The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has highlighted the necessity for reforms in Australia’s product safety framework to prevent unsafe products from reaching consumers, especially through online marketplaces. This response follows a designated complaint from consumer organization CHOICE, which pointed out the inadequacies of the current laws in addressing the risks posed by online sales.

ACCC Commissioner Luke Woodward acknowledged that the existing Australian Consumer Law has limitations, particularly concerning online marketplaces, which can lead to consumer harm. The Federal Government has tasked the Treasury with leading efforts to strengthen the product safety framework, which includes improving mandatory injury reporting and enforcing stricter penalties for non-compliance.

Woodward stated, “Australian consumers should be able to trust that products they purchase are safe, including when they buy goods online.” He noted the challenges posed by overseas sellers and the indirect nature of online marketplaces, which complicates the enforcement of safety standards.

The ACCC supports regulatory reforms that would impose clear obligations on online marketplaces to ensure product safety. This includes exploring new general safety protections for all consumer goods. The review of the product safety framework has been identified as a priority area for reform by Consumer Affairs ministers.

Despite acknowledging the gaps in current laws, the ACCC continues to utilize its compliance and enforcement tools to address the sale of unsafe goods. Recent actions include investigations into non-compliant button battery products and banned toys sold online, with the ACCC actively engaging with major online platforms like Amazon and eBay to enhance safety measures.

CHOICE's designated complaint, submitted in June 2026, raised concerns about the sale of unsafe and banned products through online marketplaces. The ACCC has responded by contacting the implicated marketplaces but has not initiated specific investigations into the examples provided, emphasizing the need for broader regulatory reforms instead.