The NSW Government has announced a nation-leading implementation of new safety standards for battery-powered devices from February 1 2025.
In response to the rapidly increasing demand for e-mobility devices and the associated risks posed by low-quality lithium-ion batteries, the NSW Fair Trading will enforce these new standards, which include comprehensive testing, certification, and labelling requirements.
The NSW Fair Trading commissioner has declared that all lithium-ion battery-powered devices and their associated batteries and chargers are now classified as ‘declared electrical articles’ under the Gas and Electricity (Consumer Safety) Act 2017.
The new regulations will be enforced through active monitoring and compliance activities, ensuring that all traders and manufacturers meet the latest standards.
Sellers of e-mobility devices in NSW will be penalised up to $825,000 if their products do not meet the newly established safety criteria.
The move is part of a broader effort to mitigate the rising incidence of lithium-ion battery-related fires, now recognised as the fastest-growing cause of fires in the state.
“We’re acting ahead of other jurisdictions because unregulated products pose a huge risk to property and, in some cases, lives. Our action to ensure these products meet strict safety criteria will help save lives and protect property,” said the minister for Fair Trading and Better Regulation, Anoulack Chanthivong.
Since 2024, Fire and Rescue NSW has attended 54 fires related to e-scooters, e-bikes, e-skateboards, and hoverboards, including one that resulted in two fatalities.
The NSW Government will formally request that these products be regulated on the national agenda for the next federal and state Consumer Ministers Network meeting.
“It is crucial that these measures be adopted nationally, and we fully support the NSW Government’s initiative to place this regulation on the national agenda to create a unified approach across Australia,” said NRMA director of Policy and Public Affairs, Robert Giltinan.
This decision follows extensive consultation with key industry stakeholders, including manufacturers, retailers, consumer groups, and government agencies.