There is a permanent ban on the sale of inflatable toys, novelties and furniture that have loose beads or small particles inside the product, due to the risk of choking or suffocation for young children.

About the ban

Inflatable toys, novelties or furniture which can be inflated by the mouth and which contain small beads or pellets of material that may be inhaled during inflation or deflation, cannot be supplied in Australia. 

Polystyrene beads are an example of the type of bead that, if contained in an inflatable toy, novelty or furniture, would make that item the subject of this ban. Examples of products that would be captured by the ban include:

• inflatable toy hammers
• balls
• children’s chairs
• plastic lounges and footstools.

Complying with the ban

Consumer Protection Notice No. 13 of 2011 sets out the requirements of this ban.

Enforcement

Failure to supply compliant products can result in the ACCC taking action, culminating in:

• infringement notices of $10 200 for companies and $2040 for individuals
• court enforceable undertakings
• disqualification from being a company director
• court action with penalties up to $1.1m for companies or $220 000 for individuals
• recall of product.

See: Penalties & consequences.