A mandatory information standard for toppling furniture has come into effect on May 4.
Furniture suppliers are now required to provide safety warnings to consumers about the dangers of furniture prone to toppling.
ACCC deputy chair Catriona Lowe said it was a critical next step in reducing injuries and deaths involving toppling furniture.
It requires suppliers to provide hazard warnings in stores and online, to attach permanent warning labels to furniture and requires suppliers to include safety instructions for assembly and anchoring.
Suppliers who breach new regulations will face serious penalties for non-compliance – up to $2.5 million for individuals and $50 million for businesses.
“Suppliers must meet these requirements, and the ACCC will be working with state-based consumer agencies to monitor compliance and take enforcement action if appropriate,” Ms Lowe said.
Each year, more than 900 Aussies suffer injuries from toppling furniture and require medical assistance for their injuries.
The most vulnerable populations are children aged up to four years and older generations.
Since 2000, at least 28 people including 17 children under five, have died in Australia as a result of toppling furniture and televisions.
The ACCC advises customers to look out for warning labels and to place heavy items sensibly and safely.
