APPA Member Product Safety Update-Fidget Spinners

Good afternoon APPA Members, some recent media reports have highlighted product safety issues related to fidget spinners. Additionally, on 19 May the ACCC issued the following related product recall you should be aware of: https://www.productsafety.gov.au/recall/ace-of-hearts-led-fidget-spinner  

APPA will reach out to both the Product Safety Australia and the New Zealand Commerce Commission to advise them that we have disseminated this recall to our Member base and additionally offer to assist with any work they may be undertaking in this space.  

For information on all product safety related matters, we would recommend all Members utilise the resources available from both Product Safety Australia and the New Zealand Commerce Commission

Specifically, in Australia there are two relevant standards: Button Battery Standard:  View PDF Here

Children’s mandatory standards which focus on specific product categories but then also addresses elements such as choking hazards etc: https://www.productsafety.gov.au/product-safety-laws/safety-standards-bans/mandatory-standards  

The recent media and government regulatory attention in this space provides an opportunity for APPA to remind Members that the APPA Code of Conduct rules in relation to product safety:  

3.1 Product Safety  

Members will comply with all applicable laws and regulations regarding safety of products sold and will meet applicable recognised voluntary industry standards for products and processes.  

3.2 Quality of Product and Services Provided  

Goods and services provided by Members will be of an acceptable standard, taking into consideration the price, the relevant market for the goods, the quantity of the goods, and other factors the company determines relevant and in compliance with all commercial and consumer laws.  Members will conduct the necessary quality control to ensure the products or services are as per advertised specifications and pre-production samples provided.  

Should you have any questions regarding this matter please contact APPA at info@appa.com.au with the Subject Line “Product Safety ”.