- The ACCC warns it will be cracking down on businesses compliance with the new button battery safety and information laws, taking effect from today
- The laws come amid safety concerns for children and the deadly ramifications of ingesting a button battery
- The new regulations require products have secure compartments to prevent children from gaining access to the batteries
- In addition, the products and batteries will require warnings and emergency advice on the batteries, packaging, and instructions
- The ACCC will work with state and territory regulators to monitor compliance and enforce the new regulations
The ACCC has warned it will be cracking down on businesses compliance with the new button battery safety and information laws, taking effect from today.
The laws come amid safety concerns for children and the deadly ramifications of ingesting a button battery.
The new regulations require products have secure compartments to prevent children from gaining access to the batteries.
In addition, the products and batteries will require warnings and emergency advice on the batteries, packaging, and instructions.
Button batteries will be supplied in child-resistant packaging and compliance tested.
The ACCC will work with state and territory regulators to monitor compliance and enforce the new regulations. All levels of the supply chain will need to comply with the new laws.
ACCC Deputy Chair Delia Rickard said businesses have already recalled a number of different products.
“Inspectors will be out looking for unsafe products both online and in stores such as discount retailers, variety shops, major retailers, pharmacies, newsagents and at large events,” she said.
“Businesses are on notice that serious penalties may apply if we find unsafe or non-compliant products.”
The organisation also called on consumers to check for any button batteries in their homes which may be unsafe.