The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has accepted court enforceable undertakings from Jayco Corporation Pty Ltd, a manufacturer and supplier of caravans, after its jacks failed to comply with mandatory safety standards.
The ACCC took action after receiving information alleging that jacks supplied with Jayco caravans and as an after-market item, did not carry the mandatory user safety warnings and safe usage instructions.
Subsequent inquiries by the ACCC revealed the jacks supplied by Jayco also failed to comply with the performance requirements of the mandatory standard, in contravention of section 65C of the Trade Practices Act 1974.
The safety standard imposes mandatory performance requirements and also details specified warnings and safe usage instructions to be provided with vehicle and caravan jacks.
ACCC Chairman, Mr Graeme Samuel, said consumer safety is of paramount importance and the ACCC will act promptly against suppliers when consumers are placed at risk through exposure to goods, such as caravan jacks, that do not comply with mandatory safety standards.
"This matter is the latest in a series of cases where the ACCC has moved to promote strong compliance with the requirements of mandated consumer product safety standards", Mr Samuel said.
When the matter was brought to Jayco's attention it co-operated fully with the ACCC and immediately commenced a product safety recall and ceased supply of the jack.
Following contact by the ACCC, the company also placed a recall notice in all major daily newspapers in states where the jack had been supplied and on its website. Additionally, the company wrote to all Jayco caravan owners advising of the problem, what steps to take and the availability of a replacement jack.
Further Jayco will also implement a comprehensive corporate trade practices compliance program, with a focus on prescribed consumer product safety standards. It will undertake follow-up letters to consumers who have not responded to earlier recall notices.
"Along with Jayco's increased focus on product safety, the follow-up letters to consumers will increase the likelihood of non-compliant goods being removed from the market place and enhance consumer safety in the future", Mr Samuel said.