NSW Fair Trading will be in Tamworth tomorrow checking for unsafe, unapproved and counterfeit electrical appliances.

Fair Trading Minister Virginia Judge said Fair Trading’s compliance and safety inspection program continued all year, with checks across the state protecting NSW consumers.

“Fair Trading will be visiting Tamworth retailers on Wednesday 18 August,” she said.

“Power tools, battery chargers and household electrical items including washing machines, hair dyers and vacuum cleaners are among the appliances to be inspected during the program.”

Ms Judge said people in the bush and regions were doing it tough enough and didn’t need the additional hassle of purchasing dodgy or unsafe goods or not getting what they paid for.

“All electrical goods sold in New South Wales must meet the requirements of the Electricity (Consumer Safety) Act 2004 and regulations,” she said.

“This legislation covers safe electrical appliances and other electrical goods, with 56 categories mentioned.

“Examples of acceptable electrical safety approval marks are available on this website. 

“Overseas approval marks are not acceptable in Australia.

“Retailers are required to ensure these goods carry the appropriate safety labels.”

“Penalties of up to $82,500 and/or 2 years imprisonment for an individual or sole trader and $825,000 for a corporation can be given for breaches of the Act.

“Since July last year, Fair Trading has successfully prosecuted five repeat offenders for selling unapproved, unmarked electrical items.

“Fair Trading has also issued 47 penalty notices for breaches of the law.”

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