Goods that will or may cause injury to a person can be declared by the Minister for Competition Policy and Consumer Affairs as unsafe goods. A description of the goods and the summary of reasons for the declaration are specified in a consumer protection notice and published in the Commonwealth Gazette. Goods will then be banned from supply for 18 months unless the declaration is revoked before the end of that time, the ban expires or the goods are permanently banned. The ACCC enforces bans on unsafe goods.
Copies of consumer protection notices issued by the minister and published in the Commonwealth Gazette are listed under each topic below.
List of banned goods under the Trade Practices Act
An interim 18-month ban on these goods was declared on 22 September 2009. Sky lanterns pose a risk of starting an uncontrolled fire because of the possibility of open flame contacting combustible material, particularly in bushfire-prone areas.
An interim 18-month ban on toy-like novelty cigarette lighters came into effect on 30 December 2009. These lighters are deemed unsafe because they may appeal to children under five years old and present a risk of serious burns to children who play with them.
Permanent ban on candles with wicks and candlewicks containing greater than 0.06 per cent lead by weight as the burning of lead in confined spaces may pose a health hazard.
Permanent ban on the supply of dart gun sets, with or without a target, consisting of a firing gun and suction-tipped darts. The darts can cause choking. The size of the darts will generally be smaller than 57mm in length and have a suction tip width of less than 32mm.
Permanent ban on glucomannan in tablet form—a diet aid designed to swell in the stomach, but can cause choking if stuck in the throat; acceptable in other forms such as powder or capsules.
Permanent ban on mini-sized jelly cup confectionery containing the food additive known as konjac—presents a choking hazard, particularly to children and the elderly.
Permanent ban on toothpaste containing DEG. DEG is a toxic substance. Medium to long-term exposure to DEG at significant levels in toothpaste may create unacceptable risks, particularly to children and individuals with kidney or liver disease.
