The ACCC is looking to improve mandatory Australian product safety standards. This includes updating mandatory standards to recognise suitable overseas standards alongside Australian standards.
About Australian mandatory standards
Mandatory standards sit under the product safety framework in the Australian Consumer Law. Each mandatory standard has minimum requirements that are often specific to the Australian market.
However, a product may have already been manufactured in line with an overseas standard. Therefore businesses may face extra testing and compliance costs to also comply with a specific Australian mandatory standard.
Changes to the product safety framework
The Treasury is the policy agency responsible for changes to the product safety framework under the Australian Consumer Law. We are working with Treasury to improve the Australian Consumer Law. This includes the way Australian and overseas standards can be referenced in mandatory standards.
Updating mandatory standards with overseas standards
Updating mandatory standards to recognise suitable overseas standards has many benefits, including:
- reducing duplication and compliance costs for businesses
- supporting increased competition by reducing barriers to trade
- improving safety for consumers
List of potentially suitable overseas standards
We analysed the existing Australian mandatory standards in 2023. We looked at which of these mandatory standards could be updated to recognise suitable overseas standards.
For reference, we have listed potentially suitable overseas standards for each mandatory standard.
While we consider these overseas standards may be suitable to reference, we can’t yet confirm when this work will be scheduled or when consultation will occur. To stay up to date with our future work on the standards project, sign up for product safety alerts.
Aquatic toys
- ISO 8124-1:2022 -Safety of toys - Part 1: Safety aspects related to mechanical and physical properties
- EN 71-1:2014+A1:2018 - Safety of toys Mechanical and physical properties
Babies’ dummies and dummy chains
- EN 1400:2013+A2:2018- Child use and care articles - Soothers for babies and young children - Safety requirements and test methods
Baby bath aids
- ASTM F1967-19 - Standard Consumer Safety Specification for Infant Bath Seats
- [US] 16 CFR 1215.2 - Requirements for infant bath seats
- EN 17072:2018 - Child care articles - Bath tubs, stands and non-standalone bathing aids - Safety requirements and test methods
- EN 17022:2018 - Child care articles - Bathing aids - Safety requirements and test methods
Baby walkers
- ASTM F977-22e1 - Standard Consumer Safety Specification for Infant Walkers
- EN 1273:2020 - Child care articles - Baby walking frames - Safety requirements and test methods
- [US] 16 CFR Part 1216 - Safety Standard for Infant Walkers
Balloon blowing kits
- EN 71-9:2005+A1:2007 - Safety of toys - Part 9: Organic chemical compounds – Requirements
- [European Union] Directive 2009/48/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 June 2009 on the safety of toys
- [Canadian] Toys Regulations SOR/2011-17 section 22 Toxicological Hazards – Specific toxic substances and section 24 Organic solvents – balloon-blowing kits
Basketball rings and backboards
- EN 1270:2005 - Playing field equipment – Basketball equipment – Functional and safety requirements, test methods
Bean bags
- ASTM F1912-21 - Standard Specification for Safety of Bean Bag Chairs and Bean Bag Chair Covers
Bicycles
- ISO 4210:2023 - Cycles – Safety requirements for bicycles Parts 1-9
- ISO 8098:2023 - Safety requirements for bicycles for young children
- EN ISO 4210:2014/ - Parts 1-9 Cycles - Safety requirements for bicycles
- EN ISO 8098 - Cycles - Safety requirements for bicycles for young children (ISO 8098:2014)
- EN 16054:2012 - BMX bicycles – Safety requirements and test methods
- [US] 16 CFR Part 1512 - Requirements for Bicycles
Bicycle helmets
- EN 1078:2012+A1:2012 - Helmets for pedal cyclists and for users of skateboards and roller skates
- ASTM F1447-18 - Standard Specification for Helmets used in Recreational Bicycling or Roller Skating
- [US] 16 CFR Part 1203 - Safety Standard for Bicycle Helmets
- Snell B-95 Standard for Protective Headgear for use in Bicycling - 1998 revision
Blinds, curtains and window fittings (supply & installation standards)
- EN 13120:2009+A1:2014/AC:2015 - Internal blinds – Performance requirements including safety
- EN 16433:2014 - Internal blinds – Protection from strangulation hazards – Test methods
- EN 16434:2014 - Internal blinds - Protection from strangulation hazards - Requirements and test methods for safety devices
- ANSI/WCMA A100.1-2018 - Standard for Safety of Window Covering Products
- [US] 16 CFR Part 1260 - Safety Standard for Operating Cords on Custom Window Coverings
- [Canadian] Corded Window Covering Regulations SOR/2019-97
- JIS A 4811:2017 - Specifications of cords of indoor blinds for household use - Safety for children
Bunk beds
- EN 747: 2012+A1:2015 Furniture - Bunk beds and high beds Part1: Safety, strength and durability requirements
- EN 747-2:2012+A1:2015 Furniture - Bunk beds and high beds Part 2: Test methods
Button and coin batteries (safety standard)
- No suitable overseas standards identified at this time
Button and coin batteries (information standard)
- No suitable overseas standards identified at this time
Button and coin battery products (safety standard)
- ISO 8124.1:2022 - Safety of toys, Part 1: Safety aspects related to mechanical and physical properties
Button and coin battery products (information standard)
- No suitable overseas standards identified at this time
Care labelling
- ISO 3758:2012 - Textiles - Care labelling code using symbols
Child restraints for use in motor vehicles
- No suitable overseas standards identified at this time
Children’s nightwear
- [New Zealand] Product Safety Standards (Children’s Nightwear and Limited Daywear Having Reduced Fire Hazard) Regulations 2016
Cosmetics ingredients
- ISO 22715:2006 - Cosmetics - Packaging and labelling
- Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 November 2009 on cosmetic products
- [NZ Environmental Protection Authority] Cosmetic Products Group Standard 2020 – HSR002552
Disposable cigarette lighters
- ISO 9994:2018 - Lighters – Safety specifications
- [US] 16 CFR Part 1210 Safety Standard for Cigarette Lighters – Subpart A – Requirements for Child Resistance and Subpart B – Certification Requirements
Elastic luggage straps
- No suitable overseas standards identified at this time
Ethanol burners (decorative alcohol fuelled devices)
- ASTM F3363-19 - Standard Specification for Unvented Liquid/Gel Fuel-Burning Portable Devices
- UL 1370 Standard for Safety - Unvented Alcohol Fuel Burning Decorative Appliances
- Commission Decision (EU) 2015/547 of April 2015 on the safety requirements to be met by European standards for alcohol-powered flueless fireplaces pursuant to Directive 2001/95/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on general product safety
Exercise cycles
- ISO 20957-1:2013 - Stationary training equipment – Part 1: General safety requirements and test methods
- ISO 20957-5:2016 - Stationary training equipment – Part 5: Stationary exercise bicycles and upper body crank training equipment, additional specific safety requirements and test methods
- ISO 20957-10:2017 - Stationary training equipment – Part 10: Exercise bicycles with a fixed wheel or without a freewheel – Additional specific safety requirements and test methods
- ASTM F1250-20 - Standard Specification for Stationary Upright and Recumbent Exercise Bicycles and Upper and Total Body Ergometers
- ASTM F3023-18 - Standard Test Methods for Evaluating Design and Performance Characteristics of Stationary Upright and Recumbent Exercise Bicycles and Upper and Total Body Ergometers
Fire extinguishers (portable aerosol)
- No suitable overseas standards identified at this time
Fire extinguishers (portable non-aerosol)
- No suitable overseas standards identified at this time
Folding cots
- EN 716-1:2017+AC:2019 - Furniture – Children's cots and folding cots for domestic use Part 1: Safety requirements
- EN 716-2:2017 - Furniture – Children's cots and folding cots for domestic use Part 2: Test methods
- ASTM F406-22 - Standard Consumer Safety Specification for Non-Full-Size Baby Cribs/Play Yards
- ISO 7175-1:2019 - Furniture – Children’s cots and folding cots for domestic use – Part 1: Safety requirements
- ISO 7175-2:2019 - Furniture – Children’s cots and folding cots for domestic use – Part 2: Test methods
- [US] CFR 16 Part 1220 - Safety Standard for non-full size baby cribs
- [Canadian] Cribs, Cradles and Bassinets Regulations SOR/2016-152 (made under the Canada Consumer Product Safety Act 2010)
Hot water bottles
- BS 1970:2012 - Hot water bottles manufactured from rubber and PVC -Specification
Household cots
- ISO 7175-1:2019 - Furniture – Children’s cots and folding cots for domestic use – Part 1: Safety requirements
- ISO 7175-2:2019 - Furniture – Children’s cots and folding cots for domestic use – Part 2: Test methods
- EN 716-1:2017+AC:2019 Furniture – Children's cots and folding cots for domestic use Part 1: Safety requirements
- EN 716-2:2017 - Furniture – Children's cots and folding cots for domestic use Part 1: Test methods
- ASTM F1169-19 - Standard Consumer Safety Specification for Full-Size Baby Cribs
- [US] 16 CFR Part 1219 - Safety Standard for Full-Size Baby Cribs
- [Canadian] Cribs, Cradles and Bassinets Regulations SOR/2016-152 (made under the Canada Consumer Product Safety Act 2010)
Hoverboards (self-balancing scooters)
- IEC 60335‑1:2020 - Household and similar electrical appliances ‑ Safety ‑ Part 1: General requirements
- IEC 60335-2-114:2022 - Household and similar electrical appliances - Safety - Part 2-114: Particular requirements for Personal-e-Transporters
Miniature motorbikes
- No suitable overseas standards identified at this time
Movable soccer goals
- EN 16579:2018+AC:2019 - Playing field equipment - Portable and permanent socketed goals - Functional, safety requirements and test methods
Portable pools
- ASTM F2666-16 - Standard Specification for Aboveground Portable Pools for Residential Use
- EN 16582-1:2015+A1:2021 - Domestic Swimming Pools - Part 1: General requirements including safety and test methods
- EN 16582-3:2015 - Domestic Swimming Pools - Part 3: Specific requirements including safety and test methods for aboveground pools
- EN 71-8:2018 - Safety of toys – Part 8: Activity toys for domestic use
- ISO 8124-4:2014: 2019 Safety of toys- Part 4: Swings, slides and similar activity toys for indoor and outdoor family domestic use – Amendment 2
- EN 16927:2017 - Mini-pools - Specific requirements including safety and test methods for mini-pools
Portable vehicle ramps
- No suitable overseas standards identified at this time
Prams and strollers
- ISO 31110:2020 - Wheeled child conveyances - Pushchairs and prams - Requirements and test methods
- EN 1888-1:2018+A1:2022 - Child care articles – Wheeled child conveyances – Part 1: Pushchairs and prams
- ASTM F833-21 - Standard Consumer Safety Performance Specification for Carriages and Strollers
- [US] 16 CFR Part 1227.2 - Requirements for carriages and strollers
Projectile toys
- ISO 8124-1:2022 - Safety of toys - Part 1: Safety aspects related to mechanical and physical properties
Quad bikes
- ANSI/SVIA 1-2023 - American National Standard for Four Wheel All‑Terrain Vehicles
- COHV 1- 2018 - Standard for Four Wheel All-Terrain Vehicles
Recovery straps for motor vehicles
- No suitable overseas standards identified at this time
Reduced fire risk cigarettes
- EN 16156:2010 - Cigarettes – Assessment of the ignition propensity – Safety requirement
- ASTM E2187-20a - Standard Test Method for Measuring the Ignition Strength of Cigarettes
- ISO 12863:2022 - Standard test method for assessing the ignition propensity of cigarettes
- [Canadian] SOR/2016 -103 Cigarette Ignition Propensity (Consumer Products) Regulations
Sunglasses and fashion spectacles
- No suitable overseas standards identified at this time
Swimming and flotation aids
- EN 13138-1:2021/AC:2022 - Buoyant aids for swimming instruction -Part 1 – Safety requirements and test methods for buoyant aids to be worn
- EN 13138-3:2021 - Buoyant aids for swimming instruction - Part 3 – Safety requirements and test methods for swim seats into which a user is positioned
Toys containing lead and other elements
- ISO 8124-3:2020 Amd 1:2023 - Safety of toys, Part 3: Migration of certain elements – Amendment 1: Limits of boron and other elements in slime and barium in modelling clay
- ISO 8124-7:2015 Amd 1:2020 - Safety of toys - Part 7: Requirements and test methods for finger paints – Amendment 1
- EN 71.3.2013+A2 2017 - Safety of toys – Part 3: Migration of certain chemicals
- EN 71-7 2014+A2 2018 - Safety of toys - Part 7: Finger paints – Requirements and test methods
- ASTM F963-17 - Standard Consumer Safety Specification for Toys
- [US] 16 CFR Part 1500.14 - Products requiring special labelling under section 3(b) of the Federal Hazardous Substance Act
- [US] 16 CFR Part 1303 - Ban of lead-containing paint and certain consumer products bearing lead-containing paint
- [US] 15 U.S. Code 1278a - Children’s products containing lead - lead paint rule
- [Canada] SOR/2011-17 s22,23, 25 Toys Regulations – Toxicological Hazards
Toys containing magnets
- ISO 8124-1:2022 Safety of toys - Part 1: Safety aspects related to mechanical and physical properties
Toys for children up to and including 36 months
- ISO 8124-1:2022 - Safety of toys - Part 1: Safety aspects related to mechanical and physical properties
- EN 71-1:2014+A1:2018 - Safety of toys – Part 1: Mechanical and physical properties
- ASTM F963-17 - Standard Consumer Safety Specification for Toy Safety
Treadmills
- No suitable overseas standards identified at this time
Trolley jacks
- No suitable overseas standards identified at this time
Vehicle jacks
- No suitable overseas standards identified at this time
Vehicle support stands
- No suitable overseas standards identified at this time