In this edition: Mandatory standards review program; ACL review; Tim Wain interview podcast; Button batteries; Furniture tip-overs

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ACCC reviewing its mandatory product standards
By Gail Greatorex

The ACCC has launched a major review of its product regulations. The long-awaited changes to children's nightwear are included. There are two key aspects to consider:

Are there any aspects of the existing standard that you are having difficulty with and would like to see changed?

If these have not been addressed in the proposed changes, now is the time to raise them. And if you have suggestions on how these aspects can be addressed, you should put them forward.

How will the changes proposed in the review impact your products and your business?

This can take a bit of time and thought, but it’s worth doing. Firstly, it’s your chance to influence the policy. And secondly, it will give you an idea of what changes may be coming and start planning ahead.

Reviewing the product safety laws

by Gail Greatorex

An interim report has been published on changes to the Australian Consumer Law. The report, which is open for consultation until 9 December 2016, includes:

consideration of a general safety provision that all goods must be safe
mandatory reporting provisions
defining recalls, and
effectiveness of mandatory standards

My May 2016 blog article An Australian general product safety provision? discusses one of these elements.

Don't miss this opportunity to influence product safety policy and legislation . . .

Visit the ACL website

Podcast interview with Tim Wain

In this product safety podcast Gail Greatorex talks with Tim Wain, who’s had a long association with product safety in the infant and children’s product field. Tim now runs Australia’s Pregnancy Babies and Children’s Expo.

In the first part, Tim talks about how the Expo provides both an avenue to educate parents on product safety, and a means to learn about consumer behaviour patterns at a pivotal time in their lives.

In the latter part, Tim and Gail talk about suppliers’ attitude to product safety and whether their first response is still to blame users when injuries happen.

Button battery safety strategy

by Gail Greatorex

An industry code and an ACCC strategy paper have recently been launched aimed at addressing hazards associated with children swallowing button batteries. Both documents represent a new approach in product safety in Australia. Watch this space to see how these play out into the future . . .

Furniture tip-over prevention strategies

by Gail Greatorex

A number of projects aimed at preventing injuries from toppling furniture and TVs are progressing in Australia and USA.

In Australia, the ACCC released an excellent new video aimed at retailers and consumers. Consumer affairs agencies are preparing new consumer and supplier campaigns set for roll-out in coming months. And the National Retail Association has a working group (of which I am chair) developing a best practice guide for retailers and all other suppliers.

The USA CPSC has recently posted its injury data report and a staff briefing package, both of which contain detailed research and analysis - available at www.cpsc.gov These reports complement the report published by Kids in Danger and Shane's Foundation, available at the KID website

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