The Albanese Government is strengthening product safety while making it easier for businesses to bring safe products to market, with the first of 15 expedited safety standard reviews delivering safe aquatic toys for Australian families.
Part of the Government’s revitalisation of National Competition Policy and better regulation agenda, this program modernises product safety standards by adopting trusted international benchmarks, ensuring Australian consumers and businesses benefit from the latest global safety developments.
The first standard focuses on aquatic toys, helping make children safer in backyard pools and at the beach by reducing the risk of injury or drowning from products such as inflatable novelty shapes and rings.
By allowing suppliers to meet the most suitable standards, and to keep pace as those standards evolve, the Government is reducing unnecessary compliance costs while maintaining strong protections. This will support more competitive markets, expand consumer choice, and help put downward pressure on prices, without compromising on safety.
Following two rounds of public consultation, the updated aquatic toys standard will make it easier for suppliers by reducing unnecessary product modifications and testing, simplifying supply chains and lowering costs.
The standard strengthens requirements for the design, construction and labelling of aquatic toys to reduce risks to children in and around water. A two‑year transition period will apply, allowing suppliers to comply with either the 2020 or 2026 standard, before the new requirements become mandatory.
In addition, the Albanese Government is investing $6.6 million in the 2026-27 Budget to further strengthen and modernise Australia’s product safety framework. This includes working with states and territories to improve product recalls, introduce safety obligations for online marketplaces, and increase penalties so businesses that put consumers at risk face appropriate consequences.
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