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How to safely list a child's car seat restraint
Find out what the rules are when selling used children's car seats, and what to look for as a buyer.
By Trust and Safety 3 November 2023
Safely listing a second-hand car seat on Trade Me
We take safety seriously, so there are rules around what can and can’t be sold.
In Aotearoa, all children under seven years of age must use an approved child restraint appropriate for their age and size.
Standard compliance stickers
All children's child restraints must comply with at least one of these standards:
- Australian/New Zealand Standard AS/NZS 1754
- European Standard ECE44 or ECE 129
- US Standard FMVSS213.
Restraints must have a standard sticker physically on them. If we ask a seller to send a photo of one of these stickers on the item, sellers must provide that photo within 24 hours.
For more information see Waka Kotahi's guide.
Selling car seat restraints
Brand new items
Brand new car restraints must be sold with the correct instruction documentation. This is a legal requirement.
Second-hand items
Even if your restraint has the correct sticker, the restraint can't be listed or sold if:
- It's been involved in a collision.
- It has sun damage.
- There are signs of deterioration (e.g. cracks, rust, or mould.)
- There is any fraying on the straps or harness.
- If the restraint is expired.
If we have any doubts about the safety of a restraint, we'll remove the listing.
Expired restraints
Expired child restraints can’t be listed or sold, fullstop. No ifs or buts.
Expiration dates are based on the date of manufacture, and restraints can never be older than 10 years.
This guide can help you determine the expiry date of a car seat from the date of manufacture.
Want to learn more?
We’re not the experts in this area so we recommend you talk to people who know a lot more about car seat safety:
- Waka Kotahi has a good write-up on using child restraints safely.
- Whānau Āwhina Plunket has a guide to buying a second-hand car seat.
- Waka Kotahi has a list of child restraint technicians who can provide informed advice on the type of child restraint you may need and assist with fitting your restraint.
- If you have an old car seat that can't be sold, you can recycle your car seat as part of the Seat Smart program.
If you find a listing that should be removed, let us know via Community Watch.
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