Did you know that all businesses, including small and online businesses, must make a report to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) if a product they have sold causes a death, serious injury or illness?

If someone gets hurt from something you sell, this guide from the ACCC can tell you what to do next: Product safety mandatory reporting for suppliers – Understanding your obligations

Reports can be made online, and must be made within 2 days

You must make a report if your business supplies a consumer good or product related service that has caused a death, serious injury or illness. Businesses must submit a report within 2 days of becoming aware of a serious incident.

If you aren’t sure whether a mandatory report is required, the ACCC advises that you should still submit a report to ensure you comply with the 2-day reporting deadline.

If you are an overseas company who supplies goods in Australia, you are still obligated to make a report. This includes reports for incidents that happen overseas with consumer goods or product related services you supply in Australia. 

Reports are confidential, but penalties can apply if you don’t report

The ACCC advises that reports are confidential and making a report does not mean you are admitting that you have done something wrong.

If you do not submit a report however you could be found guilty of a criminal offence. 

Your report helps prevent other injuries and harm

The ACCC uses information from these reports to identify emerging hazards and risks in consumer goods and product related services. This helps prevent similar injuries, illnesses or deaths.

For further information on reporting obligations and other product safety issues please refer to the ACCC Product Safety Australia website.