The Federal Court has determined that fashion retailer Fewstone, operating as City Beach, breached the Australian Consumer Law by offering a variety of consumer novelty products that failed to meet mandatory button battery safety and information standards.

Between June 2022 and October 2024, City Beach sold more than 60 types of products containing button batteries that did not comply with safety regulations. These products included toys, digital notepads, keyrings, lights, and light-up accessories for Crocs shoes.

The Court found that City Beach supplied these non-compliant products on over 54,000 occasions during the specified period. ACCC Deputy Chair Catriona Lowe emphasized the serious safety risks posed to consumers, particularly young children, by these products.

This case marks the first legal action taken by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) regarding breaches of button battery safety standards. The Court has mandated City Beach to implement a consumer law compliance program and conduct advertising as part of a voluntary recall of the affected products.

The Court has yet to decide on penalties and costs associated with the breach. The ACCC initiated proceedings against City Beach in April 2025, highlighting the significant dangers button batteries pose to children, including the risk of serious injury or death.