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National Road Rules

Aftermarket/Ebay/Import Products including ISOfix latches &

Estimated reading: 3 minutes

Aftermarket accessories, or even some aftermarket child safety seats seem to be flooding the Australian market via Ebay, Amazon, and even in some unique cases, legitimate retail environments!  Are they even legal?  This article will help you understand a little more on the topic.

These items, and questions, are typically sourced back to social media forums, global information websites, bloggers and even some Aussie journalists have reported on these products explaining the benefits of them.  The reality is far different, and that as an ACRI member you are not only not permitted to use such devices but they are dangerous and illegal in Australia.

These products *all* come from China, regardless of the location they are listed as “warehoused” due to new 3PL (Third Party Logistics) that companies can now employ – giving the impression that they have been Australian approved in some way.  However – they are a con.  They not only do not go through any approval or standards testing but there is not even any evidence to say that the original manufacturers have even performed any testing on the products themselves – and even if they did, or another country has they more than likely still wont pass through the rigourous requirements that are Australian Standards.

The reason you more than likely wont see them in physical Bricks and Mortor stores around Australia is that the ACCC does random testing of these stores to expose or remove these types of devices from the Australian market – however it is much more difficult for them to constantly monitor all digital outlets, not to mention they don’t have the authority in regards to Chinese websites usurping as Australian warehouses.

One of the wildest examples we’ve seen is an inflating child car safety seat you can pump up prior to use!  This is another great reminder to have fun on Aussie Facebook groups, but make sure your check your facts from somewhere reliable.  Same as getting health advice – probably not best to get it at the pub!

Are they permitted? NO! Completely illegal and misleading.  Do not use!

How do I deal with a client who has one and claims that it passes standards?  This is a super simple topic, but it’s just as important to take the high road with client resolutions. Bringing divisive reactions to a topic we want to bring education to means that we don’t have a resolutive relationship with the client.  It’s best to be relational because in nearly all cases it’s not deceitfulness as a driver but genuinely a lack of understanding of the road rules and can easily, quickly be resolved.  In an understanding tone let your client know that if the product does not comply, and show on the product the Australian Standards approved ‘5 tick’ sticker, or is not listed as an approved product then we can not utilise the product in a installation.
 
Who are the governing bodies that cover this? There are multiple governing bodies involved, but in general, all governing bodies will act upon the ADR and Australian Standards. If the product is not Australian Standards approved then it must not be used in Australia.
 
Ultimately who is responsibile?  The driver is responsible for safe travel of the occupants of the vehicle.

NB: This site contains information intended only for the person on the ACRI membership list and is subject to legal privilege. Any duplication or copy, even in segments, infringes on copyright