Lighting products sold on online marketplaces catch fire under testing
Testing of more than 130 lighting products available online found most failed to meet Australian standards.
A recent report from the Lighting Council of Australia reveals that an overwhelming majority of lighting products sold on online marketplaces fail to meet Australian safety standards. Of the 131 products tested, 73% were deemed non-compliant, including three downlights that caught fire during laboratory testing. The council has urged online retailers to remove these unsafe products from Australian websites.
Experts warn that consumers purchasing these products may face significant risks, including fire and electrical shock. The council's chief executive, Malcolm Richards, highlighted the lack of accountability and the potential consequences when regulatory bodies struggle to identify the responsible supplier or prevent re-listing of the same product.
Amazon emerged as the only platform to remove non-compliant products within a week, while others failed to take action despite receiving the results. Consumer advocates call for stronger regulations and general safety provisions to ensure products sold online are safe, emphasizing that the current system leaves consumers vulnerable to harm.
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