Product Safety Standards in Victoria
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 Victoria differs from federal law
Product safety standards are set nationally by the ACCC. In Victoria, Consumer Affairs Victoria conducts compliance and enforcement activities at the retail level.
- CAV inspectors conduct surveillance programs in Victorian retail stores, markets, and online platforms to check compliance with mandatory safety standards (e.g., children's products, cosmetics, electrical goods).
- The Electricity Safety Act 1998 (Vic) and Gas Safety Act 1997 (Vic) set additional Victorian safety requirements for electrical and gas appliances, enforced by Energy Safe Victoria.
- Energy Safe Victoria is the state safety regulator for electricity and gas — it can recall unsafe electrical or gas products sold in Victoria independently of ACCC action.
- CAV monitors compliance with mandatory product recalls and can take enforcement action against Victorian retailers that fail to comply.
Additional Steps in Victoria
Report unsafe products to CAV (1300 558 181) or the ACCC Product Safety hotline (1300 302 502). For electrical or gas product safety, contact Energy Safe Victoria (esv.vic.gov.au). Check productsafety.gov.au for current recalls.
Relevant Law: Australian Consumer Law (Cth), Part 3-3; Electricity Safety Act 1998 (Vic); Gas Safety Act 1997 (Vic); Australian Consumer Law and Fair Trading Act 2012 (Vic)
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.