Compliance and safety for promotional products in Australia: ACCC, labels, and duty of care

Promotional products are still consumer goods). Under Australian Consumer Law, products must be safe and fit for purpose. Branding does not transfer liability to your supplier alone, you choose what you put your name on.

1. ACCC and product safety overview

The ACCC monitors recalls and safety standards. Items like children’s toys, sunglasses, batteries, and food-contact drinkware carry specific rules. Before ordering novel electronics or kids’ items, confirm applicable standards (e.g. AS/NZS ISO 8124 for toys).

2. Food-contact drinkware

Reusable bottles and mugs intended for beverages should meet food-contact material requirements. Request supplier declarations or test summaries for corporate programs where due diligence matters.

3. Apparel labelling

Care labels with fibre content and care instructions are required on textile products in Australia. Reputable blank suppliers include labels; removing them may violate regulations (do not assume you can clip tags without replacement.

4). Children’s promotional items

High risk category: choking hazards, paint toxicity, magnets. Avoid cheap unbranded toys without documentation. Schools and councils especially need audit trails.

5. Sunglasses and PPE claims

Sunglasses marketed as UV protection must meet relevant standard claims. Hard hats and hi-vis claiming standards need genuine certification, not decorative imitations for site use.

6. Lithium batteries and tech giveaways

Power banks and USB gadgets require careful sourcing; recalls happen for overheating products. Buy from established promo suppliers, not unvetted direct import drops.

7. Alcohol, gambling, and regulated branding

Some sectors restrict branded merchandise distribution (e.g. alcohol to minors). Marketing teams should know industry codes beyond product safety law.

8. Due diligence checklist

1. Supplier provides product compliance statements for higher-risk SKUs
2. No misleading health or environmental claims on packaging
3. Recall monitoring process for long product lines
4. Insurance and public liability considered for event giveaways

9. Frequently asked questions