Mandatory Reporting Under New Consumer Law
Author:
Rockliffs Solicitors and IP Lawyers
Publish Date: August 15, 2011
Failure by suppliers of goods and product related services will now face criminal offence penalties if they do not report incidents of harm to consumers.
Suppliers of consumer goods and products related services who become aware of a death, serious injury or illness caused by the use of a consumer good, must now under the new Australian Consumer Law, report the event to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) within two days or risk being guilty of a criminal offence. If medical treatment has been sought and somebody believes the incident was related to the goods supplied, an injury or illness will be reportable.
Therefore, suppliers of goods and product related services should quickly familiarise themselves with this new obligation, the guidelines and regulations so that they are able to ensure their internal policies and procedures enable them to promptly and efficiently monitor, receive and assess information about relevant incidents and comply with the reporting obligations.
Suppliers can comply with the new law by completing and submitting an online form via the ACCC website.
For further information or assistance please contact Rockliffs on 02 9299 4912 or email us at lawyers@rockliffs.com.au