A mandatory information standard for toppling furniture has come into effect on May 4.
Furniture suppliers are now required to provide safety warnings to consumers about the dangers of furniture prone to toppling.
ACCC deputy chair Catriona Lowe said it was a critical next step in reducing injuries and deaths involving toppling furniture.
Suppliers are mandated to offer hazard warnings both in physical stores and online, permanently affix warning labels to the furniture, and include assembly and anchoring safety instructions.
Those who violate these new regulations will encounter severe penalties for non-compliance, reaching up to $2.5 million for individuals and $50 million for companies.
“Suppliers are obligated to fulfill these standards, and the ACCC will collaborate with state consumer agencies to ensure compliance and pursue enforcement actions if necessary,” Ms. Lowe stated.
Each year, more than 900 Aussies suffer injuries from toppling furniture and require medical assistance for their injuries.
The most vulnerable populations are children aged up to four years and older generations.
Since 2000, at least 28 people including 17 children under five, have died in Australia as a result of toppling furniture and televisions.
The ACCC advises customers to look out for warning labels and to place heavy items sensibly and safely.
