The NSW Government has introduced the Product Lifecycle Responsibility Bill 2025, and once passed, it will become the first legislation of its kind in Australia. While the framework is broad and designed to cover various products, the immediate focus is on lithium-ion batteries — a timely move given the growing number of fire incidents linked to these products.
As someone involved in dangerous goods (DG) compliance, I see this as more than just another piece of legislation. It’s a clear signal of where regulatory expectations are heading for suppliers, importers, and brand owners.
Why the focus on lithium-ion batteries?
Lithium-ion batteries are part of everyday life, powering e-bikes, scooters, tools, and household devices. But alongside their convenience comes significant risk. Fire and Rescue NSW recorded 384 incidents involving lithium-ion batteries in just over a year, resulting in multiple injuries and fatalities. Poor-quality imports, unsafe charging practices, and the lack of end-of-life management have all contributed.
The NSW Government’s response is to put responsibility squarely on those who place these products on the market — requiring them to manage risk across the entire product lifecycle.
Key features of the Bill
The Bill, once passed, will establish mandatory product stewardship schemes for regulated products — with batteries leading the way. Under these schemes, brand owners and importers will need to:
- Register battery products before supplying them in NSW
- Submit action plans outlining how they’ll meet stewardship requirements
- Provide annual and quarterly reports on performance
- Deliver public education campaigns on safe use and disposal
- Hold financial assurances, such as bonds or guarantees, to cover compliance failures
The regulator will have the authority to publicly name non-compliant businesses — increasing both reputational and financial risks.
What does this mean for businesses?
While the focus is on batteries today, this Bill is part of a broader trend toward extended producer responsibility. We can reasonably expect future stewardship schemes to cover other classes of dangerous goods — so it will be interesting to see how this evolves over time.
For DG suppliers, distributors, and importers, this means:
- Reviewing product portfolios for potential future stewardship obligations
- Updating storage and handling risk assessments to reflect increased scrutiny around battery safety
- Establishing robust internal processes for record-keeping, product registration, and compliance reporting
- Staying close to regulatory developments and contributing to consultation processes as they arise
Impact on consumers
Consumers will see better design, safer products, and clearer instructions on use and disposal. There will also be more accessible collection points and recycling pathways — which should, over time, reduce the number of dangerous battery-related incidents in homes and workplaces.
NSW setting the national agenda
NSW is taking the lead, but I don’t believe this will stop at state borders. Other states and territories will be watching closely, and we’re likely to see national stewardship frameworks follow. For businesses, this is about more than ticking a compliance box — it’s about building resilience and being ahead of the curve.
How DG Network can support your business
At DG Network, we’re already helping clients understand what this means for their operations. Whether it’s compliance gap analysis, action plan development, supplier management, or advice on integrating these requirements into existing DG frameworks — we can help.
If your business handles battery-containing products or other dangerous goods, now’s the time to start preparing. Feel free to get in touch if you’d like to discuss how we can assist.
Our Dangerous Goods Solutions
At Dangerous Goods Network, we provide solutions and services to businesses looking to manage their dangerous goods using best practices and ensuring compliance with relevant regulations.
Our services include specialist consulting for the safe storage and handling dangerous goods, ensuring compliance with regulations and Australian Standards. This includes site assessments, gap analysis, and the development of DG management plans tailored to specific facility needs. Additionally, we offer training courses (including CASA- and AMSA-recognised courses) via DG Trainer, SDS management software support via SDS Connect, and specialist transport services through Marair.
For a tailored consultation to assess your business’s specific lithium battery and dangerous goods compliance needs, please contact us at info@dgnetwork.com.au.
Disclaimer: The content provided above is only intended to provide guidelines and does not constitute legal or expert advice. Please note that each business’s situation is unique, and these guidelines should be evaluated individually to ensure full compliance. Please consult an appropriate professional for specific advice on dangerous goods for your business – info@dgnetwork.com.au.