Product Safety in Online Marketplaces: What the ACCC’s 2025-26 Priorities Mean for Your Business

Published: 27 June 2025

Source: Adapted from ACCC Media Release – Read Original

Author: Bane Legal Services – Your Trusted Legal Matchmaker

Is your business selling products online - or sourcing them for resale? If so, the ACCC’s newly announced product safety priorities for 2025–26 should be on your radar.

At the recent National Consumer Congress in Melbourne, ACCC Chair Gina Cass-Gottlieb confirmed that unsafe products in digital marketplaces will be a major enforcement and compliance focus in the year ahead. The ACCC is placing significant weight on protecting Australian consumers from physical and economic harm caused by unsafe or non-compliant goods sold online - especially via third-party platforms.

What Are the ACCC’s Product Safety Priorities for 2025–26?

The ACCC has identified five key product safety priorities for the upcoming financial year:

1. Unsafe Products in Online Marketplaces

   Businesses selling goods online — especially on digital marketplaces — should expect greater regulatory scrutiny. The ACCC plans to target high-risk, non-compliant products using a mix of regulation, public education, compliance checks and enforcement.

   
   

2. Consumer Products That Impact Young Children

   Safety standards for button batteries, infant sleep products, and unstable furniture remain a top concern. ACCC Deputy Chair Catriona Lowe stressed the need to not only have standards in place but also ensure they are understood and enforced.

   
   

3. Lithium-Ion Battery Safety

   As lithium-ion batteries power everything from mobile phones to solar systems, the ACCC is prioritising consumer education, safe disposal practices and product recalls in this high-risk area.

   
   

4. Updating Mandatory Safety Standards

   From July 2025, the ACCC will review existing mandatory standards to align them with international benchmarks. This aims to keep safety requirements current while reducing compliance costs for Australian businesses.

   
   

5. Better Product Safety Data

   The ACCC is investing in improved reporting systems and stronger data-sharing arrangements with other regulators and stakeholders. The goal is to identify safety risks sooner and act quickly to prevent harm.

Why Does This Matter to Australian Businesses?

If you run an online store, operate a marketplace, or even just source products for resale - you have a duty to ensure those goods meet Australian safety standards.

The ACCC has made it clear that the digital economy is not exempt from its oversight. Unsafe products can lead to:

• Serious injuries or harm to consumers

• Expensive recalls and reputational damage

• Regulatory action, including penalties or prosecution

And perhaps just as importantly, they undermine consumer confidence in e-commerce more broadly.

What Should Business Owners Do Now?

While the ACCC will lead the charge with enforcement and education, it’s ultimately up to business owners to ensure compliance with Australian Consumer Law and product safety regulations.

Here are some practical steps to consider:

• Review your product listings for compliance with mandatory safety standards

• Keep up to date with ACCC guidance, particularly around high-risk categories

• Put systems in place for handling complaints, recalls and incident reporting

• Seek legal advice if you’re unsure about your obligations or potential risks

Need Help Navigating Your Compliance Obligations?

At Bane Legal Services, we’re not a law firm and we don’t give legal advice — but we do connect business owners with the right commercial lawyers for their needs.

With over 30 years of experience in business and franchising, we know what matters when it comes to finding legal experts who understand product safety, regulatory compliance, and the risks of selling online.

Whether you’re launching a new product or responding to an ACCC investigation, don’t leave it to chance. Let us match you with a trusted lawyer who can give you clear, practical legal advice tailored to your business.

Need a legal match? Contact Bane Legal Services today.

Let’s make sure your products - and your business - are safe, compliant, and built for long-term success.

Disclaimer:

Bane Legal Services is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. This blog is for general information only and should not be relied upon as legal advice. For specific legal guidance, we can connect you with a qualified Australian lawyer.