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NSW Fair Trading Inspectors have visited 975 retailers and one toy supplier across the State to ensure dangerous toys and decorations are removed from sale and do not cause harm this holiday season.
Inspectors reviewed 17,019 product lines to check they met Australian standards, had appropriate safety labelling and were not banned from sale.
Of those, 69 products were found to be non-compliant or illegal. These included Christmas wands, toys with coin or button batteries and toys containing small, high-powered magnets.
There were also five toys found for sale which were subject to a permanent ban. All have been removed from the shelves.
NSW Fair Trading Inspectors identified 39 traders and one supplier selling non-compliant products. Of those, two received penalty infringement notices (PINs), six received a warning letter and four are subject to further enforcement action.
Inspectors also attended the premises of a supplier who was found to be in possession of a large quantity of banned products and these were seized at the time of their visit.
Individuals found to have breached mandatory safety standards by selling dangerous or non-compliant toys could be fined up to $500,000, while corporations could face fines up to $10 million.
To learn more about the safety of children’s products and toys visit the NSW Fair Trading website at www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au/buying-products-and-services/product-and-service-safety/childrens-products.
Quotes attributable to Acting NSW Fair Trading Commissioner, John Tansey:
NSW Fair Trading is focused on keeping children safe by removing dangerous toys from sale this Christmas.
Fair Trading inspectors visited retail outlets and pop-up traders in shopping centres and markets across Sydney and regional NSW. Retailers have a responsibility to ensure their products do not cause injury to children.
While finding 39 retailers and one supplier selling non-compliant products this year is disappointing, the figures are down from previous years and highlights the commitment of NSW Fair Trading Inspectors to act against non-compliant retailers and provide retailers with guidance and education to ensure the products they sell meet mandatory safety standards.
Toys which are considered dangerous include those with removable button batteries not properly fitted with a child resistant cover and secured by a locking device, as well as those with small parts that present a potential choking hazard.
Toys or puzzles which contain small, high-powered magnets can be lethal to children if swallowed and are banned from sale, while projectile toys have the potential to cause significant eye injuries.
ENDS
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