Australian Product Compliance Checklist for Importers and Suppliers
Use this checklist before you list, import or resell a consumer product in Australia. It covers the rules that most often catch out new importers and resellers.
General information only — not legal advice. Always check the official source for your product.
1. Consumer guarantees — every product
- The product is of acceptable quality: safe, durable, free from defects and acceptable in appearance.
- It is fit for any purpose you promote.
- It matches its description, photos and samples.
- You have a way to provide repairs, replacements or refunds when a guarantee is not met.
Source: ACCC – consumer guarantees.
2. Mandatory standards and bans
Check the ACCC's lists at productsafety.gov.au for your product type. Common categories:
| Product type | Requirement (examples) |
|---|---|
| Products containing button or coin batteries | Mandatory safety and information standards: secure compartments, testing, warnings |
| Toys for children up to 36 months | Mandatory safety standard (small parts and other hazards) |
| Baby products such as cots, bassinets, prams and baby walkers | Mandatory safety standards |
| Clothing and textiles | Care labelling information standard |
| Children's nightwear | Fire hazard labelling standard |
| Cosmetics | Ingredient labelling information standard |
- I have checked whether a mandatory standard or ban applies.
- I hold test reports from a competent laboratory showing compliance.
3. Electrical and electronic products
- Does the product fall under the Electrical Equipment Safety System (EESS)? If so, it must be registered on the national database by an Australian or New Zealand responsible supplier, and higher-risk items need a certificate of conformity.
- Does it need ACMA compliance for EMC, radio or telecommunications? Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and most electronics do.
- Is the RCM applied correctly to the product or packaging?
- Plugs suit Australian sockets (type I) and the product is rated for 230 V / 50 Hz.
4. Labelling and information
- Product name, supplier details and country of origin claims are accurate. ("Made in Australia" claims must meet the ACL safe harbour tests.)
- Warnings and instructions are in English.
- Packaged goods state the net quantity under trade measurement rules where required.
5. Biosecurity (importers)
- Products containing wood, bamboo, seeds, plant fibres, feathers, animal products or food have been checked against BICON import conditions.
6. Chemicals and cosmetics (importers)
- If you import cosmetics or industrial chemicals, your business is registered with AICIS where required.
7. After sale
- You know your mandatory reporting obligation: report to the ACCC within 2 days of becoming aware that a product caused or may have caused death, serious injury or illness.
- You have a recall plan, and you know that voluntary recalls must be notified to the Commonwealth minister within 2 days.
Need a compliant supplier or a local partner?
- Resellers: buy from an Australian supplier through our wholesale program.
- Overseas brands: see selling in Australia and our supplier program.
Frequently asked questions
Who is responsible for product safety in Australia — the manufacturer or the seller?
Everyone in the supply chain who supplies the product in trade has obligations. Importers are often treated as the manufacturer under the Australian Consumer Law when the actual manufacturer has no place of business in Australia.
Do products with button batteries need to meet a standard in Australia?
Yes. Since June 2022, consumer goods containing button or coin batteries must meet mandatory safety and information standards, including secure battery compartments, compliance testing and warning labels.
Which products need the RCM mark?
Electrical and electronic products covered by Australia's electrical safety (EESS) or ACMA radiocommunications and EMC rules. The RCM is applied by a responsible supplier registered in Australia or New Zealand.