NSW Fair Trading will be in the Hunter region tomorrow and on Thursday 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 Muswellbrook retailers on Wednesday 18 August and Singleton and Maitland retailers on Thursday 19 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.

“People in the bush and regions are doing it tough enough and they don’t need the added hassle of purchasing dodgy or unsafe goods or not getting what they pay for.”

Ms Judge said all electrical goods sold in New South Wales must meet the requirements of the Electricity (Consumer Safety) Act 2004 and regulations.

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

“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 and has issued 47 penalty notices for breaches of the law.”

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