Published
In the lead up to this Christmas Season, Northern Territory Consumer Affairs staff have been busy visiting stores that sell toys throughout the Territory to ensure they comply with Territory and National safety standards.
Consumer Affairs Commissioner, Gary Clements, said that out of almost 10,000 different types of toys checked by Consumer Affairs no banned toys were found.
“Consumer Affairs are committed to working with traders to provide ongoing education about safety standards and this year it looks like inspections are paying off,” Mr Clements said.
“Last year we inspected 2,500 types of toys and found 146 toys that did not meet all the safety requirements, including a number of banned toys”. “This year we have extended our search and are very happy at the level of compliance from retailers”.
Mr Clements said 47 types of toys were found to have regulatory issues such as toys that did not carry the required warning labels that warned of choking or strangulation hazards.
“Some retailers were required to add warning labels to toys before returning them to shelves,” he said.
“This is also a timely reminder for parents to ensure that the gifts they purchase for their children are suitable for their age and developmental stage to ensure this is a fun and safe Christmas.”
Consumers Affairs appreciate the level of retailer assistance with this year’s investigations and will continue to work with traders to inform them of their obligations as a retailer under the Consumer Affairs and Fair Trading Act of the Northern Territory.
Any breaches of the product safety provisions of the Act by a retailer, including supplying a banned product in contravention of section 30, can incur a penalty of up to $325 000.
Consumers with any concerns regarding toy safety are urged to contact Consumer Affairs on 1800 019 319.
Contact details
General inquries
Consumer Affairs: 1800 019 319
Website: www.nt.gov.au/justice/consaffairs