Product Safety Archives - Consumers' Federation of Australia

9 March , 2026

World Consumer Rights Day 15 March 2026

Across the world, consumers continue to encounter unsafe, counterfeit or poor-quality products — from children’s toys and household electronics to medicines and everyday goods. World Consumer Rights Day, coordinated by Consumers International, is the only globally recognised day dedicated to promoting consumer rights and needs. This year’s theme Safe Products, Confident Consumers, calls for collective action across…

25 February , 2026

Have Your Say: Trampoline Parks

Trampoline parks are designed for a wide range of ages, from young children to adults, and are popular for fun, fitness and events designed to cater for a variety of skills. The trampolines in trampoline parks differ from domestic trampolines used in backyards across the country, both in design and patterns of use. Trampoline parks…

5 February , 2026

New Standards Reduce Risk of Infant Death and Injury

Two new mandatory standards which aim to reduce risk of death and injury from products that babies do or may fall asleep in must be complied with by businesses from 19 January 2026. Infant sleep products have a surface for an infant to lie on. They are designed or marketed for an infant to sleep…

2 October , 2025

Helmets for Skiers and Skateboarders – Standard Open for Public comment

Helmets can significantly reduce the risk of head injuries in case of falls or collisions. Most Australian ski resorts recommend wearing helmets and make them mandatory for children and participants in terrain parks or racing. The intention of helmets is to reduce the risk of injury to the skull and part of the head surrounded…

16 September , 2025

Bunk Beds Standard open for public comment

Children are at serious risk of injury if bunk beds are poorly made or assembled. Serious injuries that can happen include fractures, concussion, and strangulation. Standards Australia has released a revised draft standard DR AS/NZS 4220:2025 Bunk beds and other elevated beds for Public Comment (see below). This Standard specifies strength, durability, stability and general…

9 September , 2025

New eSafety Commission Codes Focus on Child Protection

The eSafety Commissioner has registered new industry-drafted codes which aim to better protect children from a range of harmful and age-inappropriate content, including the clear and present danger posed by mostly unregulated AI-driven companion chatbots. Many of these chatbots are capable of engaging in sexually explicit conversations with minors, and have been alleged to also…

3 September , 2025

New consumer safety guide – Button Batteries

Accidental swallowing of a button or coin battery, by a pet or child, can result in severe injury or death, especially when the battery becomes lodged in the oesophagus. Standards Australia has launched a new free Consumer Reference Guide on Button Batteries to improve public access to the latest expert consumer advice aimed at preventing common…

15 July , 2025

Landmark Standard to Empower and Protect Children in the Metaverse

The Metaverse, an innovative complex virtual environment that’s emerging as the next online frontier, is fraught with risks to children including online bullying, grooming, and identity theft. The new landmark Australian standard AS 5402:2025 Children’s Safety in the Metaverse provides a framework for advancing children’s safety in the Metaverse with a focus on privacy and accessibility.…

9 May , 2025

Infringement notices issued for button battery information standard breaches

Australian fast-food franchise Hungry Jack’s Pty Ltd has paid penalties totalling $150,240 after the ACCC issued it with eight infringement notices for alleged breaches of the Australian Consumer Law by failing to comply with the mandatory button battery information standard. The infringement notices relate to a Garfield toy powered by button batteries that was supplied…

7 May , 2025

Mandatory information standard for toppling furniture now in affect

Furniture suppliers are now required to provide safety warnings to consumers about the dangers of toppling furniture after the mandatory information standard for toppling furniture came into effect on 4 May 2025. Since the year 2000 at least 28 people, including 17 children under five, have died in Australia from toppling furniture and televisions. Each year more…

6 May , 2025

Advisory Committee openings at the Therapeutic Goods Administration

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) is seeking applications from professionals with relevant expertise in medicine and science, and consumers with relevant expertise in consumer perspectives and issues. Successful applicants will contribute significantly towards the TGA’s regulatory functions by providing independent expert advice on matters across a broad spectrum of issues relating to medicines, medical…

14 March , 2025

Flood and high rainfall safety for e-mobility devices

eMobility Australia is issuing an urgent safety warning to residents and organisations in Queensland and New South Wales following recent flooding events. The organisation highlights the significant risks associated with lithium-ion batteries in e-bikes, e-scooters, and golf carts/buggies exposed to floodwaters. Floodwater, whether fresh or saltwater, can severely damage lithium-ion batteries, leading to potential fires,…