Who is responsible for injury or illness caused by products I import?

The sky is the limit when it comes to business owners nowadays, thanks to the small invention known as the World Wide Web. We now have the capabilities to connect with 7 billion people all over the world, right from our loungerooms. For inspired business owners, it has allowed them to easily import products and make a profit. But, let’s say you’ve sold said product and it has resulted in injury or illness for a customer. Well, who is to blame if the product is not technically yours?

According to Australian law, it is the responsibility of the importer, aka you!

Yep. Even though you may have received products from overseas, it is your responsibility to ensure it meets Australian standards. You are liable if it is not batch-checked, coded and all records kept.

When it comes to make a claim, the insurer will see you as the manufacturer because you have brought the product in, automatically taking full responsibility for the product and any future issues it may cause.

So where does this leave you, if it was simply the mistake of the ACTUAL manufacturer?

Like with everything in business, you need to cover yourself from all possible mishaps. Ensure you are properly covered and have policies in place to save yourself heartache into the future.

To ensure you and your employees are properly covered in all aspects of your business, give us a call or send us an email to receive a free quote.

Don’t be caught thinking ‘It won’t happen to me’. You wouldn’t believe how many owners have fallen victim to that unfortunate mindset.