Australia/NZ Work Health & Safety (WHS) / Product Safety: Common Questions from Importers

Here are answers to the questions small importers and resellers most often ask about shipping into Australia and New Zealand.

What does Australia/NZ Work Health & Safety (WHS) / Product Safety actually cover?

It covers the documents and standards regulators expect when products enter the Australian and New Zealand markets. This includes electrical safety marking, chemical safety data sheets, and checks against known product safety issues. The scope spans physical goods, their packaging, and any chemicals supplied alongside them.

Do I need a Regulatory Compliance Mark (RCM) on my products?

If your product is electrical, yes — the RCM is one of the required documents under Australia/NZ Work Health & Safety (WHS) / Product Safety compliance. It signals that the item meets the relevant electrical safety requirements for both markets. Non-electrical goods do not need this mark, but other documentation still applies.

What is an SDS and why does it matter?

An SDS, or Safety Data Sheet, lists the hazards of a chemical product and how to handle it safely. Under Australia/NZ Work Health & Safety (WHS) / Product Safety requirements, your SDS must align with the Aus/NZ version of the Globally Harmonised System (GHS). This applies to any product containing chemicals, not just industrial goods.

How much lead is allowed in paint on imported products?

The limit is 1000 ppm for lead in paint. Any painted or coated surface on your product needs to be checked against this figure before it ships. This is a fixed numerical limit, not a guideline, so testing records matter.

Is asbestos ever permitted in any amount?

No. Asbestos is banned outright, with a limit of zero. There is no tolerance level, so any detectable asbestos content makes a product non-compliant.

How do I know if my product has been subject to a safety recall?

A product safety recalls check is one of the required steps under this framework. It means confirming your product, or similar products from the same supplier, have not been flagged for safety issues previously. This check should happen before you commit to an order, not after goods arrive.

Who sets the product safety standards I need to meet?

The ACCC maintains product safety standards that imported goods must comply with. These standards sit alongside the RCM and SDS requirements as part of the overall documentation set. Meeting ACCC standards is a core part of demonstrating Australia/NZ Work Health & Safety (WHS) / Product Safety compliance.

If you want help tracking these documents and checks against your suppliers, you can read more on the [Australia/NZ Work Health & Safety (WHS) / Product Safety](/regulations/australia-nz-whs) page or look into [supplier compliance](/supplier-compliance), and Complyra is there if you'd like to try it for yourself.