Online Retailers Relist Unsafe Products, Consumers Warned
The danger of unsafe products in online retail continues to be a pressing concern for Australian consumers. A recent report by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) revealed that nearly 3,000 hazardous items were removed from various platforms, including a baby beach tent with a drowning risk and a car stand that failed to support its stated weight.
Concerns Over Product Safety at Online Retailers
Despite the efforts of prominent online retailers, some dangerous products have reappeared for sale. The ACCC watchdog identified these alarming practices, which have raised questions about the effectiveness of current safety measures in Australia’s $60 billion online market.
Calls for Reform in Online Retail Safety Standards
Consumer advocacy group Choice highlighted a phenomenon labeled “product safety washing.” This occurs when retailers portray themselves as committed to safety without implementing substantial measures to protect consumers. Andy Kelly, the campaign director at Choice, stated that many Australians are unaware of this issue.
- Signatories to the Australian Product Safety Pledge: Amazon Australia, eBay Australia, AliExpress
- Companies that left the pledge: Catch, myDeal (both inactive since 2025)
In a recent annual report, it was disclosed that one retailer resumed sales of unsafe products after their initial removal. Furthermore, platforms only complied with the mandatory two-day removal timeframe in 69% of the cases.
The ACCC’s Role and Current Practices
ACCC representatives are collaborating with these online platforms to enforce stricter safety requirements. Both Amazon and eBay emphasized their commitment to consumer safety, utilizing automated systems alongside human oversight to identify and eliminate unsafe items.
The Urgent Need for Stronger Regulations
Choice has advocated for more rigorous laws that would auto-prohibit unsafe goods, aligning Australia’s regulations with those in the European Union, Canada, and the United States. Currently, the reactive nature of Australian laws allows businesses to be penalized after violations, with 18 companies fined since 2016.
A survey from 2024 revealed that many Australians mistakenly believe sellers are legally obliged to ensure product safety. Kelly warned that the Australian Product Safety Pledge could be misused as a marketing tool, rather than as a genuine commitment to consumer protection.
Emerging Issues with Temu
Temu, a significant online retailer in Australia, recently expressed intentions to join the safety pledge after a tragic incident involving an eight-year-old girl who suffered severe burns from a hoodie purchased through their platform. The girl’s mother criticized Temu’s promised commitment, viewing it as a tactic to evade accountability.
- Incident: An eight-year-old girl burned by a hoodie from Temu
- Legal Action: The girl’s mother has filed a lawsuit against Temu
Temu has since implemented a ban on the seller responsible for the hazardous product. However, the company continues to argue liability lies with the hoodie’s Chinese manufacturer, complicating the legal proceedings for the affected family.
As Australia’s online shopping landscape continues to grow, consumer safety must be prioritized to prevent further tragedies linked to unsafe products. The ongoing discourse around product safety washing and the need for regulatory enhancement is essential to ensure the safety of Australian shoppers.
