Researching Online Sellers of Incubators etc.

Author: Aussie Chook Supplies  

Given the increasing reports of product malfunctions from imported incubators and misused electrical equipment for hatching and raising poultry (which has resulted in house/garage fires and waaaay to many ‘near misses’) the Australian Consumer & Competition Commission (ACCC) have published the following information online regarding product safety.

I share this information below as it relates specifically to online businesses (including Aussie Chook Supplies) and other retailers who sell imported incubators to inform the Poultry Raising/Keeping community that there are guidelines in place to protect you from the sale of shonky, sub-standard equipment (of which Aussie Chook Supplies DOES NOT sell) by shonky dealers.

When looking at incubators, brooders and other electrical equipment online, there are also general guidelines to help determine quality retailers and products from those that will not give you the results (when related to hatching eggs) or safe brooding (when raising young chicks). This article is written specifically for choosing an incubator but the generalised information is relevant to all electrical poultry equipment. I would also add at this stage that the seller should be familiar with their products and be able to provide you with support and troubleshooting possible issues relevant to the item they are selling!!!

From the ACCC – ACC Compliance for Selling Online

Selling online
When you sell products to Australia, you must comply with Australian product safety laws – no matter where you are located in the world.

These laws mean that your business:

  • must comply with Australian mandatory safety standards
  • must not supply banned products
  • must report the death or serious injury or illness of a person that occurred as a result of a consumer product you have supplied
  • should immediately recall a product if you realise it may present a safety hazard, does not comply with a safety standard, or is banned – and notify the Australian Commonwealth Minister responsible
  • must comply with any recall notices issued under the Australian Consumer Law.

Complying with international or other trusted safety standards does not automatically mean your product complies with Australian mandatory safety standards or bans.

It is your responsibility to understand Australian product safety laws and make sure you sell safe, compliant products.

Guidance for product manufacturers and makers of handmade products
When you make or manufacture the products you sell online, Australia’s product liability laws apply to products with safety defects. This is in addition to your legal responsibilities as a supplier.

Product liability laws mean that Australian consumers can seek compensation from you if a product you made has caused loss or damage, including injuries, death and economic loss. Australian consumers who suffer loss or damage because of safety defects in the product you made can take you to court. They can also make a complaint to a consumer protection agency, who may then consider taking action against you.

Guidance for online selling platforms
The ACCC offers guidance for online selling platforms to help ensure the products supplied on their sites are safe.

If you operate an online selling platform, it will help to keep consumers’ trust in your brand and business if you host listings with safe products.

How to comply with Australian product safety laws
Follow these tips to help make sure you’re complying with Australian product safety laws and practices for selling safe consumer products online.

Check the list of mandatory safety standards to see if your product needs to comply.
Check whether the product is subject to a product safety ban.
If any products don’t comply with Australian product safety regulations, block them from being sold in Australia.
Source your products from manufacturers and suppliers who comply with Australian product safety regulations.
Share product safety information with consumers and make it available in appropriate languages. Include information like warnings, labels, age-grading on children’s products, product descriptions, good quality product images, and ingredients lists, especially for cosmetics and toiletries.
Be responsive to consumers and authorities – make sure you clearly list your contact details in case of safety problems.
Communicate product safety concerns with any affected customers.
Notify the ACCC if you need to conduct a recall and be sure to comply with mandatory reporting guidelines to avoid penalties.

Check with the Australian Department of Home Affairs to understand what goods are prohibited or restricted from being imported into Australia.
Read our factsheets for online suppliers. If you work with others, share them with your team.

Subscribe to updates from the Product Safety Australia website to keep you informed about any new information or changes regarding consumer product safety laws in Australia.