Skip to content

Australia Sees 14.3% Drop in Product Recalls in H1 2025

Automotive and food recalls plummet in Australia's first half of 2025. New regulations and improved practices drive the overall decline, but consumer products sector sees an increase.

In this image we can see stores, beverage tins, menu boards, clock, spices in the plastic...
In this image we can see stores, beverage tins, menu boards, clock, spices in the plastic containers, condiments, advertisement boards, name boards and sky.

Australia Sees 14.3% Drop in Product Recalls in H1 2025

The first half of 2025 saw a significant drop in product recalls in Australia, with a 14.3% decrease compared to the latter half of 2024. This decline was driven by substantial reductions in several key sectors, including automotive and food and drink, while the consumer products sector showed a surprising increase.

The automotive industry led the decline with a 30.7% decrease in recalls. The food and drink sector also contributed significantly, with a 17.5% decrease. Meanwhile, the medical device sector saw a 6.1% decrease in recalls, and the pharmaceutical sector experienced an 18.4% decrease.

The total number of recalls in the first half of 2025 was 394, compared to 460 in the second half of 2024. This decrease can be attributed to various regulatory changes and improved industry practices. For instance, the Therapeutic Goods Administration implemented new procedures for recalls and adverse-event reporting, and new cybersecurity rules for smart devices were enforced. However, no specific revisions to security standards for smart devices, product information, or consumer medical products were reported under the Australian Securities and Investments Commission's updated regulations.

In contrast, the consumer products sector was the only one to show an increase, up by 2.8%. This increase may be due to the expanded producer responsibilities for batteries and other consumer goods under the NSW Product Lifecycle Responsibility Act.

In summary, the first half of 2025 saw a significant reduction in product recalls, with most sectors contributing to this decline. While the consumer products sector showed an increase, the overall trend indicates improved safety and regulatory compliance. The automotive industry's substantial reduction in recalls was particularly notable. These changes reflect the government's ongoing efforts to enhance consumer protection and market integrity.

Read also:

Latest