The New Zealand Commerce Commission has issued a warning to retailers regarding the non-negotiable nature of product safety, taking PD Mart to court for selling a range of non-compliant products across its stores in Auckland and Christchurch.

General Manager Rebecca McAtamney emphasized that consumers should not have to choose between affordability and safety, stating that all businesses must adhere to New Zealand's product safety requirements.

The Commission alleges that PD Mart offered 57 different non-compliant products, including children's toys and car seats, falsely representing their compliance with safety standards. This situation poses significant risks to consumers, especially young children.

Following multiple inspections from October 2024, the Commission found ongoing issues with non-compliant goods. PD Mart has since recalled unsafe products and received a Stop Now letter in September 2025 regarding safety concerns with children's car seats.

In 2026, PD Mart agreed to court-enforceable undertakings to withdraw certain non-compliant products and refrain from selling specific categories for at least six months. The Commission expressed serious concerns over the scale and recurrence of these issues, alleging that PD Mart lacked adequate systems and training to meet safety obligations.

Additionally, the Commission claims PD Mart misrepresented customer return rights under the Consumer Guarantees Act. As the case is now in court, the Commission is limited in its comments on the proceedings.