Online trader recalls child restraint systems for cars after ACCC raises safety concerns

Xport Investments Pty Ltd has issued a national voluntary recall of two models of child restraint systems for use in motor vehicles after the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission raised concerns that the systems may not comply with the prescribed consumer product safety standard.

The child restraint systems were imported by Xport Investments Pty Ltd and sold through online auction websites. Three were sold through OZtion Pty Ltd between 29 November 2007 to 19 December 2007. A further 21 were sold through eBay between 17 January 2008 and 9 February 2008. Both models were branded as Baby Shield.

The ACCC was concerned that the child restraint systems posed safety issues in respect of:

• the absence of an upper anchorage system (or tether strap) required for anchoring the child restraint systems to the vehicle frame or body
• the absence of a divided crotch strap, and
• the absence of the required type designation information on the outer packaging or on the child restraint systems.

Upon the ACCC raising its concerns, Xport Investments Pty Ltd conducted a prompt national consumer recall. The ACCC acknowledges Xport Investments Pty Ltd's cooperation in resolving this matter.

"All traders who supply goods covered by a prescribed consumer product safety standard are required to ensure that the goods comply with that standard," ACCC Chairman, Mr Graeme Samuel, said today. "This includes online traders selling through auction sites such as eBay and OZtion Pty Ltd."

Suppliers of goods which fail to comply with the relevant mandatory product safety standard could face penalties of up to $1.1 million for companies and $220,000 for individuals. The ACCC ensures compliance with mandatory consumer product standards under the Trade Practices Act 1974.

Background

Photographs of the child restraint systems and more details about the recall are available at www.recalls.gov.au.

Child restraint systems sold in Australia are required to comply with certain requirements specified by Consumer Protection Notice 12 of 2007 which references Australian/New Zealand Standard 1754:2004 Child Restraint Systems for use in Motor Vehicles. These requirements relate to the construction, design, safety, performance and marking/labelling of child restraint systems.