Sky lanterns

Sky lanterns are miniature, unmanned hot air balloons that rely on an open flame to heat the air inside the lantern, causing it to lift into the atmosphere. These sky lanterns pose a risk of starting an uncontrolled fire because of the possibility of open flame contacting combustible material, particularly in bushfire-prone areas.

Hazard

Fire risk

Sky lanterns pose a risk of starting an uncontrolled fire if the open flame contacts combustible material, particularly in bushfire-prone areas.

Ban

Consumer Protection Notice No. 17 of 2011 prescribes requirements of this ban.

Does this ban apply to my business?

Under the ACL supply includes:

• in relation to goods - (including re-supply) by way of sale, exchange, lease, hire or hire-purchase and
• in relation to services - provide, grant of confer. 

This ban applies to anyone in the business of supplying sky lanterns, including:

• manufacturers
• importers
• distributors
• retailers
• hirers.

To allow for staggered implementation, there are some cases where a mandatory ban or standard prescribes different compliance dates for the manufacturing, importing and supply  of a product. Manufacturers, importers and distributors should check for this detail in the ban before embarking on production, importation or distribution of these goods.

Complying with this ban

For complete information about the ban on sky lanterns we strongly advise you to read Consumer Protection Notice No. 17 of 2011.

Penalties and consequences

Suppliers can face heavy fines and recalls of non-compliant products if they trade in these banned products. For more details, view Penalties and consequences.