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What to do if we ask you for proof of product safety
Safety matters. If you're selling on Trade Me, we might ask for proof that your item is safe to use or consume.
By Trust and Safety 25 August 2023
Goods sold in Aotearoa and on Trade Me must be safe to use or consume.
When buying something online, you want it to be safe. We want stuff on Trade Me to be safe too, so sometimes we'll ask sellers for proof that their stuff is approved for use in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Government agencies enforce product safety standards and do their own checks, so it’s a good idea to make sure you know what can and can’t be safely used.
What we ask for will depend on the item you’re selling. Here’s a quick rundown of some of the situations where you might be asked for proof of product safety.
Electrical safety
Some electrical appliances will need a Supplier Declaration of Compliance (or SDoC). These say the item is safe to be sold. Specialty items will also often need additional certification.
If you’re a professional seller, you probably already know about these safety standards and will be able to supply an SDoC when required.
Gas appliances
Gas appliances also require an SDoC. Sellers also need to show a safety compliance label, which should be found on the item itself.
Your supplier or importer should be able to provide these documents if you don’t have them on hand.
Food
If we ask you to show your food is safe for consumption, we’ll want to know if it’s either made in a registered kitchen or is covered by a Food Safety Programme.
If you have some kai you want to sell on Trade Me, it might pay to double-check that your treats fit within the safety guidelines.
Extra tips
Generally, we’re allowed to pick and choose what we buy and what we sell, but sometimes the Ministry steps in when they know something will cause injury. That’s when an unsafe goods notice is issued.
Anything subject to an unsafe goods notice can’t be sold on Trade Me. For example, chainsaws without a chain brake.
Sometimes all we'll need is a photo of part of the item. Other times we'll ask for proper documentation.
We'll be clear about what we’re asking you for in any Proof of Product Safety request.
Get more information on mandatory safety standards on the Commerce Commission website.
Check it outAuthor
