High-Powered Magnets

A permanent ban has been in place across Australia for some time on small, high‑powered loose magnets used in certain toys and jewellery due to serious safety risks, particularly for children.

The prohibited products include magnets that:

• Are small enough to fit into a standard small parts test cylinder (32mm dia x 57mm long).

• Have a magnetic flux index greater than 50 (kG)² mm².

• Are supplied for use as:

  • Toys, games or puzzles,

  • Construction or modelling kits,

  • Jewellery worn in or around the mouth or nose.

These magnets pose severe health risks if swallowed as they are a choking hazard and multiple magnets can stick together inside the body which can cause:

• Internal tearing of the intestines

• Tissue death, infection, or sepsis

• Life-threatening complications or death

Symptoms may not be obvious. An X-ray is often required to detect ingestion.

Responsibilities for Suppliers

If you discover you are supplying a banned product, you must:

• Immediately stop supply.

• Initiate a product recall.

• Notify the ACCC within 2 days.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

• Failure to comply with the ban can result in:

• Significant fines,

• Court action or enforceable undertakings, or

• Mandatory product recalls.

These magnets may look harmless, but the purpose of this article is to remind everyone they pose serious and potentially fatal risks. Compliance with the ban is essential to especially protect children.