The ACCC conducts regular audits on all regulated products, including products that are subject to mandatory safety standards, mandatory information standards and are banned from sale. This page provides an overview of results from recent surveillance activities.

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Portable swimming pools (October 2019 – June 2020)

Overall, 373 products were inspected across 124 bricks and mortar and online retailers in selected states and territories in Australia against labelling requirements of the mandatory standard. Five products were found to be non-compliant and were removed from sale by their respective suppliers.

Diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) in children’s plastic items (October 2019 – March 2020)

A total of 15 products were purchased for testing against the permanent ban. Three products were found to be non-compliant and were recalled by their respective suppliers.

Related recalls

Toys for children up to and including 36 months of age (September 2019 – March 2020)

Overall, 3 341 products were inspected across 126 bricks and mortar and online retailers in selected states and territories in Australia. Twenty nine products were obtained for testing against the mandatory standard. Eleven products were found to be non-compliant and were removed from sale or recalled by their respective suppliers.

Related recalls

Prams and strollers (May 2019 – February 2020)

Overall, 379 products were inspected across 29 physical retailers in selected states and territories in Australia against design and labelling requirements of the mandatory standard. Ten products were purchased for testing, which resulted in two products failing to comply with design and construction requirements. One product was recalled by the supplier and we worked with one online selling platform to address the other issue.

Related recalls 

Decorative alcohol fuelled devices (June 2019 – February 2020)

Overall, 167 products were inspected across 110 physical and online retailers in selected states and territories in Australia against design and labelling requirements of the mandatory standard. Four products were found to be non-compliant. One supplier rectified the non-compliance and we worked with two online selling platforms, where three products were supplied, to address the issue. 

Bunk beds (April 2019 – February 2020)

Overall, 1156 bunk beds were inspected across 213 physical and online retailers in selected states and territories in Australia. As a result of these inspections, seven products were purchased for testing against the mandatory standard. Four products were found to be non-compliant and were recalled by their respective suppliers. One supplier subsequently recalled two similar products after reviewing their stock. A further product was found to have a labelling issue, which has been addressed by the supplier.

Related recalls

Stationery sets containing undeclared knives or cutters (November 2019 – January 2020)

Overall, 169 physical and online retailers were surveyed in selected states and territories in Australia to determine if any stationery sets were captured by the permanent ban. Products captured by the permanent ban were located however, they were found to have the correct required warning.

Balloon-blowing kits (November 2019 – January 2020)

Overall, 116 physical and online retailers were surveyed in selected states and territories in Australia to determine if balloon-blowing kits were available for sale. Three balloon-blowing kits were located and submitted for testing against the mandatory standard to detect whether they contained the chemical compound benzene. No products were found to be non-compliant.

Aquatic toys (August 2019 – January 2020)

Overall, 564 aquatic toys were inspected across 136 physical and online retailers in selected states and territories in Australia against labelling requirements of the mandatory standard. Eight products were purchased for further testing and one product presented with undersized labelling. This non-compliance has been addressed by the supplier.

Toys containing lead and other elements (November 2019 – January 2020)

Over 3500 products were inspected across 83 physical and online retailers in selected states and territories in Australia. Twenty-four products were purchased and submitted for testing against the mandatory standard to detect whether lead or other harmful elements were present. No products were found to be non-compliant.

Cosmetics ingredients labelling (August 2019 – October 2019)

Overall, 1928 cosmetic products were inspected across 138 physical and online retailers in selected states and territories in Australia. Fifty-seven cosmetic products supplied by eight stores did not meet labelling requirements of the information standard. Stores withdrew non-compliant products from sale and sixteen products were recalled.

Related recalls

Treadmills (April 2019 – October 2019)

Overall, 150 treadmills were inspected across 66 physical retailers in selected states and territories in Australia against labelling requirements of the mandatory standard. Five products were found to be non-compliant. Three suppliers remedied the non-compliance and two products were recalled by their respective suppliers.

Related recalls

Yo-yo water balls (August 2019 – September 2019)

Overall, 116 physical and online retailers were surveyed in selected states and territories in Australia to assess whether any yo-yo water balls captured by the permanent ban were available for sale. Yo-yo water balls were not located.

Children’s nightwear (January 2019 – June 2019)

Overall, 1156 children’s nightwear products were inspected across 107 physical and online retailers in selected states and territories in Australia against labelling requirements of the mandatory standard. Seven products were non-compliant with labelling requirements and 15 products were purchased and submitted for testing against performance and labelling requirements. Of the 15 products tested, five were found to be non-compliant with labelling requirements. Non-compliant products were recalled by their respective suppliers.

Related recalls

Vehicle jacks (October 2018 – May 2019)

Overall, 159 vehicle jacks were inspected across 99 physical and online retailers in selected states and territories in Australia against labelling requirements of the mandatory standard. Seven products were non-compliant with labelling requirements and 12 vehicle jacks were purchased and submitted for testing. Of the 12 products tested, eight were found to be non-compliant with labelling or performance requirements. These products were updated to ensure compliance or recalled by their respective suppliers.

Related recalls

Trolley jacks (October 2018 – May 2019)

Overall, 142 trolley jacks were inspected across 72 physical and online retailers in selected states and territories in Australia against labelling requirements of the mandatory standard. Two products were non-compliant with labelling requirements and 11 trolley jacks were purchased and submitted for testing. Of the 11 products tested, nine were found to be non-compliant with labelling or performance requirements. These products were updated to ensure compliance or recalled by their respective suppliers.

Related recalls

Portable folding cots (March 2019 – May 2019)

Overall, 89 portable folding cots were inspected across 56 physical retailers in selected states and territories in Australia against labelling and design requirements of the mandatory standard. Eight products, including two products from online retailers, were purchased and submitted for testing. Of the products tested, two were found to be non-compliant with labelling requirements. These products were recalled by their respective suppliers.

Related recalls

Portable ramps for motor vehicles (November 2018 – May 2019)

Overall, 137 portable ramps for motor vehicles were inspected across 78 physical and online retailers in selected states and territories in Australia against labelling requirements of the mandatory standard. Seven products were purchased and submitted for testing against labelling and performance requirements. Of the products tested, two were found to be non-compliant with labelling or stability requirements. These products were recalled by their respective suppliers.

Related recalls

Exercise cycles (April 2019)

A total of 167 exercise cycles were inspected across 60 physical retailers in selected states and territories in Australia. All exercise cycles inspected met marking and design requirements of the mandatory standard.

Gas masks with asbestos breathing devices (April 2019)

Eleven gas masks were inspected across 17 physical retailers in selected states and territories in Australia to assess whether any gas masks may be captured by the permanent ban. Gas masks containing asbestos were not located.

Baby dummies and dummy chains (January 2019 – April 2019)

Overall, 146 baby dummies and 52 dummy chains were inspected across 140 physical and online retailers in selected states and territories in Australia.

Nine dummies were purchased and submitted for testing against certain requirements of the mandatory standard. Of the nine dummies tested, four were found to be non-compliant with labelling requirements. These products were updated to ensure compliance or recalled by their respective suppliers. Of the 52 dummy chains inspected, one was found to be non-compliant with length requirements. The supplier was able to confirm that no other dummy chains failed to comply with the mandatory standard.

Related recalls

Teethers (January 2019 – March 2019)

A total of 107 teethers were inspected across 63 physical and online retailers in selected states and territories in Australia. All teethers inspected met shape and size requirements of the mandatory standard.

Vehicle support stands (October 2018 – January 2019)

Overall, 672 vehicle support stands were inspected across 93 physical and online retailers in selected states and territories in Australia against labelling requirements of the mandatory standard. Ten vehicle support stands were purchased and submitted for testing against labelling and performance requirements. Of the ten products tested, three were found to be non-compliant with labelling or stability requirements. These products were updated to ensure compliance or recalled by their respective suppliers.

Related recalls

Combustible candle holders (November 2018 – December 2018)

A total of 156 candle holders were inspected across 185 physical and online retailers in selected states and territories in Australia to assess whether any candle holders may be captured by the permanent ban. Six candle holders were purchased and submitted for testing. Of the six products tested, two failed and were found to be non-compliant. One product was recalled and other regulatory actions are being taken in relation to the online/off-shore supplier of the second product captured by the permanent ban.

Related recalls

Swimming and flotation aids (October 2018 – December 2018)

A total of 176 swimming and flotation aids were inspected across 147 physical and online retailers in selected states and territories in Australia to assess against the requirements of the mandatory standard. As a result of this surveillance, suppliers took action to address labelling issues with six product lines and one recall was submitted.

Related recalls

Mini jelly cups containing konjac (October 2018 – November 2018)

Thirty seven physical retailers were visited in selected states and territories in Australia where four product lines of mini jelly cups containing konjac were located, which are subject to the permanent ban. In addition to this surveillance, the ACCC were alerted to other products available for sale which are subject to the ban. Eleven recalls were actioned by importers and retailers of these products.

Related recalls

Household cots (March 2018 – November 2018)

Fifty seven physical retailers were visited in selected states and territories in Australia where 323 products were assessed against labelling and product dimension requirements of the mandatory standard. Online listings were also reviewed where seven products were purchased and submitted for testing. Of the seven products tested, six were found to be non-compliant. Products presenting with moderate or serious non-compliance were recalled by their respective suppliers.

Related recalls

Novelty cigarette lighters (September 2018 – November 2018)

One hundred and seventy physical retailers were visited in selected states and territories in Australia to assess whether products subject to the permanent ban were available for sale. Online listings were also reviewed. During these inspections novelty cigarette lighters were not located.

Basketball rings and backboards (April 2018 – October 2018)

Twenty eight products were inspected across 54 physical retailers in selected states and territories in Australia. Four products were found to be non-compliant with the requirements of the mandatory standard. Two products were recalled while the remaining two products will be updated to comply with certain requirements.

Related recalls

Elastic luggage straps (August 2018 – September 2018)

Over 340 products were inspected across 157 physical and online retailers in selected states and territories in Australia. Fourteen products were found to be non-compliant with the mandatory standard. Products were removed from sale or recalled by their respective suppliers.

Related recalls

Small high powered magnets (June 2018 – September 2018)

Eighty eight physical retailers were visited in selected states and territories in Australia. No products were found to be captured by the permanent ban. Twenty three online retailers were visited where 13 products were purchased for further assessment. Of these products, eight were captured by the ban. Products were removed from sale or recalled by their respective suppliers.

Related recalls

Bean bags (June 2018 – September 2018)

Over 1000 products were inspected across 197 physical and online retailers in selected states and territories in Australia. Seventeen products were found to be non-compliant with the mandatory standard. Products were removed from sale or recalled by their respective suppliers.

Related recalls

Sunglasses and fashion spectacles (May 2018 – August 2018)

Five hundred and twenty four products were inspected across 90 physical retail stores in selected states and territories in Australia. Ten products were purchased from stores and a further five products were purchased online and submitted for testing to the requirements of the mandatory standard. Of the products inspected and tested, ten were found to be non-compliant. Suppliers of non-compliant products withdrew the product from sale, submitted a recall or relabelled products to ensure compliance.

Related recalls

Cosmetics ingredients labelling (April 2018 – July 2018)

Over 1200 products were inspected across 77 physical retail stores in selected states and territories in Australia. Four stores were found to supply products which did not meet English labelling requirements of the information standard. Stores relabelled cosmetic products to ensure compliance and three recalls were submitted.

Related recalls

Toys containing magnets (June 2018)

Twenty products were inspected across 95 physical and online retailers in selected states and territories in Australia. Of the stores surveyed, 16 stores were found to supply toys containing magnets. Three products were purchased for further assessment, however, all products were found to comply with the requirements of the mandatory standard.

Baby bath aids (April 2018 – June 2018)

A total of 124 products were inspected across 54 physical retail stores in selected states and territories in Australia. Two products failed to comply with labelling requirements of the mandatory standard and were recalled by their respective suppliers.

Related recalls

Child restraints for use in motor vehicles (March 2018 – June 2018)

Five child restraints were purchased and tested against performance requirements of the mandatory standard. One child restraint, sold online by an overseas seller, failed to comply with performance requirements and was subsequently removed from sale.

Reduced Fire Risk Cigarettes (October 2017 – June 2018)

Twenty kinds of cigarettes were purchased and tested against performance requirements of the mandatory standard. One kind of cigarette failed to comply with the performance requirements and was subsequently recalled.

Related recalls

Pools and spas with unsafe design features (December 2017 - January 2018)

A total of 451 pools and spas were inspected across 79 retail stores in selected states and territories in Australia. The inspected products did not possess unsafe design features and were found to be compliant with the permanent ban.

Portable swimming pools (November 2017 - December 2017)

Over 370 portable swimming pools were inspected across 110 physical and online retailers in selected states and territories in Australia. Product inspections indicated that there is currently a high level of compliance with the requirements of the mandatory standard.

Pedal bicycles (November 2017 - December 2017)

Over 1000 bicycles were visually inspected across 42 physical retail stores in selected states and territories in Australia. A sample of six bicycles were also sent for testing against the requirements of the mandatory standard. Visual inspections indicated that there is a high level of compliance with the mandatory standard. Compliance issues were identified in two of the bicycles. These products have been removed from sale by their respective suppliers.

Toys for children up to and including 36 months of age (October 2017 - November 2017)

Over 2100 products were visually inspected across 186 physical and online retailers in selected states and territories in Australia. A sample of nine toys were sent for testing against the requirements of the mandatory standard. Visual inspections indicated that there is a high level of compliance with the mandatory standard. Two products which were tested failed to comply with the mandatory standard. These products were recalled by their respective suppliers.

Blinds, curtains and window fittings (October 2017 - November 2017)

A total of 371 products were inspected across 114 physical and online retailers in selected states and territories in Australia. Three products, supplied online, were recalled by their respective suppliers as they were found to be non-compliant with the requirements of the mandatory standard.

Related recalls

Children's nightwear (2017)

A sample of seven children’s nightwear products were purchased from online retail stores for testing against the requirements of the mandatory standard. Products presenting with moderate or serious non-compliance were recalled by their respective suppliers.

Related recalls

Novelty cigarettes (September 2017)

A total of 84 physical and online retailers were surveyed resulting in five novelty cigarette products purchased for assessment against the requirements of the permanent ban. Further assessment of the products indicated that there is a high level of compliance with the requirements of the ban.

Sky lanterns (September 2017)

A total of 94 physical and online retailers were surveyed resulting in eight sky lanterns purchased from online platforms for assessment against the requirements of the permanent ban. All sky lanterns purchased fell within scope of the ban and each of the online platforms were requested to remove the listings from their sites. The ACCC continues to work with multiple online platforms to ensure banned products are not supplied to Australia.

Mini jelly cups containing konjac (September 2017)

One hundred product lines were inspected across 79 bricks and mortar retailers in selected states and territories in Australia for assessment against the requirements of the permanent ban. Six products of mini jelly cups were found to contain konjac, and are subject to the permanent ban. All six products have been recalled.

Related recalls

Decorative alcohol fuelled devices (August 2017)

A total of 63 product lines were surveyed across 172 stores in selected states and territories in Australia. Fourteen product lines were identified as not complying with the mandatory standard. Two product lines were recalled and 12 product lines were withdrawn from sale as a result of this surveillance. The product lines withdrawn from sale had not been sold to consumers.

Related recalls

Baby dummy chains and babies' dummies with decorations (June 2017)

A total of 55 physical and online retailers were surveyed resulting in 12 dummy chains purchased for assessment against the mandatory standard. All dummy chains assessed were found to comply with the mandatory standard. No babies’ dummies with decorations were found during surveillance.

Combustible candle holders (April 2017 - June 2017)

A total of 75 retailers in selected states and territories in Australia were surveyed to determine whether combustible candle holders were offered for sale. One candle holder was purchased and tested against the requirements of the permanent ban. The tested candle holder was found to comply with the ban.

Bicycle helmets (May 2017)

A total of 8 bicycle helmets were purchased for testing against selected criteria of the mandatory standard. Helmets were purchased from bricks-and-mortar and online retail stores. Three helmets did not comply with the mandatory standard and have been recalled.

Related recalls

Self-balancing scooters (May 2017)

A total of 5 self-balancing scooters were purchased for testing against the mandatory standard. All self-balancing scooters were found to be compliant to sections 11 and 19 of AS/NZS 60335.1:2011. However, two self-balancing scooters were supplied with non-approved battery chargers. These scooters have been referred to the relevant state electrical authorities for further action.

Disposable cigarette lighters (April 2017 - May 2017)

A total of 10 cigarette lighters were purchased for testing against the mandatory standard. No breaches of the performance requirements were identified; however, two lighters did not comply with the labelling requirements. These lighters have been withdrawn from sale.

Diethylene glycol (DEG) in toothpaste (April 2017 - May 2017)

A total of 10 tubes of toothpaste and “whitening” toothpastes were tested against the requirements of the permanent ban. All tubes tested were found to be compliant with the ban.

Diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) in children's plastic items (April 2017 - May 2017)

A total of 160 product lines were surveyed across 57 retailers in selected states and territories in Australia. This included toys and childcare articles that appeared to be intended for use by children up to and including 36 months of age and could be readily sucked and/or chewed by such children. These products were assessed against the requirements of the permanent ban. One product was found to not comply with the ban and has been recalled.

Related recalls

Motor vehicle recovery straps (September 2016 – December 2016)

A total of 54 recovery strap products were physically assessed against the requirements of the mandatory standard across 24 retailers in selected states and territories in Australia. Two products were found to not comply with the labelling on packaging requirements. Both retailers agreed to remove the effected products from sale and conduct voluntary product recalls.

Related recalls

Aquatic toys (October – November 2016)

A total of 400 aquatic toy products were inspected across 80 retailers in selected states and territories in Australia. All aquatic toys surveyed, designed for children less than 14 years old, were found to be compliant with the mandatory standard requirements for design, construction and labelling.

Lead and other elements in toys – online products (October – December 2016)

A total of 29 different types of toys were purchased from Australian-based online retailers for independent assessment. Toys included small cars, musical instruments, boats, activity sets, fingers paints and puzzles. Tests were conducted to identify specific traces of lead and other elements as per the mandatory standard. All toys tested complied with the mandatory standard.

Projectile toys (surveyed during September 2016 – December 2016)

A total of 419 products were inspected across 99 retailers across selected states and territories in Australia. One product was found non-compliant with the labelling requirements and the retailer has agreed to remove the projectile toy from sale and correct the warning label to comply with the mandatory standard. Three other products failed to comply with the performance requirements and have been recalled.

Related recalls

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Compliance & surveillance