A new era for infant product safety in Australia
Australia is taking a significant step forward in baby product safety regulations, with a new mandatory information standard set to take effect on January 19, 2026. This regulation aims to enhance transparency and improve safety across a wide range of infant products such as car seats, strollers, high chairs, household cots, and infant sleep products.
For manufacturers and suppliers, this means a shift in compliance standards, ensuring that all product safety guidelines are met. For consumers, it guarantees access to important safety information before purchasing a product, reducing risks associated with unsafe designs, sharp edges, or gaps greater than the allowed limits.
At Digital Link, staying ahead of regulations has always been a priority. Working alongside INPAA and Joie on this project, I’ve seen firsthand how GS1 2D barcodes are transforming compliance—making mandatory safety information more accessible and enhancing consumer engagement. In this article, I’ll share key insights on what businesses need to do to adapt to these new standards and ensure they’re ready for the changes ahead.
Understanding the new Australian infant product safety regulations
The Consumer Goods (Infant Products) Information Standard is designed to improve safety requirements for baby products by ensuring clear labeling, improved safety markings, and better warnings on potential hazards such as:
- Choking risks associated with toys and small detachable parts.
- Suffocation risks in inclined non-sleep products that do not meet sleep safety standards.
- Structural hazards in folding cots, collectable cots, and household cots, including dangerous gaps greater than the approved dimensions.
- Improper mattress base support in cots that could pose risks to a child’s head or body.
This mandatory safety standard applies to a variety of infant products Australia imports and sells, reinforcing the need for businesses to comply with the latest testing requirements.
Key safety standards and mandatory requirements
The new standards ensure that infant products must adhere to strict guidelines, including:
✔ Clear labeling with essential safety information.
✔ Warnings on inclined non-sleep products that could pose suffocation risks.
✔ Stronger regulations on household cots, including required safety markings for safe assembly and use.
✔ Display purposes information to prevent improper usage of products not designed for regular consumer use.
✔ Contact information for consumers to report safety issues.
Failure to comply with the mandatory safety standard could result in product recalls, legal penalties, and potential risks to consumers.
Understanding the new Australian infant product safety regulations
Complying with these baby product safety regulations in Australia imposes can be complex. However, GS1 2D barcodes offer a scalable and efficient solution for suppliers looking to streamline safety requirements and enhance consumer engagement.
By integrating GS1 2D barcodes, manufacturers and retailers can:
📌 Provide consumers with real-time access to mandatory safety information via a simple scan.
📌 Include important messaging such as safety warnings, testing requirements, and usage guidelines.
📌 Ensure mandatory safety details, including information on sharp edges, car seats, and infant sleep products, are easily accessible.
📌 Improve recall efficiency by linking mandatory safety standard applies notices directly to affected products.
By embracing digital product safety solutions, businesses can comply with the new mandatory standards while providing a seamless, user-friendly experience for consumers.
The role of Digital Link in infant product safety compliance
At Digital Link, we understand that navigating product safety Australia regulations can be overwhelming. That’s why we work closely with manufacturers and suppliers to simplify the transition period and ensure compliance with the mandatory information standard applies.
Our partnership with Joie Australia is a prime example of how we help businesses comply with evolving safety standards. By integrating GS1 2D barcodes, Joie is enhancing transparency, providing better access to safety information, and ensuring their range of infant products Australia meets the new standards.
As an industry leader, Digital Link is actively involved in regulatory discussions and will be showcasing our product safety solutions at INPAA Baby Safety Week.
Why compliance with infant product safety standards matters
For suppliers, failing to meet safety requirements can lead to:
🚨 Product recalls and financial losses.
🚨 Consumer risks, including potential death or injury in unsafe cots, toys, or car seats.
🚨 Legal consequences for non-compliance with mandatory safety standard regulations.
For parents and caregivers, these new standards provide peace of mind, ensuring that all infant products meet stringent safety criteria. The inclusion of GS1 2D barcodes further strengthens consumer confidence by making safety markings and important messaging more accessible.
Join us at INPAA baby safety week
At Digital Link, we’re committed to transforming the way baby product safety regulations Australia are implemented. Join us at INPAA Baby Safety Week, where we’ll present our pilot project with Joie Australia, showcasing how 2D barcodes can revolutionize product safety and regulatory compliance.
By embracing new standards and leveraging GS1 2D barcodes, businesses can create a safer, more transparent market for infant products in Australia.
For more information on how Digital Link can help your company comply with the mandatory information standard, contact us today!
Final thoughts
The transition period before the mandatory standards take effect in 2026 presents a crucial opportunity for suppliers to adopt GS1 2D barcodes and ensure their infant products meet all safety requirements.
By staying ahead of these new standards, businesses can comply with regulations while also providing a safer and more informed experience for consumers.
🚀 Let’s shape the future of baby product safety together! 🚀
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