Published
The Andrews Labor Government is putting Victorian traders on notice to keep banned or unsafe toys off their shelves, or risk hefty fines of up to $1.1 million.
Minister for Consumer Affairs, Jane Garrett, today assisted in destroying more than 4,300 unsafe toys and nursery items seized from Victorian retailers, wholesalers and importers.
Among the products seized by Consumer Affairs Victoria inspectors were toy bow and arrow sets, yo-yo balls posing strangulation hazards, faulty prams and dangerous nursery products including cots.
Consumer Affairs Victoria continuously monitors for any products that breach safety standards, such as toys with sharp edges, small parts that could be choking hazards, and toys containing toxic chemicals.
Under the Australian Consumer Law, a supplier who fails to comply with a mandatory safety standard can face fines of up to $220,000 for individuals and $1.1 million for a body corporate.
In the first half of 2014-15, as part of a national campaign targeting discount variety stores, Consumer Affairs Victoria conducted 325 product safety inspections and caused the removal of more than 14,000 non-compliant products from sale including high-powered magnets.
Nationally, more than 1,200 stores were inspected and 240 non-compliant children’s product lines were identified out of more than 6,000 lines examined.
Anyone with concerns about product safety issues can contact Consumer Affairs Victoria on 1300 36 48 94 or visit consumer.vic.gov.au.
Quotes to be attributed to Minister for Consumer Affairs, Jane Garrett
“This latest toy crush highlights that there are still dangerous toys and products being placed on shelves in Victoria, putting children’s lives at risk.”
“Consumer Affairs Victoria enforces tough safety standards on toys to protect children and keep them safe from harm.”
“Moorabbin, Clayton and Cheltenham are hot spots for wholesalers and importers, but these toys could be found anywhere in Victoria such as chemists or petrol stations, not just toy stores.”
Contact details
Media Contact:
Holly Little 0437 381 620
