Role of regulators

Consumer product safety regulators across Australia carry out a variety of work to minimise risks associated with unsafe products or inappropriate use of products. This work includes:

• Monitoring the market
• Encouraging safe practices
• Working out ways to address hazards
• Regulating hazardous products
• Enforcing regulations
• Working with other regulators.

Monitoring the market

Regulators monitor a range of sources to detect unsafe goods, including:

• injury and death information
• overseas trends
• products in the market
• new product analysis
• consumer complaints.

Encouraging safe practices

Negotiating product removal

Removing goods from sale is usually the first measure taken once regulators find significant hazards. Usually the suppliers involved must remove the goods from sale.

Removing unsafe goods 

Regulators also consider whether the supplier will need to conduct a safety recall. See Recalls and Law & conduct for more details.

Promoting good product safety management

Regulators promote good product safety management practices by encouraging suppliers to comply with mandatory and voluntary standards and develop product safety recall plans.

Making consumers aware of product hazards

Regulators help consumers know about product hazards by:

• using general and targeted media
• conducting educational campaigns
• supplying information materials
• having consumer information requirements in mandatory standards.

Working out ways to address hazards

Regulators may address product hazards by: 

• conducting product analysis
• working with technical experts
• working with suppliers and industry associations
• educating suppliers and consumers about product safety
• issuing warning notices
• creating regulations where necessary.

Regulating hazardous products

Using bans and standards

Depending on the type of hazard, regulators will either ban products or require them to meet specific safety standards. View Bans, standards and recalls for more information.

Promoting compliance

Regulators make businesses aware of the need to comply by:

• helping suppliers understand product hazards and regulations by using general and targeted media and education
• including compliance programs in court orders and enforcement undertakings
• working with industry associations to promote compliance by industry members.

Enforcing regulations

Regulators respond to breaches of product safety bans and standards through a range of enforcement tools, including civil and criminal legal action and monetary penalties. View Penalties and consequences for more information.

Working with other regulators

Australian and overseas regulators of general consumer products and specific products often work together to share intelligence, monitor issues and resolve product safety issues.