Banned Doesn't Always Mean Gone: Why Dangerous Magnetic Toys Are Still Reaching Australian Families

Dangerous Magnetic Toys Still Being Sold Despite Permanent Ban

ACCC takes action to protect Australian children

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has issued takedown requests to several major online marketplaces after discovering banned magnetic toys and games were still being sold to Australian consumers.

The action serves as an important reminder that even products subject to a permanent ban can still find their way onto online marketplaces, highlighting the need for ongoing vigilance from retailers, manufacturers, online platforms and consumers alike. Read the ACCC media release

Why are these magnetic toys so dangerous?

The products under investigation include toys and games containing small, high-powered magnets, such as "magnetic chess" and similar novelty games.

Unlike ordinary fridge magnets, these powerful magnets pose an extreme risk if swallowed.

If a child swallows more than one magnet—or a magnet together with another metal object—the magnets can attract each other through the walls of the stomach or intestines. This can cause devastating internal injuries including:

• Perforations of the stomach or bowel

• Twisting or blockage of the intestines

• Blood poisoning (sepsis)

• Emergency surgery

• Permanent internal damage

• Death

Because these injuries occur inside the body, parents may not immediately realise what has happened. Early symptoms often resemble common childhood illnesses such as vomiting, stomach pain or fever, delaying diagnosis and treatment. (ACCC)

The Ban Has Been in Place Since 2012

Many people are surprised to learn that Australia has had a permanent ban on certain loose, small, high-powered magnets since 2012.

The ban applies to separable or loose magnets that:

• Are supplied in multiples of two or more

• Are small enough to be swallowed

• Are strong enough to cause serious internal injuries if ingested

Australia also has a mandatory safety standard for toys containing magnets, requiring that magnets remain securely enclosed during normal use and reasonably foreseeable abuse testing. (ACCC)

Why Is the ACCC Taking Action Now?

Following an investigation, the ACCC found banned products being offered for sale through several major online marketplaces, including Amazon, eBay, Kogan and Fruugo.

The ACCC has requested that these marketplaces:

• Remove affected product listings

• Prevent similar products from being relisted

• Contact customers who purchased the products

• Offer refunds where appropriate

The marketplaces have committed to working with the ACCC to remove the products and improve safeguards against future listings. (ACCC)

What This Means for Industry

For manufacturers, importers, wholesalers, retailers and online sellers, this action reinforces an important message:

Product safety doesn't end once a product reaches the marketplace.

Businesses have an ongoing responsibility to ensure every product they supply complies with Australian product safety laws and mandatory standards.

This includes:

• Regularly reviewing product ranges

• Auditing imported products

• Understanding current mandatory standards and permanent bans

• Monitoring third-party sellers where applicable

• Acting quickly if unsafe products are identified

The ACCC has indicated it will continue investigating suppliers of banned products and may take enforcement action where appropriate. (ACCC)

A Reminder for Parents and Caregivers

If you own toys or games containing loose, high-powered magnets:

• Stop using them immediately.

• Keep them well away from children.

• Contact the retailer regarding a refund if applicable.

• Seek immediate medical attention if you suspect a child has swallowed a magnet—even if they appear well.

Time is critical. Swallowed magnets can cause severe internal injuries within hours.

INPAA's Commitment to Safer Baby and Children's Products

At INPAA, we strongly support the ACCC's proactive enforcement of Australia's product safety laws.

Every action taken to remove unsafe products from the market helps create a safer environment for Australian families.

This latest enforcement also serves as a timely reminder that compliance is not simply a regulatory requirement—it is a shared responsibility across the entire supply chain.

By working together, manufacturers, brands, retailers, online marketplaces and regulators can help ensure that only safe, compliant products reach Australian homes.

Because when it comes to children, there is no room for compromise on safety.

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INPAA's Perspective: Product Safety is a Shared Responsibility

The ACCC's latest enforcement action is an important reminder that protecting children is a responsibility shared by everyone in the supply chain.

While Australia's permanent ban on dangerous high-powered magnets has been in place for many years, the rise of global online marketplaces means unsafe products can still find their way into Australian homes.

For businesses, compliance shouldn't be viewed as a one-off exercise. Product safety requires ongoing vigilance—from sourcing and product development through to retail, marketplace monitoring and post-market surveillance.

What INPAA Encourages Members to Do

Whether you're a manufacturer, importer, distributor or retailer, we encourage you to:

✔ Review your product range regularly to ensure it complies with current Australian mandatory standards and product bans.

✔ Know your suppliers. Ask questions about product testing, certification and compliance before products reach Australian consumers.

✔ Monitor online marketplaces. If you sell through third-party platforms, regularly review listings to ensure only compliant products are being offered.

✔ Stay informed. Keep up to date with ACCC product safety alerts, recalls and regulatory changes that may affect your business.

✔ Educate your customers. Clear product information and safety guidance help parents make informed purchasing decisions and use products safely.

Building Consumer Trust Through Safety

Australian parents place enormous trust in the brands they choose for their children.

That trust is earned through a genuine commitment to product safety—not only by meeting regulatory requirements, but by embracing best practice and putting children's wellbeing first.

At INPAA, we're proud to work alongside regulators, manufacturers, retailers and industry partners to promote safer products, stronger standards and greater consumer confidence.

Because every child deserves the safest possible start in life.