The Minister for Small Business and Assistant Treasurer, Kelly O'Dwyer today announced the national interim ban on hoverboards that do not meet safety standards is to be extended by another 30 days.
The original interim ban was imposed in March after advice from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) that hoverboards that do not meet safety standards create an imminent risk of death or serious injury.
The interim ban will now extend to 16 July 2016.
“Extending the interim ban will protect consumers while the ACCC finalises its investigation into hoverboards and develops a longer term regulatory response for Government consideration,” Minister O’Dwyer said.
Consumers who have hoverboards are reminded to follow three simple safety steps:
- Check if the hoverboard is recalled at www.recalls.gov.au.
- If it is not recalled, contact your retailer to check if it meets safety standards; and
- Until confirmed safe, stop using and charging your hoverboard.
“During the interim ban period, if a hoverboard does not meet the safety requirements retailers are not able to sell it,” Minister O’Dwyer said.
“The ACCC, state and territory consumer affairs agencies, and electrical safety regulators are monitoring online sellers and inspecting hoverboards at stores to ensure that hoverboards sold to consumers comply with the interim ban.”
According to the ACCC six house fires in Australia have been directly linked to hoverboards resulting in the destruction of three homes.
For further information visit the ACCC website.