Magnets and button batteries in children's toys
Information and advice on children’s products and toys containing magnets or button batteries.
Toys containing magnets
A variety of toys and novelties may contain small powerful magnets that are dangerous if they are accidentally swallowed or inhaled.
Magnets that are separate, loose, or supplied in multiples of 2 or more and meet all the following criteria are banned.
- Are small enough to fit into the small parts cylinder, which is a device used for testing in Australian and international toy standards.
- Have a magnetic flux index greater than 50 (kG)2 mm2.
Are marketed by the supplier as, or supplied for use as any of the following:
- a toy, game or puzzle
- a construction or modelling kit
- jewellery to be worn in or around the mouth or nose.
Other toys containing magnets must meet mandatory standards.
If you choose toys that contain magnets or magnetic parts, make sure:
- the toy is well made and will not break easily, allowing the magnets to escape
- the magnets cannot come loose easily and that they are well concealed within the toy (so small children cannot suck on them).
Many children have suffered serious infections and internal injuries because of accidentally swallowing magnets. These injuries may require surgery and ongoing treatment:
In many cases, parents have no idea their child has swallowed a magnet. Children may not remember swallowing magnets, and this can lead to significant delays in getting them to hospital for treatment. Look out for signs including flu-like symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhoea and stomach pain.
If you suspect your child may have swallowed or inhaled a magnet, take them to a hospital immediately.
For more information on toys containing magnets, see the Product Safety Australia website.
Coin and button batteries in household items
Button and coin batteries are flat, round single cell batteries, with a diameter greater than the battery’s height. They are typically up to 32 mm diameter, and range in height from one to 11 mm.
Coin and button batteries are found in many household items such as:
- remote controls
- kitchen scales
- thermometers
- book lights, and
- seasonal novelties often sold at night events.
If a young child swallows a coin or button battery, they can suffer serious internal burns that can result in their death or permanent injury.
If you suspect a young child has swallowed a coin or button battery, call 000. Do not let the child eat or drink and do not induce vomiting.
In December 2020, the Commonwealth Government introduced the safety and information standards to make button batteries safer.
The new rules require products with button batteries to have secure battery compartments. Manufacturers must also:
- carry out compliance testing to prove batteries are secure
- package higher-risk batteries in child-resistant packaging
- and add extra warnings and emergency advice on packaging and instructions.
Making a complaint
When making a complaint, you should include:
- details of the issues you are experiencing
- copies of any correspondence that shows how you have tried to resolve the matter.
How NSW Fair Trading will handle your complaint
Your complaint will be reviewed to determine the most appropriate resolution. This may include:
- providing you with information to help resolve your complaint
- recording the complaint issues to assist in future compliance programs, or
- contacting the other party to try and resolve the dispute.
You can lodge a complaint:
Online
If you cannot resolve your matter, submit your complaint by using our form.
By mail
Post your complaint form and documentation to:
NSW Fair Trading
PO Box 972
Parramatta NSW 2124
Ask a question
If you are unable to find the information you need, you can call us between 8:30am to 5pm on Monday to Friday. You can also use our form to make an enquiry.