Product safety

Product safety can be improved when everyone involved – in product regulation, manufacture, supply, sale, purchase, and use – works together and actively contributes to making sure that products are safe and are used safely.

We have information about buying and using particular products:

• keeping kids safe - advice on products for babies and children
• ladders
• toughened glass
• hot water bottles
• formaldehyde in clothing.

Before you buy a product

In the shop

• ask if there’s a standard - does the product meet the standard? If not, don’t buy it.
• does it fit? - try it before you buy it!
• do you think it’s unsafe? - tell the shopkeeper why.
• look at labels – do they say how to use and care for the product – and how not to use it?
• ask if you need any safety equipment to use the product safely. Make sure you buy, or already have, the recommended equipment before you use the product.

Using a product safely

• read and follow all instructions and safety information before you put it together, install it, plug it in, or use it
• repair broken toys and furniture immediately or don't use them
• provide adequate supervision of children using the product. Keep older children's toys out of reach of younger children
• be aware of possible dangers of old or modified products
• use products only for their intended purpose, and in a safe environment especially when children are around
• check the condition of products regularly, and do any necessary maintenance immediately
• report any problems to the supplier, retailer, or the Measurement and Product Safety Service.

Got a problem with a product?

The product breaks or becomes unsafe through normal use

Report the incident to our Measurement and Product Safety Service (keep the product as it may be useful for examination).

Report an unsafe good.

Under the Consumer Guarantees Act you can take the product back and ask for a refund, replacement or compensation.

Find out your rights to repair, replacement or refund.

The product is recalled for safety reasons

Stop using the product immediately, and respond according to the recall instructions.

Find out about current product recalls in New Zealand

The following are links to New Zealand websites with information on recalled products.

Consumer NZ – Recalls

Motor Industry Association Inc Vehicle - Safety Related Recall

Find out about current product recalls internationally

The following are links to external websites with information on recalled products.

Australian Government's Recalls Site

Health Canada Recalls

UK Trading Standards Product Recalls Site

US Consumer Protection Safety Commission

What the government can do if there’s a safety problem

• promote consumer awareness
• encourage research to improve safety
• help develop voluntary standards
• facilitate solutions between consumers and suppliers, including:
  • talking to the shopkeeper or supplier
  • talking to the manufacturer
  • suggesting modifications to make the product safe
  • negotiate the removal of unsafe products from sale
  • assist companies to recall unsafe products

If the problem is extremely serious, the Minister of Consumer Affairs can:

• recall unsafe products
• ban unsafe products
• make mandatory standards.