Discussion Paper Summary

December 2000

Baby Walker Safety - Investigation into the Need for a Product Safety Standard

As Minister of Consumer Affairs, I have a role in monitoring the safe performance of products and in addressing problems emerging from product safety investigations. I am also concerned that safety conditions in the market are adequate to protect consumers from potentially injurious products.

Under section 29 of the Fair Trading Act 1986 I can recommend that a product safety standard be declared. However before making any recommendation I am required to consult with parties who would be substantially affected by such a recommendation, and to consider their comments.

There have been concerns about the safety of baby walkers and the high incidence of injury associated with this product for many years. In February 2000 Safekids launched a public campaign seeking their total ban.

I too shared these concerns and requested the Ministry to explore all the practicable steps that could be taken to help reduce the injuries being suffered by children using baby walkers.

Of the options available, it appears that the most appropriate and effective means of reducing baby walker injuries may be the introduction of a product safety standard. This paper discusses the options that have been explored and describes the other issues that must also be taken into account.

The paper forms the process of my consultation with interested individuals and groups, as required under section 29 of the Fair Trading Act. It is intended to assist anyone who may wish to make a submission on the merits or otherwise of declaring a product safety standard for baby walkers. The paper outlines:

• the safety issues relating to baby walkers
• the current regulatory regime
• options for achieving the safe performance and safe use of baby walkers
• issues about which I am seeking information.

I look forward to considering your views on the matter. When I have fully considered your comments I will form a final view as to the most appropriate way to achieve better safety outcomes for baby walkers. There will be a further opportunity to comment on that final view. It is time however New Zealand made positive steps towards reducing these injuries and I want to move this matter forward.

Hon. Phillida Bunkle
Minister of Consumer Affairs

Discussion Paper - full text

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