8 November 2007

Bindeex warning highlights risks of imports

Mandatory product liability and warranty insurance should be applied to all imported goods, Green Party Regional Development Spokesperson Sue Bradford said today.

Ms Bradford was responding to a call yesterday from the New Zealand Manufacturers and Exporters Association for compulsory liability and warranty insurance in the wake of the recall of popular children's product Bindeex.

"Imported goods are competing unfairly with New Zealand manufacturers.

"We expect and regulate for consumer safety here in New Zealand, but we simply don't have the capacity to place the same kind of safety and quality standards on the masses of imports that come across our border," Ms Bradford says.

"Today's Ministry of Consumer Affairs' toxic toy alert is a classic example of a foreign manufacturer competing unfairly with New Zealand's local toy manufacturers - up until the day they got caught.

"If New Zealanders want to ensure their safety, the best and easiest way is to support and buy from local New Zealand manufacturers.

"Buying Kiwi Made not only benefits local businesses and workers by putting money back into our own economy, it also protects our environment and, in this case, our children's safety."

ENDS

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