The Commerce Commission has ordered retailer PD Mart to stop selling certain car seats after concerns they may not meet recognised safety standards.
A ‘Stop Now’ letter was issued by The Commission to the company, formerly known as Panda Mart, following an investigation into potentially misleading labelling that claimed the seats complied with international safety requirements.
Initial assessments suggest the products did not meet all standards, with some lacking clear or complete installation instructions.
The Commission said that omission could put children at risk if seats were fitted incorrectly.
“When making such an important purchase like a car seat for your child, you should be able to trust that any claims made are accurate and truthful,” said competition, fair trading, and credit General Manager Vanessa Horne.
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PD Mart has since recalled seven models of car seats, covering 176 units sold, and is offering full refunds to affected customers.
The recalls are listed on the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment’s website, which also provides guidance for families who may own one of the seats.
The Commission’s wider investigation into PD Mart remains ongoing, with Horne saying they are particularly concerned about cheaper products being sold with safety risks to families who may rely on them most.
“PD Mart has publicly stated its aim is to offer products at prices up to 30% lower than major competitors. We are particularly concerned that these lower-cost products sold with potential safety concerns may disproportionately affect families with limited financial means, who will be relying on the car seats to keep their children safe.”
The retailer, which has stores in Auckland and Christchurch, has previously been subject to recalls involving toys, bikes, baby walkers and other children’s products.
