Australia publishes new mandatory standard for baby walkers

April 2013

Relevant for: Hardlines, Toys & Children Products

On February 14, 2013, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) published an updated mandatory safety standard for baby walkers in Consumer Protection Notice No.1 of 2013.  It provides industry a transition period of 13 months.  During this transitional period, manufacturers and suppliers have the option of meeting the specified sections of the 2000 or 2012 version of ASTM F977.  Effective from April 1, 2014, only baby walkers which meet the specified sections of the 2012 version of ASTM F977 will be allowed to be placed on the market.  Supplying baby walkers that do not meet the mandatory standard may lead to heavy fines and product recalls.

The ACCC had been reviewing the mandatory standard for baby walkers since July 2012. The ACCC had proposed to amend the mandatory standard for baby walkers with the latest ASTM F977-12 version and the draft regulation had been circulated in the industry since then. Stakeholders including the manufacturers and suppliers of baby walkers, fair trading/consumer affairs agencies, consumer groups and child safety specialists either supported or did not oppose to the amendments.

Summary of the requirements as follows:

References:
Consumer Protection Notice No.1 of 2013
ACCC draft regulation
The ACC Press