Over 95,000 unsafe products have been removed or recalled from sale as part of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s (ACCC) national product safety surveillance program.
Some of these products included trolley jacks, nightwear, bunk beds, cots, hot water bottles, blinds and curtains.
Peter Kell, ACCC deputy chair, said almost 100 retailers were issued with warnings as a result of this program.
“The results from this surveillance show the effectiveness of enhanced collaboration between the ACCC and state and territory consumer protection agencies in detecting and addressing noncompliant goods in the marketplace,” Kell said.
Between March and August 2011 over 1,300 retailers including major department stores, speciality stores, discount variety stores, small traders, online retailers and markets were targeted. More than 3,800 product lines were inspected across Australia.
“Some retailers may face court action for selling products that fail to meet mandatory product safety standards,” Kell said.
According to the ACCC it will continue to take action against manufacturers, importers and retailers that do not comply with the mandatory standards.
“Suppliers must meet Australia’s mandatory standards or face potential prosecution with fines. The ACCC is ready to take action against any supplier who breaches these laws,” Kell said.
Recent action includes fines of $400,000 issued to Dimmeys for selling non-compliant children’s nightwear, and $300,000 issued to Fantastic Furniture for suppling non-compliant bean bags.
The ACCC and state and territory consumer protection agencies have already commenced work on the next national surveillance program which will be focussed on toys and children’s products and will be completed prior to Christmas.