News

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has reached out to the Australasian Promotional Products Association (APPA) to raise awareness about serious hazards associated with small high-powered magnetic stones, commonly used in games like magnetic chess and as fidget toys.

An example of the magnetic stones being supplied as a game is depicted below:

These magnetic stones fall under the permanent ban on small high-powered magnets, which aims to prevent significant safety risks.

Key Concerns Identified by the ACCC

• Hazards: If swallowed, multiple magnets can stick together inside the digestive system, causing severe internal injuries or death. These products also pose a choking risk.
• Permanent Ban Criteria: The ban applies to magnets that are:
  • Are small enough to fit within a small parts cylinder (a device used for testing in Australian and international toy standards);
  • Have a magnetic flux (strength) greater than 50; and
  • Are supplied for use, or marketed by the supplier, as a toy, game or puzzle, a construction or modelling kit, or jewellery to be worn in and around the mouth or nose.

The ACCC has conducted internal testing of various products that include these magnetic stones. Each product tested showed that the magnetic stones have a magnetic strength well above the maximum allowable limit.

The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has released several safety warnings highlighting the dangers of magnetic chess games (see here and click on “Product Safety Warnings”), and published a recall for a magnetic chess game sold through online platform Temu.

Next Steps for APPA Members:
As a professional trade association, APPA is committed to supporting the ACCC in promoting awareness and ensuring compliance with safety regulations. We urge all members to:

1. Review your product offerings to ensure compliance with the permanent ban.
2. Avoid supplying or marketing products that may fall under this ban.
3. Familiarise yourself with the ACCC’s guidelines on high-powered magnets:
   • Permanent Ban Document
   • ACCC Product Safety Information

We thank you for your immediate attention to this matter. By working together, we can help safeguard consumers and maintain trust in our industry.

For any questions or further clarification, please contact info@appa.com.au or the ACCC directly.