Australian Consumer Watchdog Sues Amazon Over Backpack Safety Labels

The consumer watchdog filed suit in Federal Court against Amazon, alleging the company sold children's unicorn backpacks that did not carry mandatory button-battery safety warnings. The backpacks, marketed as Unicorn Toddler Backpacks, included a detachable light-up unicorn plush toy containing button batteries.

According to the lawsuit, the items were held in Australian fulfillment centers from June 22 to November 1, 2022, without the required warning labels.

Forty-one backpacks were purchased by Australian customers through Amazon's Australian website. At the start of November 2022, 267 additional units remained in the company's fulfillment centers. The watchdog stated this is the first Federal Court case it has brought against an online marketplace over alleged non-compliance with product safety standards.

Button batteries can cause severe internal burns or death if swallowed or inserted by young children. The watchdog's deputy chair said mandatory warnings exist to keep children safe and that businesses must apply them correctly. Amazon has been contacted for comment.