ACCC tightens product safety rules

Cameras may not be the most hazardous electronic product but accessories such as batteries and flashes have been known overheat and cause injuries.

Faulty batteries in laptops and mobile phones have been the subject of several recalls in recent times.

Therefore, suppliers and photo retailers (and all other businesses) should start preparing now for new mandatory product safety reporting requirements that take effect from January 1, 2011.

From the start of next year, all businesses will be required to notify the ACCC when they become aware that a product they have supplied has caused, or may have caused, serious injury, illness or death," according to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission

The ACCC said the mandatory reporting requirement means businesses need proper processes to track and take action on consumer complaints promptly.

"Suppliers will have to notify the ACCC within two days of learning that a consumer good or product related service they have supplied has caused, or may cause, serious injury, illness or death,” the ACCC said.

Information on the mandatory reporting requirements is available at www.productsafety.gov.au/mandatoryreporting. Business can also keep up-to-date on developments via Twitter: @ProductSafetyAU."