The Albanese Government has implemented the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission's recommendation to make new mandatory safety and information standards for infant sleep products.
The ACCC estimates that parents tragically lose ten babies every year due to unsafe sleeping and inclined non‑sleep products in Australia. The Government's new mandatory standards will aim to reduce the risk of death and injury to young children.
This announcement follows extensive consultation with industry groups, state and territory governments, consumer groups, and safety experts.
The Albanese Government's introduction of mandatory safety and information standards for relevant infant products will:
- Introduce testing and design requirements to address the risks associated with relevant products
- Ensure no sleep products have an inclined sleep surface of more than seven degrees
- Mandate safety information and warnings at the point of sale
- Provide suppliers with a period of 18 months to comply with their new obligations.
This announcement is yet another example of how the Albanese Government is committed to improving protections for consumers. These new standards will help save young lives.
