The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission is alerting suppliers of children’s products to potential changes to three product safety standards (mandatory standards) for cots, prams and strollers and bunk beds.

“These products have vulnerable users - children, infants and babies. Mandatory standards are critical tools for maintaining consumer confidence in their safety and minimising the risk of injury,” ACCC Deputy Chair Delia Rickard said.

The ACCC is considering whether recent changes to related voluntary standards (Australian Standards) should be adopted as mandatory safety requirements.

The consultations will seek views on recent product issues and developments. The stroller review will pay attention to addressing issues with finger entrapment and stroller stability (especially with the addition of various attachments).

The cot review will include an increased focus on drop side strength testing and the bunk bed review will look to address product design changes which have generated issues with product use and utility

Views are sought on whether the proposed changes would promote higher levels of safety for these products. Submissions will assist with the ACCC’s recommendation to the Minister of Small Business, the Hon. Bruce Billson MP.

“Updating the mandatory standards will assist with the ACCC’s efforts to identify and remove unsafe products from the market,” Ms Rickard said.

“The ACCC will continue to actively monitor the market through its comprehensive surveillance program for these and other children’s products that are subject to mandatory standards.”

Further information, including consultations papers, is available on the Product Safety website and on the ACCC's consultation hub:

Submissions can be made through a simple online questionnaire or a written response by 15 September 2014.