Sydney, June 19: MDI International Pty Ltd (MDI) and TEEG Australia Pty Ltd (TEEG), the owner and operator of Timezone, Kingpin, and Zone Bowling, have each paid $49,500 in penalties following the ACCC’s issuance of infringement notices for alleged breaches of the Australian Consumer Law.
The breaches relate to non-compliance with the button battery safety standard testing requirements.
The ACCC issued three infringement notices to each company regarding the supply of three types of novelty toy products containing button batteries: the World’s Smallest Alarm Clock, the Pocket Fart Gun, and the Sonic Spinner.
These products were available to be redeemed as prizes at TEEG venues, including Timezone, using points accumulated through games.
The infringement notices were issued for allegedly failing to conduct adequate testing on the toys before supply, as required by the button battery safety standard.
Between July 2022 and June 2023, MDI supplied TEEG with approximately 10,000 units of these products without completing all required testing. TEEG subsequently on-supplied around 5,000 of these products to consumers.
“Button batteries pose significant dangers to young children, with serious injuries or fatalities occurring when they are swallowed, inserted, or ingested,” ACCC Acting Chair Catriona Lowe stated. “We urge consumers to check for unsafe button battery products in their homes and secure them to ensure the safety of young children.”
MDI recalled the World’s Smallest Alarm Clock in February 2024.
TEEG withdrew the Pocket Fart Gun and the Sonic Spinner from sale in mid-2023 and recalled them in April 2024 after concerns were raised by the ACCC.
Although some testing was conducted prior to supply, it was insufficient, as it did not include testing to ensure that the battery remained secure.
Subsequent tests have confirmed that the products now comply with the safety standard requirements.
“These alleged failures to conduct the mandatory button battery safety tests are concerning, as consumers rightly expect that such testing is completed before toys are supplied at popular arcade venues to young children,” Lowe said.
“The ACCC expects manufacturers and suppliers to have robust compliance processes for button batteries given the risks they pose to vulnerable consumers.”
Both MDI and TEEG have since taken steps to improve compliance, including formalising button battery compliance policies and processes.
For those in the toy industry, it is crucial to ensure all necessary compliance measures are in place before deciding to manufacture or sell products, particularly those containing button batteries, to protect consumers and uphold safety standards.
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