Australia Permanent bans for baby bling

Baby 'bling' dummies and dummy chains decorated with crystals and other ornaments that do not meet strict safety standards have been permanently banned, said Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasurer, David Bradbury.

The permanent ban on baby bling applies across Australia and follows an interim ban in July when fair trading regulators found that the products posed a serious risk of injury to infants.

Following testing by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), the permanent bans ensure that dummies and dummy chains must comply with strict safety standards before they can be sold in Australia.

"These permanent bans make sure that dummies and dummy chains that contain beads or other decorations that can easily dislodge and create a choking hazard are no longer on our shelves," said Mr Bradbury.

"Parents should always be vigilant about what products they use with their babies, particularly items that can pose a risk of choking or serious injury."If parents have any concerns that a product does not meet the relevant safety standards, they can go to www.productsafety.gov.au for more information."

The bans were made under the new harmonised Australian Consumer Law, where a product safety ban made by the Commonwealth is applied in every State and Territory.

The permanent bans are effective immediately and can be viewed at www.productsafety.gov.au