Unsafe online products

The online environment has a number of features that may increase the risk that unsafe products are supplied to consumers:

• Consumers are unable to physically handle and inspect goods offered for sale online so cannot assess sturdiness, safety or labels before buying.
• Many first time retailers using the internet are unaware of product safety regulations.
• Families may unknowingly sell second-hand items that are no longer safe, such as child car restraints which may have been weakened during an accident or cots with loose slats.

Possible hazards

New online products could cause serious injury or death if they:

•  fail to meet requirements of a relevant ban or mandatory standard.

Second-hand online products could cause serious injury or death if they:

• fail to meet requirements of a current, relevant ban or mandatory standard
• are damaged or have parts missing that are essential for safe operation
• do not come with instructions for assembly and safe use
• have been modified by a previous owner in ways that stop the product from working safely.

Minimising the risk of buying unsafe online products

Before purchasing products online, you should check :

• for banned products and those that have a mandatory standard on this website
• if the product has been recalled by visiting the Recalls Australia website at www.recalls.gov.au
• if there is a voluntary Australian or overseas standard for the product—these standards are not compulsory but manufacturers that comply with them usually advertise this on the product
• with the seller to find out if the product complies with any mandatory or relevant voluntary Australian or overseas standards
• check the product pages on this website for other safety features to look for.

Recalls

Online suppliers usually recall products when they become aware of a defect that impacts on the level of safety expected by consumers.  If you have purchased a product online and consider it has safety defects, contact the ACCC.

Statistics

•  190 American auction items contained or were suspected to contain a recalled children’s item, according to an American study on auction listings over a 30-day period.