Published: 17 July 2014
Category: Industry News
NSW Fair Trading Minister Matthew Mason-Cox today said NSW Fair Trading inspectors continue their unannounced audits in the marketplace, seizing any non-compliant electrical goods they find.
Mr Mason-Cox said Fair Trading officers have been working tirelessly to ensure the goods offered for sale to NSW consumers comply with electrical product safety laws.
“More than 1370 items have been inspected with 138 of these items found to be non-compliant, and another 13 items being analysed,” he said. “Two matters are currently being considered for prosecution and 13 traders are facing penalty infringement notices.”
“Non-compliant goods being inspected are predominantly device chargers and plug-in adaptors. Shop varieties being inspected include market stalls, convenience stores, mobile phone accessories stores and kiosks, service stations and major electrical retailers.”
Mr Mason-Cox said Fair Trading won’t hesitate to take action against any trader found to be selling non-compliant goods.
“Anyone importing or selling these products must understand it carries very significant personal and professional risks for their business and it is only a matter of time before Fair Trading catches up with you,” he said.
“Penalties are extensive ranging from on-the-spot fines of $500 to prosecutions carrying maximum penalties of $87,500 and/or two years imprisonment for an individual and $875,000 for a corporation,” he said.
“Since 26 June, inspectors have visited 937 businesses across 92 suburbs and towns.
Suburbs visited include: Paddy’s Markets, Dapto Markets, Auburn, Silverwater, Parramatta, Campsie, Hurstville, Ashfield, Marrickville, Eastwood, Haymarket, Darling Harbour, Town Hall, Wynyard, Sydney CBD, Frenchs Forest, Warringah, Dee Why, Narrabeen, St Ives, Umina, Ettalong Beach, Woy Woy, West Gosford, Wagga Wagga, Orange, Goulburn, Yass, Merrylands, Fairfield, Chester Hill, Bass Hill, Liverpool, Greystanes, Toongabbie, Stanhope Gardens, Quakers Hill, Woodcroft, Doonside, Rooty Hill, Plumpton, Emerton, St Marys, Werrington County, St Clair, Erskine Park, Griffith, Narrandera, Leeton, Raymond Terrace, Maitland, Green Hills, Kurri Kurri, Cessnock, Dubbo, Queanbeyan, Figtree, Wyong, Oberon and Lithgow.
Anyone who suspects a trader is selling unapproved products can contact Fair Trading on 13 32 20 or visit the Fair Trading website.
