Australian Product Safety and Recall: Compliance for Online Sellers
Updated 2026-08-17
Australian product safety is governed by the Australian Consumer Law (ACL) and enforced by the ACCC (Australian Competition and Consumer Commission). Products sold in Australia must meet mandatory safety standards where applicable, and suppliers must report unsafe products and initiate recalls when necessary. Non-compliance can result in fines up to AUD $10 million for corporations.
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Primary sources
This page is grounded in the primary materials below. Rules change, so open the source and confirm the current version before acting.
FAQ
What is the ACCC's role in product safety?+
The ACCC (Australian Competition and Consumer Commission) is the national product safety regulator. It administers mandatory safety standards, investigates product safety issues, issues product safety bans, coordinates recalls, and enforces the Australian Consumer Law product safety provisions. The ACCC also operates the Product Safety Australia website.
What are mandatory safety standards in Australia?+
Australia has mandatory safety standards for specific product categories including children's toys, cots, bicycle helmets, cosmetics, electrical equipment, and more. These standards specify minimum safety requirements that products must meet before being sold. Products that don't comply cannot legally be sold in Australia.
When must I report an unsafe product?+
Under the ACL, a person who supplies consumer goods must report to the ACCC within 48 hours if they become aware that a product they supply has caused, or is associated with, a serious illness, serious injury, or death. Failure to report can result in penalties. Reports are made through the ACCC's mandatory reporting portal.
How do I conduct a product recall in Australia?+
Product recalls are coordinated with the ACCC. Steps include: notify the ACCC, identify affected products, develop a recall strategy (refund, repair, or replacement), notify consumers through multiple channels (websites, social media, media), provide a free remedy, and report recall progress to the ACCC. Voluntary recalls initiated by suppliers are most common.
What about products sold on Amazon AU?+
Sellers on Amazon AU must comply with Australian product safety laws. Amazon may delist products that don't meet mandatory safety standards or that are subject to recalls. Sellers should ensure their products meet all applicable Australian safety standards before listing. Amazon may require compliance documentation.
What are the penalties for product safety violations?+
Under the ACL, penalties for supplying unsafe goods or failing to report safety issues include fines up to AUD $10 million for corporations (or 3x the benefit obtained, or 10% of annual turnover), and up to AUD $500,000 for individuals. The ACCC can also issue infringement notices and seek injunctions.
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