Expansion of Unfair Contract Terms and Up to $50 Million Penalties to Apply
Australian Furniture Association (AFA) CEO Ms Patrizia Torelli, supports the ACCC’s announcement that companies that breach the competition and consumer laws could face new and higher penalties under legal changes that were recently passed in Parliament. The changes...Multi-Billion Dollar Public Sector Procurement Embroiled in Alleged Cartel Conduct for Australian University Project
Public sector procurement is a multi-billion-dollar sector. It makes a vital contribution to the Australian economy and the welfare of Australians, who have the right to expect competitive bidding for these projects, resulting in value for money,” says ACCC Chair, Ms...ACCC to Focus Online Surveillance for Product Safety
The ACCC is strengthening product safety online, with a focus on expanding participation in the Australian Product Safety Pledge, online surveillance and contributing to greater consistency of international practice.
ACCC seeks to reduce infant sleep product risks to help keep babies safe
The ACCC is seeking feedback on ways to reduce significant safety risks associated with products commonly used to place babies to sleep…
What ACCC Report on Energy Enquiry Means to Industry
The ACCC has produced a report as part of its inquiry into the prices, profits and margins in the supply of electricity in the National Electricity Market (NEM).
Venue operators face increased litigation due to furniture related injuries.
Venue operators face increased litigation due to furniture related injuries. The AFA continues to assist a number of furniture industry businesses to manage litigious situations. The increase in insurance claims is due to the lack of understanding by venue operators...Buying furniture for a venue? Top tips to avoid the risk of litigation.
The Australasian Furnishing Association (AFA) continues to assist its Members manage litigious situations. The increase in claims is due to the lack of understanding from Buyers or Specifiers about the right, fit for purpose product and the maintenance regime required...Shipping Container Scams Trending Up
A new scamming trend has hit Australia. Shipping container scams join the top five list of scams across the nation, fleecing consumers of millions of dollars. They are popular on marketplaces and classified sites, but scammers also created fake websites and falsified ABNs. Scamwatch has taken action to get some fake websites removed.
Australian Businesses responsible for imported product safety
As a result they can be held liable for any defect or other condition that renders the product unsafe and results in injury, death or damage. Generally, all businesses that manufacture or import products will have Public & Products Liability Insurance. However,...Franchise Laws Set to Shakeup Retail Sector
Reforms to the Franchise sector laws are set to reduce the prevalence of unfair terms in standard form contracts and to improve consumer and small business confidence.
Changes to the Franchising Code now give franchisees a right to request early termination from a franchisor
PRODUCT RECALLS ON THE RISE
Product recalls are on the rise as ever increasing consumer protection and new regulations come into play. It does not take much of a defect to fail to meet various legislation and Australian Standards. When a recall is declared by a government agency or a retailer,...Bunks and Bean Bags top the list of failures
A further nine furniture product safety recalls were reported to the ACCC this month, with Bunk Beds and Bean Bags heading the list and eBay being amongst the sellers under scrutiny. Retailers have been warned to meet their obligations. Concerns are increasing over...Focus on furnishing industry standards now at critical point
Standards are applied to protect buyers, consumers and users. They are used to demonstrate a commitment to the community’s expectation of a safe and sustainable Australia and are recognised as a value-add to Australia’s economic efficiency, trade and international...Consumers to benefit from increased penalties under Australian Consumer Law
Federal Parliament has increased maximum financial penalties under the Australian Consumer Law (ACL). In its final report on the ACL Review, Consumer Affairs Australia and New Zealand (CAANZ) recommended penalties for a breach of the ACL be raised from $1.1 million...AMAZON & EBAY SUBJECT TO RECALLS OF FURNITURE PRODUCTS – ACTION REQUIRED
A further three furniture product safety recalls have been reported this week, with all three posing a potential choking/suffocation hazard to young children. Concerns are increasing over product that is not only unsafe, but that also does not contain the necessary...IKEA recall of children’s furniture still on the minds of young families
In recent times the headlines have read ‘IKEA Re-announces recall of MALM and other models of chests and dressers due to serious tip-over hazard; 8th child fatality reported; consumers urged to choose between refund or repair. These headlines have been related to US...ARE YOU SOURCING OR DISTRIBUTING DANGEROUS FURNITURE?
Fifty Australians a week injured by toppling furniture and televisions. An estimated 2,600 Australians receive hospital treatment for injuries caused by toppling furniture and televisions each year, equating to approximately 50 people per week. Since 2001 at least 22...ACCC investigates possible azo dye risks associated with exposure to furniture
Recent activity in relation to health concern related to hazardous azo dyes in clothing and bed linen has prompted investigation about possible similar links to textiles and leather in furniture. Coupled with these concerns is the potential exposure to chemicals such as formaldehyde from bonded leather on imported furniture.