A nationwide ACCC review of more than 3,000 products from 160 businesses has found that a staggering 90% of suppliers had at least one non-compliant product, and more than half were non-compliant across all items assessed.
Since 2000, 28 Australians—including 17 children under five—have lost their lives to toppling furniture incidents, and hundreds more suffer serious injuries every year. These are not isolated accidents; they are preventable tragedies. The mandatory information standard was introduced to mitigate the risks by ensuring every piece of furniture that poses a risk carries a clear, permanent, and visible safety warning.
A recent article following a review from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) shows that compliance remains a challenge across the sector.
The Australian Furniture Association (AFA) and the Australian Furnishing Industry Stewardship Council (AFISC) have combined their efforts to support members and the wider community in meeting the ACCC’s mandatory toppling furniture information standard by providing industry led action to protect customers, brands, and businesses.
‘As part of our commitment to supporting the industry and promoting safety across the furnishing sector, the AFA and AFISC provided clear guidance, awareness campaigns and compliant labelling solutions well before the mandatory requirements came into effect in May 2025’ says Group CEO, Patrizia Torelli.
‘Our members have access to fully compliant permanent labels and swing tags that meet the ACCC’s design, durability and information standards, making it simple to demonstrate compliance and consumer care.’
Common Pitfalls Identified by the ACCC
According to the ACCC’s recent compliance sweep, some of the most common issues include:
- Labels only on the packaging. Warnings must be permanent on the product itself.
- Missing online warnings. If a consumer can add to cart without seeing the safety information, it’s non-compliant.
- Outdated or incomplete manuals. All instructions must include anchoring advice and hazard warnings.
- Overlooked product categories. Furniture such as hall tables, sideboards, display cabinets (686 mm +) and all entertainment units must carry the warning.
What You Need to Know
The mandatory information standard applies to:
- Chests of drawers, wardrobes, bookcases, hall tables, display cabinets, sideboards and buffets 686 mm or higher
- All entertainment units, regardless of height
Suppliers—including manufacturers, importers, wholesalers, distributors and retailers—must:
- Affix a permanent warning label to each product
- Provide safety warnings at point of sale, both in-store and online
- Include anchoring and safety information in manuals and assembly instructions
Penalties for non-compliance can reach $50 million for corporations and $2.5 million for individuals under the Australian Consumer Law.
A Safer Future for Australian Homes
Through proactive education and practical tools, the AFA and AFISC continue to support members and the wider industry in meeting Australia’s product safety standards. By ensuring that every eligible item carries the correct warning label protects consumers, strengthens confidence, and upholds the integrity of Australia’s furnishing industry.
Helping the Industry Stay Compliant
Through a group-buy program, furniture suppliers have access to:
- Compliant artwork for Categories 1–3 furniture
- Group buying rates for affordable compliance
- Sequentially numbered labels for traceability and brand protection
- Optional AFA / AFISC co-branding for Members to reinforce authenticity
- Tracked express delivery Australia-wide
Suppliers can order compliant labels here: Order your Mandatory Toppling Furniture Labels and Swing Tags HERE
Contact us here for more information or support.