Updated child-resistant packaging standard targets button battery safety

Protecting young children from button battery injuries remains a critical safety priority in Australia, with around 20 children rushed to emergency departments every week after suspected ingestion or insertion of these small cells. As the use of button batteries grows, so too does the need for stronger child‑resistant and new packaging designs that support safer storage, reuse, and improved recycling to reduce environmental impact.

To support this shift, Standards Australia has published a revised edition of AS 1928:2026 Child-resistant packaging – Requirements and testing procedures for reclosable package. The updated standard addresses emerging safety concerns, particularly around reusable packaging, and expands coverage to novel packaging types not previously captured.

Aligned more closely with the international practice set out in ISO 8317, the standard introduces a refined definition of ‘opening’ and ‘closing’ to accommodate innovative packaging formats. This includes the growing need for reusable solutions designed to reduce the risk of child access to hazardous products such as button batteries.

Catherine Oh, Chair of Standards Australia’s technical committee HE-016 Child Resistant Packaging, said the revision is an important enabler for industry:  

“The updated AS 1928 paves the way for novel packaging, including reusable button battery packaging, to be tested to the currently accepted requirements. These solutions could not be assessed under the previous version of the standard.”

Improving packaging solutions for button batteries, including options that support circular design and safer recycling, remains essential to reducing severe and fatal exposures. To ensure these improvements are implemented effectively, relevant legislative instruments referencing AS 1928 will need to be updated.  

Catherine added:

“The transition period should consider more than compliance timelines. Since the core testing methodology has not changed significantly since the previous standard, and packaging compliant with that version has been safely used for years, there is good reason to exempt those packaging types from retesting. This approach would reduce unnecessary testing costs and support faster adoption, potentially within 12 months.”

Standards Australia encourages manufacturing, packaging designers, retailers, and regulators to review the updated standard and consider opportunities to adopt safer, more sustainable solutions that help protect Australia’s families and communities.

Access AS 1928:2026 Child-resistant packaging via Standards Australia Store.