The Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) wants feedback to late October or mid-November on product safety requirements in eight areas. They involve:
- Bicycle Helmets: ACCC seeks to address conflict and/or overlap with state/territory requirements, use of trusted international standards as alternatives (PSL, 5/16/16), and referencing consumer protections in the Australian Consumer Law. Comments are due November 18.
- Cribs ("Cots"): ACCC targets four issues: drop-side units, surveillance that indicates "increased non-compliance, mattress firmness tests, and use of international standards. Comments are due November 4.
- Exercise Cycles: ACCC notes that the standard, dating to 1994, does not reflect design changes since then. It acknowledges that newer models have lower injury rates. Comments are due November 18.
- Luggage Straps: ACCC proposes more succinct label language: "WARNING: Rebounding hooks cause blindness. Place hooks with care. Keep face and body out of recoil path." Comments are due October 28.
- Nightwear: ACCC is concerned about three issues about units intended for children: warning clarity, simplifying compliance burdens, and aligning requirements with New Zealand. Comments are due November 4.
- Pacifiers ("Dummies"): ACCC wants to reflect 2015 updates to the related voluntary standard, AS2432. Those address the shield test and unsafe decorations. The agency also wants input on use of certain other nations' standards. Comments are due November 4.
- Sunglasses: ACCC wants to reflect 2016 changes to the voluntary standard, AS/NZS1067. Revisions reflect an attempt to align it with ISO 12312-1:2013. Comments are due November 4.
- Vehicle Jacks/Stands/Ramps: ACCC is bundling three standards into one consultation. These are general reviews of effectiveness. Comments are due November 18.
Links to all the consultations are at bit.ly/2drr8bW.
