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Submission to Treasury on mandatory standards regulation under Australian Consumer Law

February 2022

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The Federal Government has asked for views on whether it should allow businesses to comply with international safety standards.

Reform to make it easier for businesses to identify and sell safe products has clear benefits for consumers. CHOICE is supportive of the intent of the proposals. This is a relatively straightforward reform that should address the most frustrating aspects of the product safety standards-making process.

As an independent consumer advocacy organisation that operates a NATA accredited testing lab, CHOICE frequently finds issues where mandatory safety standards in Australia lag well behind the voluntary standards or appropriate international standards.

The biggest problem with Australia's product safety framework is the lack of any general rule or requirement for businesses to sell safe products. CHOICE maintains that the Federal Government should implement general safety duty, as explored in the 2019 consultation that has yet to be acted on.

Download submission (PDF)

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