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Products the mandatory standard applies to
Bean bags are cushions or similar items consisting of a bag or cover enclosing a filling of small pellets such as polystyrene beads or other similar synthetic material. The bag has an opening so the beads can be accessed.
This mandatory standard applies to any similar item with an opening through which the filling is accessed or can escape. These include:
- aqua bean bags for swimming pools
- chairs
- cushions
- pillows
- lounges
- footstools
- futon mattresses
- novelty cushions for children
- nursing and therapeutic pillows and cushions
- pet beds
- stable tables.
Products the mandatory standard does not apply to
Items that don’t have any openings through which the filling can escape or be accessed are not covered by this mandatory standard.
Complying with the mandatory standard
This information is an overview of how to comply with the mandatory standard. Suppliers must not rely on this information as a complete guide to compliance.
View the full detail of the standard.
Design and construction
All bean bag and bean bag cover openings where you can insert or remove filling must be fitted with a child-resistant slide fastener. This is usually a zip with its tag removed, which locks into place to prevent easy opening.
A bean bag must not be supplied with any tag, handle or object that helps move the child-resistant fastener.
Only slide-fasteners that provide direct access to bean bag filling must be child resistant.
Safety markings
All bean bags with accessible openings, bean bag covers and packaging containing filling must have a warning label with the following wording:
WARNING: Children can suffocate if bean bag filling is swallowed or inhaled. Do not let children climb inside this bean bag. A bean bag is not a safe sleeping surface for an infant under 12 months of age.
A bean bag lining must also have the warning message attached, in case the lining is changed.
Bean bag warning label
This image is an example of the safety warning label.
The warning label must comply with the requirements of the mandatory standard.
Mandatory standard details
The Consumer Goods (Bean Bags) Safety Standard 2014 sets out the mandatory requirements for bean bags.
When a product does not comply
Fines and penalties may apply for failure to comply with a mandatory safety or information standard. For more information, see fines and penalties.
Suppliers may need to recall a product when it doesn't meet the mandatory standard or is potentially unsafe.