Suppliers are required to inform consumers where goods may pose a risk (as specified in the Act) including one which a consumer may not be expected to be aware of. Packagers of hazardous or unsafe goods, must also provide notices including instructions for safe handling and use.

The Consumer Commission has to oversee this so as to reduce the risk of hazardous or defective goods and substances. This oversight role includes investigating and recalling products.

A consumer can claim damages from either the producer, the importer, the distributor or the retailer of a product where the consumer has suffered harm as a result of the supply of unsafe goods, product failure, defect, hazard or failure to give adequate warnings relating to the product. “Harm” includes death, injury, illness or loss of or damage to property. The Act also allows for the consumer to claim for indirect financial loss suffered, for example, loss of income as a result of the injury.