only).

Buyer responsibilities

  • Hold a current Amateur Radio Operator Certificate and callsign issued by RSM.
  • Operate within NZ amateur allocations and observe NZART band plans and EMC obligations.
  • Check equipment compliance if importing or using non-certified devices.

Where to get licensed: Sit the exam and apply for your callsign. See the official RSM guidance and the NZART information for candidates.

  • Radio Spectrum Management (MBIE) — Amateur licensing
  • NZART — Exam and callsign resources

Tip: search “RSM amateur radio licence NZ” and “NZART exam” for the current pages.

How ShackSwap helps

  • Transceiver categories prompt for a callsign.
  • We may ask for proof of licence before approving or retaining a listing.
  • Repeat non-compliance may result in listing removal or account restriction.

Legal note: This page is general guidance only and is not legal advice. The Radiocommunications Act 1989, Radiocommunications Regulations and current RSM notices prevail.