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Products the mandatory standard applies to
Motor vehicle recovery straps are also called snatch straps. They are heavy duty elasticised straps that connect 2 vehicles and help to pull a vehicle when it’s bogged.
The straps stretch and release energy under tension to achieve a sharp, jerking action. They use the momentum of the towing vehicle to pull the bogged vehicle out.
Products the mandatory standard does not apply to
The mandatory standard doesn’t apply to:
- vehicle lifting slings
- tie-down straps
- wire cable
- chain
- rope
- straps for conventional towing situations.
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 mandatory standard.
Information to be permanently fixed to the strap
A motor vehicle recovery strap must be supplied with:
- instructions for safe use and maintenance and packaging information as required by the mandatory standard
- a permanent warning label that must be visible and legible when in use.
Recovery straps for motor vehicles warning label
This image is an example of the safety warning label. The safety warning label must comply with the requirements of the mandatory standard.
The following information must also be fixed to the strap:
- the name or logo of its Australian manufacturer, importer, distributor or other supplier
- its batch code or serial number
- its minimum breaking strength, expressed in metric units
- a recommendation that the minimum breaking strength of the strap should be between 2 and 3 times the vehicle's gross vehicle mass (GVM)
- advice that the strap must be suited to the GVM of the lighter of the 2 vehicles used in the recovery process.
Packaging marking
The packaging for a motor vehicle recovery strap must be clearly marked with information about the brand, manufacturer, and details about the minimum breaking strength as set out in the mandatory standard.
It can be printed on the packaging or on a label attached to the packaging.
Instructions for use
A motor vehicle recovery strap must be supplied with instructions on how to use and maintain the strap.
The instructions must include the warning, minimum breaking strength of the strap and safety information as set out in the mandatory standard.
Mandatory standard details
The Consumer Goods (Motor Vehicle Recovery Straps) Safety Standard 2017 sets out the mandatory requirements for motor vehicle recovery straps.
The accompanying Explanatory Statement has further information.
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.