ACCC Sues Kmart Australia Over Unsafe Nail Glue and Batteries

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has commenced Federal Court proceedings against Kmart Australia Ltd for alleged breaches of Australian Consumer Law. The regulator claims the retailer sold millions of units of OXX brand cosmetic nail glue without warning consumers that the product can cause serious burns upon contact with fabric. Between August 2017 and December 2024, reports indicated that these chemical reactions led to injuries requiring hospitalization and skin grafts.

Beyond the nail glue, the ACCC alleges Kmart failed to meet mandatory button battery safety standards. The watchdog claims the retailer sold approximately 64,000 Anko-branded watches between June 2022 and November 2024 without required safety testing for battery compartments. Additionally, the regulator cited incomplete warning information on 800 Anko Smart Tags, a product Kmart voluntarily recalled in 2024.

Kmart Australia expressed disappointment over the legal action, describing the issues as historical matters that the company has already addressed. While the retailer apologized for any injuries associated with the products, it maintains that the original labeling and warnings for the nail glue were appropriate to prevent misuse.