ACCC Sues Amazon Australia Over 41 Sold Unicorn Backpacks Missing Battery Warnings
AMZN•Australia’s competition regulator has sued Amazon’s local unit over noncompliant “Unicorn Toddler Backpacks” containing button batteries that lacked mandatory safety warnings. The ACCC alleges 41 backpacks were sold and 267 units remained in fulfilment centres between June 22 and November 1, 2022, seeking penalties and court orders.
1. ACCC Initiates Legal Action
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has filed suit in Federal Court against Amazon Commercial Services Pty Ltd, alleging breaches of product safety labelling laws for children’s “Unicorn Toddler Backpacks.” This marks the ACCC’s first case targeting an online marketplace under mandatory safety regulations.
2. Scope of Noncompliance
The regulator states the backpacks, sold and stored between June 22 and November 1, 2022, lacked required battery hazard warnings on both products and outer packaging. It alleges 41 units were sold to consumers and 267 remained in Amazon fulfilment centres at the time.
3. ACCC’s Demands and Potential Impact
The ACCC is seeking declarations, financial penalties, cost orders and other remedies from the Federal Court. A ruling against Amazon Australia could set a precedent for marketplace liability, potentially prompting stricter compliance measures across e-commerce platforms.
