Australia has issued the Consumer Goods (Toppling Furniture) Information Standard 2024

Vol. 1404 | 16 May 2024

Australia Government has approved the Consumer Goods (Toppling Furniture) Information Standard 2024. It will be effective on 4 May 2025.

The Standard is applicable to toppling furniture. Toppling furniture include the following:

• category 1 furniture: a clothes storage unit or bookcase with a height of 686 mm or more.
• category 2 furniture: an entertainment unit.
• category 3 furniture: a hall table, display cabinet, sideboard or buffet, with a height of 686 mm or more.

The labelling and warning requirements provided in this Standard are shown in the following:

Display and supply of toppling furniture online

The warning must include the following:

• an alert word (such as DANGER or WARNING) with the letters of the alert word in upper case;
• an internationally recognised safety alert symbol (please see *1);
• a pictogram that shows a child standing or climbing on the toppling furniture, with a cross or strikethrough (please see *2);
• a statement to the effect that children have died from furniture toppling over.

For category 1 furniture, the warning must include statements:

• always secure this furniture with an anchor device;
• never allow children to stand, climb or hang on drawers, doors, or shelves;
• never open more than one drawer at a time;
• place heavy items down low;
• never place a television on this furniture.

For category 2 furniture, the warning must include statements:

• always secure your television with an anchor device;
• never allow children to stand, climb or hang on drawers, doors, or shelves.

For category 3 furniture, the warning must include statements:

• always secure this furniture with an anchor device;
• never allow children to stand, climb or hang on drawers, doors, or shelves.

The warnings shall be provided by the electronic platform.

Display and supply of toppling furniture in stores

The warning must include the following:

• an alert word (such as DANGER or WARNING) with the letters of the alert word in upper case;
• an internationally recognised safety alert symbol;
• a pictogram that shows a child standing or climbing on the toppling furniture, with a cross or strikethrough;
• a statement to the effect that children have died from furniture toppling over.

For category 1 furniture, the warning must include statements:

• this furniture type is at high risk of toppling over;
• always secure this furniture with an anchor device;
• for more information, ask staff or visit www.productsafety.gov.au.

For category 2 furniture, the warning must include statements:

• always secure your television with an anchor device;
• for more information, ask staff or visit www.productsafety.gov.au.

For category 3 furniture, the warning must include statements:

• this furniture type is at risk of toppling over;
• you should secure this furniture with an anchor device;
• for more information, ask staff or visit www.productsafety.gov.au.

The warnings shall be displayed on or near the toppling furniture.

Warning and safety information on furniture

The warning must include the following:

• an alert word (such as DANGER or WARNING) with the letters of the alert word in upper case;
• an internationally recognised safety alert symbol;
• a pictogram that shows a child standing or climbing on the toppling furniture, with a cross or strikethrough;
• a statement to the effect that children have died from furniture toppling over.

For category 1 furniture, the warning must include statements:

• always secure this furniture with an anchor device;
• never allow children to stand, climb or hang on drawers, doors, or shelves;
• never open more than one drawer at a time;
• place heavy items down low;
• never place a television on this furniture;
• this is a permanent label. Do not remove!

For category 2 furniture, the warning must include statements:

• always secure your television with an anchor device;
• never allow children to stand, climb or hang on drawers, doors, or shelves;
• this is a permanent label. Do not remove!

For category 3 furniture, the warning must include statements:

• secure this furniture with an anchor device;
• never allow children to stand, climb or hang on drawers, doors, or shelves;
• always secure your television with an anchor device;
• this is a permanent label. Do not remove!

The warnings shall be displayed on the toppling furniture.

Warnings and safety information to be provided with instructions

The warning must include the following:

• an alert word (such as DANGER or WARNING) with the letters of the alert word in upper case;
• an internationally recognised safety alert symbol;
• a pictogram that shows a child standing or climbing on the toppling furniture, with a cross or strikethrough;
• a statement to the effect that children have died from furniture toppling over.

For category 1 furniture, the warning must include statements:

• always secure this furniture with an anchor device;
• never allow children to stand, climb or hang on drawers, doors, or shelves;
• never open more than one drawer at a time;
• place heavy items down low;
• never place a television on this furniture.

For category 2 furniture, the warning must include statements:

• always secure your television with an anchor device;
• never allow children to stand, climb or hang on drawers, doors, or shelves.

For category 3 furniture, the warning must include statements:

• secure this furniture with an anchor device;
• never allow children to stand, climb or hang on drawers, doors, or shelves.

The warnings shall be included in the instructions (including assembly instructions).

Example of warnings

The followings are the example of the warning according to the explanatory statement of the Consumer Goods (Toppling Furniture) Information Standard 2024:

Category 1 and 3:

Category 2:

Note:

*1: Internationally recognised safety alert symbol

*2: A pictogram that shows a child standing or climbing on the consumer good with a strikethrough

If you have any questions, please contact our technical expert Carl Tso (carl.tso@intertek.com).