Australian standards for child restraints
When choosing a child restraint, make sure it complies with the Australian Standard
Using an approved restraint is a legal requirement and will also help keep your children safe in the car. It’s also important that you use the correct type of restraint for your child’s age, and that it’s fitted correctly.
South Australian law outlines that approved restraints comply and are certified to the Australian Standard AS/NZS 1754 – one of the highest standards in the world.
This mandatory standard specifies a number of design and performance requirements for child restraints in order to provide maximum protection for children in crashes. Every compliant child restraint will feature the Standard Approved sticker.
What you need to know about the Australian Standards for child restraints
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Child restraint standards
AS/NZS1754: Child restraint systems for use in motor vehicles
South Australian legislation requires restraints to comply with this standard to be legally used.
The Australian/New Zealand Standard for child restraints – AS/NZS 1754: Child restraint systems for use in motor vehicles – was updated in 2013, and includes the following changes:
- Introduction of ISOFIX compatible restraints (download our What is ISOFIX fact sheet).
- Introduction of a restraint that allows children to remain rearward-facing up to approximately 30 months of age.
- Introduction of a restraint with an inbuilt harness for children up to approximately 8 to 10 years of age.
- Introduction of testing and labelling of child restraints which are suitable for babies of low birth weight, particularly premature babies.
- Introduction of testing and labelling of child restraints suitable for aircraft.
Every compliant child restraint will feature a Standards Approved Certification sticker.
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Accessories standards
AS/NZS8005: Accessories for child restraints for use in motor vehicles
There’s also a standard for accessories used with child restraints – AS/NZS8005: Accessories for child restraints for use in motor vehicles.
Although this standard isn't mandatory, products meeting its requirements will be tested to ensure they don’t compromise the safety of the restraint they’re being used on.
Products eligible for testing under this standard include devices such as:
- Seatbelt modifiers
- Seatbelt extenders
- Covers and padding
- Cross chest devices
- Buckle covers
- Play tray, play devices
- Fitting accessories.
As accessories can affect the compliance and safety of a child restraint, RAA recommends only using accessories that meet the 8005 Standard.
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Disabilities standards
AS/NZS4370: Restraint of children with disabilities, or medical conditions, in motor vehicles
Australian Standard – AS/NZS4370: Restraint of children with disabilities or medical conditions in motor vehicles – allows professionals, such as an occupational therapist or child restraint technician, to recommend the most suitable option for restraining a child travelling in a vehicle, who is living with a disability or medical condition.
The standard was updated in 2013 and changes include a new comprehensive assessment guide, including considerations for children with complex and challenging behaviours.
AS/NZS1754: Child restraint systems for use in motor vehicles
South Australian legislation requires restraints to comply with this standard to be legally used.
The Australian/New Zealand Standard for child restraints – AS/NZS 1754: Child restraint systems for use in motor vehicles – was updated in 2013, and includes the following changes:
- Introduction of ISOFIX compatible restraints (download our What is ISOFIX fact sheet).
- Introduction of a restraint that allows children to remain rearward-facing up to approximately 30 months of age.
- Introduction of a restraint with an inbuilt harness for children up to approximately 8 to 10 years of age.
- Introduction of testing and labelling of child restraints which are suitable for babies of low birth weight, particularly premature babies.
- Introduction of testing and labelling of child restraints suitable for aircraft.
Every compliant child restraint will feature a Standards Approved Certification sticker.
AS/NZS8005: Accessories for child restraints for use in motor vehicles
There’s also a standard for accessories used with child restraints – AS/NZS8005: Accessories for child restraints for use in motor vehicles.
Although this standard isn't mandatory, products meeting its requirements will be tested to ensure they don’t compromise the safety of the restraint they’re being used on.
Products eligible for testing under this standard include devices such as:
- Seatbelt modifiers
- Seatbelt extenders
- Covers and padding
- Cross chest devices
- Buckle covers
- Play tray, play devices
- Fitting accessories.
As accessories can affect the compliance and safety of a child restraint, RAA recommends only using accessories that meet the 8005 Standard.
AS/NZS4370: Restraint of children with disabilities, or medical conditions, in motor vehicles
Australian Standard – AS/NZS4370: Restraint of children with disabilities or medical conditions in motor vehicles – allows professionals, such as an occupational therapist or child restraint technician, to recommend the most suitable option for restraining a child travelling in a vehicle, who is living with a disability or medical condition.
The standard was updated in 2013 and changes include a new comprehensive assessment guide, including considerations for children with complex and challenging behaviours.
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