Product Safety Standards
Written in plain language for general understanding. This is educational content, not legal advice. Based on Commonwealth Acts of Parliament, federal regulations, and official government guidance.
Australian Federal Law
What is this right?
Australian Consumer Law requires that products sold in Australia meet mandatory safety standards and gives the government power to ban or recall unsafe products:
- Mandatory standards: Certain products must meet specific safety requirements before they can be sold. Examples include children’s toys, sunglasses, bicycle helmets, cosmetics, and electrical appliances.
- Product bans: The responsible Minister can issue a permanent or interim ban on products that pose a serious safety risk. Banned products cannot be sold, offered for sale, or given away.
- Voluntary and compulsory recalls: Suppliers can issue voluntary recalls. If they do not, the Minister can order a compulsory recall. Recalled products must be repaired, replaced, or refunded.
- Supplier obligations: Suppliers must report deaths, serious injuries, or illness connected with their products to the responsible Minister within 2 days of becoming aware.
- Penalties: Supplying goods that do not meet safety standards carries penalties of up to $50 million for companies.
When does it apply?
- You bought a product in Australia that is unsafe, defective, or has been recalled.
- A product you purchased does not meet the relevant mandatory safety standard.
- You or someone you know has been injured by a product.
- Applies to products bought in-store, online, or from overseas sellers shipping to Australia.
What should you do?
- Stop using the product immediately if you believe it is unsafe.
- Check the Product Safety Australia website (productsafety.gov.au) for current recalls and bans.
- Return recalled products to the place of purchase for a repair, replacement, or refund.
- Report unsafe products to the ACCC at productsafety.gov.au or call 1300 302 502.
- If you were injured, seek medical attention and keep the product as evidence.
What should you NOT do?
- Don’t continue using a recalled product — follow the recall instructions promptly.
- Don’t throw away the product if you were injured — it may be needed as evidence.
- Don’t assume overseas purchases are exempt — products sold in Australia must meet Australian standards regardless of where they were made.
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