Product recalls |
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Under some circumstances the Australian government can order the recall of a product that fails to meet a mandatory safety standard or if the product is unsafe.
The government can also issue public warning notices that the safety of particular goods is being investigated or warn of risks associated with the product.
Manufacturers and suppliers tend to voluntarily initiate most product safety recalls when they become aware of a defect in the product.
You should consider voluntarily recalling a product if:
- it does not meet a mandatory standard
- is banned
- has a defect that makes it unsafe.
It is essential that businesses keep up to date with product recall information.
To find out the latest product subject to recall, regularly check with the Australian Government’s Product Recalls database.
To ensure your customers are not placed at risk, in the event of a recall you must provide:
- a clear description of the product to be recalled, including model numbers
- details of the problem
- dates when the product was supplied
- the number of products supplied
- details about where the product was supplied
- details of what consumers should do with the product
- contact and return details.
If you sell a recalled product, you could suffer negative publicity and loss of income from holding onto large quantities of unsaleable stock.
Consumers could sue you if they suffer and injury, and we could fine you up to $54 000 (individuals) or $270 000 (corporations) if you sell a recalled product.
Last reviewed 04/09/2009 |
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