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This section provides information and advice to consumers and
businesses on product safety.
Information for consumers
Consumers can find information on how to use products safely and
how to make sure that the products you buy are safe. The Consumer
Information section of Product Safety
covers a wide range of topics including safety in
the home, children's furniture and nightwear, baby products, toys,
cigarette lighters, and pedal bicycles. Information is also provided
on safety issues to be aware of when buying products.
The Product Safety section also contains an online form to
report potentially unsafe products to
the Ministry of Consumer Affairs. Links to other websites and
details about unsafe products that have been recalled, can also be
found in this section.
Information for manufacturers, importers, wholesalers and
retailers
Businesses can find product safety information on issues they
need to be aware of when manufacturing, importing and selling
products.
Information for businesses covers:
Overall levels of safety can only be improved when everyone
involved in the regulation, manufacture, supply, sale, purchase and
use of products, work together and actively contributes to making
sure that products are safe and are used safely.
Consumers achieving safety
Consumers can help make sure products are safe and avoid risks
by:
- recognising that in any situation the person most at risk is
the one using the product and is also the one most able to
influence the safety of the situation
- buying products that meet standards
- reading instructions before use
- following instructions
- using products safely and avoiding misuse
- considering the environment in which the product is being used
and possible effects on non-users - eg, exercise cycles
- checking ongoing condition of product and performing
maintenance
- taking a safety problem back to the supplier
- being aware of the possible dangers of old or modified
products
- advising appropriate agencies about safety concerns.
Businesses achieving safety
For businesses it is important that you have a manufacturing or
supply philosophy that sees safety considerations as an integral
part of your operations. Businesses have the responsibility to
provide safe products and address issues of safety as they arise.
These issues include not only the physical characteristics of the
product but also an understanding of how they will be used and
other factors which affect their safe use.
Businesses can contribute to making sure products are safe by:
- providing safe products
- incorporating safety into design
- implementing quality assurance programmes
- complying with standards (as a minimum)
- providing clear instructions for assembly
- providing clear instructions for proper use
- identifying foreseeable misuse and providing warnings against
it
- identifying hazards associated with the product and providing
warnings about them
- implementing feedback systems
- developing product recall plans & procedures including
effective communication
- responding quickly to safety concerns that arise
- addressing the specific concerns associated with second-hand
goods.
What does the Ministry of Consumer Affairs do to
improve product safety?
The Ministry's Measurement and Product Safety Service (MAPSS):
- educates consumers and traders in identifying safe products
and how to use them safely
- investigates unsafe products
- participates in the development of national voluntary
standards, and
- provides policy advice to the Minister.
The Ministry can:
- suggest modifications to make a product safe
- request that unsafe products be removed from sale, and
- assist companies to recall unsafe products.
As a measure of last resort the Minister of Consumer Affairs can:
- recommend mandatory standards for products or services
- ban unsafe products, and
- order a compulsory recall of an unsafe product.
To report a potentially unsafe product you can complete the
safety incident form online, or
Tel: 0508 MAPSS Info (0508 627 774)
International Clients: 0064 3 962 2580
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