What are Product Safety Standards?
I want to make sure a child’s cot is safe before I buy it. What should I do?
I want to complain about a product that I bought recently. I believe it is unsafe. Who can help me?
How can I make sure electrical goods I buy from a garage sale will work safely?
What are Product Safety Standards?
Product safety standards are recommended by the Ministry of Consumer Affairs. Once introduced they are enforced by the Commerce Commission. Product safety standards might look at the nature of the product and its performance as well as any warnings that need to be on the product. Product safety standards also cover tests a product needs to go through after it has been made. For more information about standards or to find out what the standards are you can visit this website .
I want to make sure a child’s cot is safe before I buy it. What should I do?
You are right to check on this, and other such products for babies and children. Ask the shop if the product meets all standards and if it doesn’t, then don’t buy it. Read all the labels and instructions carefully and make sure if you need to put it together that you know what you’re doing and you follow the instructions. Retailers should have trained staff who can give you all the information you need to make an informed choice. For more information about the product safety rules for cots, see this website.
I want to complain about a product that I bought recently. I believe it is unsafe. Who can help me?
The Ministry of Consumer Affairs’ Measurement and Product Safety Service (MAPSS) looks at the safety of consumer products. If you have a complaint, you should first talk to the retailer and try and sort it out yourself. If you are still unhappy then you can complain to MAPSS by phoning 0508 627 774 or visiting the Consumer Affairs website. There are also links to pages detailing the safety standards for specific goods including cots.
How can I make sure electrical goods I buy from a garage sale will work safely?
If you are buying electrical goods from a private seller then it’s a good idea to have them checked out by an electrician first. You won’t be covered under the Consumer Guarantees Act and will be buying at your own risk. If you buy second-hand goods from a trader then the Consumer Guarantees Act will apply as usual but the fact that the goods are second-hand will reduce the amount of time they can be expected to last. You should always look for a label signed by a competent person, like an electrician, showing that the product has been tested and the date of that testing. This is an Electrical Safety Certificate and you shouldn’t buy a product without one. For more information see the Energy Safety website.