Mr Kean said NSW Fair Trading has already visited more than 750 small traders across the State to ensure their products meet strict Australian safety standards.
“Too many discount stores and pop-up shops are selling banned products like novelty cigarette lighters, and cheap phone chargers, and these products are dangerous and can cause fire”, Mr Kean said.
“I want to make sure consumers are being put first. When you walk into a discount store, you absolutely have the right to expect the products are safe and compliant.”
To save money, some traders import products from overseas or via the internet, instead of sourcing them through reputable Australian suppliers.
Mr Kean said if traders do this, they must obtain verified test reports demonstrating that the products are safe.
“Our aim is to educate small traders before these products hit the market, rather than prosecuting them when things go wrong,” Mr Kean said.
“Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and we want to make sure they have every opportunity to thrive; however, I will not tolerate seeing dangerous goods on the shelves that risk consumer safety.”
Over the past four years, more than 150 traders in NSW were caught selling unsafe goods, including children’s toys. Of those traders, 21 were prosecuted, totaling more than $120,000 in fines.
Recently a Paddy’s Markets store holder was prosecuted by Fair Trading for selling dangerous toys, and ordered to pay $24,000 in fines by the Parramatta Local Court.
NSW Fair Trading has a brochure called Selling unsafe products could cost you for traders and it’s available in English and Chinese on the Fair Trading website www.fairtrading.com.au
