​NECA calls for more enforcement with non-conforming building products

Calls for more government funding and enforcement in relation to non-compliant building products are being made by building and construction industry peak bodies as well as the National Electrical and Communications Association (NECA), who says it is a “major issue” for the electrical sector and broader building industry.

“What’s unbelievable about this issue is that there seems to be a misguided view that consumers will somehow save a few dollars by purchasing a non-conforming building product,” said NECA Chief Executive Officer Suresh Manickam.

“Unfortunately, this view is far from the truth and has the ability to infest the entire supply chain as well as act as a time bomb for years to come.

“From the industry’s perspective, the issues include risk of electrical fire and shocks, property damage, legal liability, serious injury and/or death, industry reputation and consumer confidence.”

NECA said it is difficult to place a dollar figure on the damage being done to the industry and the consumer, though it describes it as “real and in the millions”.

The industry body has provided a comprehensive submission and is calling for:

1. Greater clarity regarding which level of government and/or department is responsible for the oversight and monitoring of imported electrical products, as well as the sale of imported electrical products.
2. The resources of federal and state regulatory agencies to be significantly boosted to be more proactive in relation to product enforcement activities.
3. Any product that requires a licensed electrician for installation only be sold through a trade’s desk.
4. The federal government to broaden and boost customs powers to enable random compliance audits of imported electrical products and the ability to detain non-compliant electrical products.
5. Commonwealth support for the management and administration of the EESS database, given the intergovernmental failure with respect to the progression and adoption of the EESS.
6. The EESS database to be enhanced to provide stronger verification of test certificate legitimacy, which is linked to a list of accredited test labs that are subject to an audit regime, based on track record and the level of risk.
7. A wider discussion in relation to product recall insurance occurs.
8. The federal government to increase its commitment and resources to ensure a larger number of product random batch tests are carried out.

“It’s encouraging to see parliament discussing this very serious issue. We have seen far too many tragic events occur as a result of non-conforming building products and we’re calling on the government to adopt our recommendations in order to stem this scourge,” said Manickam.

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