Safety and product information laws
Product safety and the Australian Consumer LawFair Trading is in the process of updating its product safety pages on this website with the introduction of the Australian Consumer Law from 1 January 2011. For more information visit the Product safety information disclaimer page. |
The following information is a general guide to the product safety and information laws in NSW.
In the Australian Consumer Law 'supply' in relation to goods means supply (including re-supply) by way of sale, exchange, lease, hire, or hire-purchase.
In the Electricity (Consumer Safety) Act 2004 'sell' includes auction or exchange, offer, agree or attempt to sell, advertise, expose, send, forward or deliver for sale, cause or permit to be sold or offered for sale, hire or cause to be hired and display for sale or hire.
Product safety bans and mandatory standards
There are product safety bans and mandatory standards currently in place for certain products and if you are an importer, wholesaler, distributor or retailer of these products you are responsible to comply with these requirements.
For more details go to the Product Safety website www.productsafety.gov.au
Top of pagePenalties
Penalties for breaching certain product safety provisions range from $220,000 for individuals to $1.1 million for corporations apply under the Australian Consumer Law.
For breaches of the Electricity (Consumer Safety) Act 2004 fines of $825,000 or 2 years imprisonment may apply.
Products that do not comply with these laws will be subject to recall at the suppliers expense.
Further information
For further information, contact:
NSW Fair Trading
Product Safety Unit
Tel: 02 9895 2049
Fax: 02 9895 0789
Email: Product.Safety@services.nsw.gov.au
NSW Fair Trading
Energy and Utilities Unit
PO Box 972
Parramatta NSW 2124
Tel: 02 9895 0720
Fax: 02 9895 0735
Email: EnergyApprovals@services.nsw.gov.au
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