The difference between China as country of manufacture to a company, under contract, required to meet product specifications subject to quality control as per the Australian standards (a rigorous and expensive process), with product under warranty (fully enforceable under ACL) … and China as in a factory dodgily churning out cheapest possible unbranded items copying the look and the minimum function of the original item but not even bothering with composition of the components (making them of raw materials that are the cheapest possible and not as required for safe and effective function), the stated capacity or function or the quality or type of components “under the hood”…? Life and death.
There are regulations that apply to the supply of electrical equipment and appliances. The requirements set out in the regulations must be followed. A failure to do so is a criminal offence.”
“Regulations and Standards apply to all electrical equipment sold or offered for supply in Australia. Certain types of equipment are classified as prescribed. These pieces of equipment must go through a certification process which ensures the equipment is compliant to the relevant safety standards before being offered for supply in Australia.”
“Regulatory Compliance Mark (RCM)
Prescribed electrical products must have an RCM on the appliance or an Australian approval number to show that the product has been certified.
This mark is currently recognised by all States and Territories of Australia.”
Don’t buy from Chinese sellers if you need a warranty, or if a flaw in the product could kill you. Buy only from the manufacturer or local distributor or approved Australian reseller - no grey imports, no unbranded rubbish, no cutting corners. If part of the reason why you’re buying a particular electronic item or battery etc is its cheaper price, stop and think and investigate and be suspicious lest you are being lured like a gormless garfish.
