The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) is urging people to check if the companies they are buying from online are signed up to the Australian Product Safety Pledge.

Over 90 per cent of identified unsafe product listings were removed within two business days by online businesses signed up to the Australian Product Safety Pledge.

The voluntary initiative commits signatories to 12 product safety actions, that go beyond ordinary legal requirements, and which aim to prevent the sale of unsafe goods online.

While unsafe products present a risk of injury or death year-round, the ACCC is reminding consumers to shop safely during the pre-Christmas sales. It is estimated that at least two people die and 145 people a day are injured and require medical attention as a result of unsafe products.

The first report on how signatories to the pledge have performed against the commitments highlights some of the ways businesses have addressed product safety risks through technological enhancements.

“We are pleased with the measures implemented by the signatories which are helping to ensure consumers can have a safer experience when shopping online,” ACCC Deputy Chair Delia Rickard said.

“We welcome and encourage other online businesses, particularly those facilitating marketplace services, to join the pledge to further strengthen online marketplace safety.”

The current signatories to the pledge are AliExpress, Amazon Australia, Catch.com.au, eBay Australia and MyDeal.com.au, which together account for a significant share of online sales in Australia.

The ACCC has also worked with the OECD in issuing a communique that encourages international regulators to adopt consistent product safety pledges worldwide.

“It’s important to know who you are buying from; make sure you do your research and read online customer reviews about the seller or product.”

Consumers are also encouraged to check the ACCC’s shopping online safely tips on the Product Safety Australia website before buying products online.

Do you check the safety of the products that you purchase online?