Australian Toy Association warns against buying toys without safety labels
consumers who buy toys online are warned to not purchase goods which don’t comply with australian safety standards.
the australian toy association (ata) says customers should use caution when buying via the internet.
“this is one of the dangers associated with internet and online shopping,” says ata general manager paul hodgson.
“toys bought online from overseas don’t necessarily comply with australian product laws or safety warning requirements and can pose a serious threat to safety. if parents or grandparents have any doubt at all, they should go online to www.productsafety.gov.au or contact the ata on (03) 93202600 where we will be able to advise them.”
the warning comes after a three year old new south wales child suffered serious throat injury after swallowing magnets from a toy bought online. the product did not have the warning labels required by toys bought in australia.
“at the ata we welcome the nsw minister for fair trading drawing public attention to this issue. with the growth in online shopping, the dangers of unsafe toys and those that do not comply with australian standards increases exponentially,” hodgson adds.
the ata has also raised the issue with the productivity commission which is looking into the australian retail industry.
“both the business sector and government should warn about the dangers of purchasing toys that do not meet australian standards and the ata will be considering what additional action needs to be taken.”
