Product Safety Standards in Tasmania
Reviewed by the Commoner Law Editorial Team. Sourced from Commonwealth Acts of Parliament, federal regulations, and official government guidance. State-level information reflects each state's own Acts and court decisions. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
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 to Do If an Unsafe or Recalled Product Has Harmed You in Australia
- 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.
How Tasmania differs from federal law
Product safety is regulated under the Australian Consumer Law at the federal level, with CBOS in Tasmania responsible for state-level enforcement. Mandatory safety standards and bans apply nationally.
- The federal Minister can declare mandatory safety standards and issue product bans under the ACL. These apply to all products sold in Tasmania.
- Businesses in Tasmania must comply with product recall requirements. If a product is found to be unsafe, the supplier must notify the relevant authority and take corrective action.
- CBOS conducts product safety inspections in Tasmania, targeting retail stores, markets, and online sellers. CBOS officers can seize unsafe products and issue infringement notices.
- Tasmanian consumers who are injured by an unsafe product can claim compensation under the ACL's product liability provisions, which impose strict liability on manufacturers and importers.
Additional Steps in Tasmania
Report unsafe products to CBOS (cbos.tas.gov.au or 1300 654 499) or the ACCC Product Safety portal (productsafety.gov.au). For product-related injuries, seek legal advice about product liability claims from Legal Aid Tasmania.
Relevant Law: Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (Cth), Schedule 2, Parts 3-3, 3-4, 3-5; Australian Consumer Law (Tasmania) Act 2010 (Tas)
Common Questions
When does product safety standards 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 I do if a product I bought in Australia is unsafe, recalled, or caused me injury?
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 mistakes should I avoid with product safety standards?
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.
Product Safety Standards in other states
Same topic, different jurisdiction. Pick the one that applies to you.