Harris Scarfe toughens up

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) is urging apparel retailers and manufacturers to ensure its products meet the relevant safety standards after it caught Harris Scarfe selling children's nightwear which did not meet specified standards.
Harris Scarfe, which currently maintains more than 20 stores in South Australia, Victoria, Tasmania and New South Wales, was caught selling 1860 terry towelling children's dressing gowns, labelled as Low Fire Risk and described as Strickly Sleep by RJN.
The garment was identified by the ACCC staff during a routine product safety survey in May 2005 and tested by an independent testing authority. The test results indicated the garments failed to comply with Australian Standard AS/NZS1249:1999 Children's nightwear and limited daywear having reduced fire hazard.
Upon notification, Harris Scarfe and its supplier RJN Australia immediately recalled the product.
"All wholesalers and retailers should take note that proper compliance systems can prevent such dangerous incidents and the associated cost of conducting recalss," said ACCC chairman Graeme Samuel.
"Ensuring compliance with mandatory standards must be regarded as a fundamental part of the retailing process."
Harris Scarfe is currently in the process of implementing a rigorous compliance training program for relevant staff, with a focus on product safety issues in a bid to prevent any further infringements.