Online Safety Pledge Puts Focus On Safe Vehicle Repairs And Parts Selection
The Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA) has welcomed the ACCC’s announcement that major online marketplaces have strengthened their commitment to protecting Australian consumers from unsafe products sold online.
The Australian Product Safety Pledge now includes Temu and Gumtree, alongside Amazon Australia, eBay Australia and AliExpress. Participating marketplaces have committed to product safety measures that go beyond current legal requirements and to annual reporting on their progress.
AAAA Chief Executive Officer Stuart Charity said the strengthened pledge is a positive step for consumers and an important reminder that product safety extends to vehicle parts.
“Online marketplaces are now a normal part of how Australians shop, and consumers are entitled to expect that products sold through these platforms are safe, traceable and fit for purpose,” Mr Charity said.
Mr Charity said motorists should exercise caution when purchasing vehicle parts online and seek professional advice before making a purchasing decision.
“There are often a range of legitimate parts options available for a repair, including high-quality aftermarket parts, vehicle manufacturer branded parts, recycled parts, refurbished parts and remanufactured parts.
“A part that appears suitable online may not be the right part for your vehicle, your repair, or the safety systems that rely on that component performing exactly as intended.”
AAAA is encouraging motorists to discuss replacement parts with their qualified technician before purchasing.
“Choice is important, but safe choice requires good advice,” Mr Charity said.
“The right choice depends on the vehicle, the repair, the quality and condition of the part, its provenance, whether it is fit for purpose, and whether the workshop can stand behind both the part and the labour.”
Mr Charity said consumers should also understand why many professional workshops are reluctant to fit customer-supplied parts.
“Independent repairers are responsible for the quality and safety of the work they perform. They also need to manage warranty obligations on both parts and labour,” he said.
“If a customer supplies a part purchased online, the workshop may not be able to verify where it came from, whether it has been correctly described, whether it is subject to a recall, whether it has been damaged, whether it meets Australian requirements, or whether it is appropriate for that particular repair.”
“That is why many workshops have policies regarding customer-supplied parts. In many cases, the safest and most responsible approach is not to fit parts where quality, compatibility, provenance and fitness for purpose cannot be verified.”
Mr Charity said independent workshops remain committed to providing consumers with choice, value and trusted advice.
“This is not about limiting consumer choice. It is about making sure consumers get the right part for the right repair,” he said.
“A qualified technician can explain the available options and source a part that is safe, appropriate and supported. That advice is particularly important for safety-critical components, electronic systems and parts that interact with a vehicle’s broader safety and performance systems.”
“The ACCC’s announcement is a welcome reminder that online product safety is not just a retail issue. In the automotive sector, the safest choice is to let your trusted repairer source the right part for your vehicle.”