An Auburn trader has been ordered to pay $3,690 by Parramatta Local Court for supplying dangerous children’s toys that pose a fatal choking hazard.

Fair Trading Minister Virginia Judge said Swanna Pty Ltd, trading as Swanna Children’s Wear and Fashion Centre, pleaded guilty to four breaches of the Fair Trading Act 1987.

“Fair Trading investigators identified a number of dangerous toys that presented a potentially fatal choking hazard for young children due to small parts,” Ms Judge said.

The toys included:

• A four piece squeaky duck set
• Amusing Duck Bump’n Go
• Wit Happy Choo Choo.

“There is just no excuse for selling toys that put children’s lives at risk,” she said.

“The law is very clear - if it doesn’t meet the Australian Standard it should not be on the shelf.”

Ms Judge said Swanna Pty Ltd was a repeat offender who had been warned previously to comply with the law.

“In 2003, the trader was issued with a formal warning for supplying two toys that presented a choking hazard to small children,” she said.

“In 2007, the trader was issued with a penalty notice for the supply of two toys that were in breach of the Australian Standard.

“One presented a choking hazard to small children and the other was capable of firing a common house nail.”

Ms Judge said the Swanna Pty Ltd’s conduct emonstrated little regard for consumer safety.

“I have instructed Fair Trading to monitor this trader’s actions closely to ensure there are no further breaches,” she said.

“Traders who break the law face fines of up to $110,000 for a corporation and $22,000 for an individual.”

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