Hazard type

Cut
Piercing of skin

On this page

Risks and injuries

The blade or knife can cause:

  • cuts
  • lacerations
  • puncture injuries.

Sometimes the cutter contains a metal blade which can be pulled out and pushed back in. The user may not see that the object contains a blade. 

Children are at great risk if they play with these knives or cutters without constant supervision from an adult.

Never buy knives for children, even if they are specifically designed for children. Children lack the ability and experience to operate knives safely.

Products the ban applies to

Children's art, craft and stationery sets that include a knife or cutter with a metal blade can't be sold without a declaration.

The declaration that a knife or cutter is included must be prominent and legible on the outside packaging.

Stationery on a table

View the full details of this ban at Consumer Protection Notice No. 19 of 2011.

Next steps if a banned product is being sold

If you are supplying the product

If you become aware that you are supplying a banned or unsafe product, you must:

  1. immediately stop supplying the product
  2. conduct a product recall and let consumers know
  3. notify the ACCC within 2 days of taking recall action.

If you find the product for sale

If you’re aware of any banned or unsafe products being supplied in Australia, you can report the unsafe product to the ACCC.

Report an unsafe product

Penalties for supplying banned products

Supplying a banned product can result in the ACCC taking action. This may result in a:

  • fine
  • court enforceable undertaking
  • disqualification from being a company director
  • court action with penalties
  • product recall.