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A Guide to AS/NZS 1754 the Standard for Child Restraint Systems

Child restraint systems are a critical part of optimising vehicle safety for children. They are designed to lower the risk of serious injury or death in the event of an accident. Standards guide the industry by outlining minimum requirements for restraint systems, to help provide consistency in quality and optimum protection for child passengers.

What is the AS/NZS Standard for children's restraints?

All restraints used, bought or sold in Australia must meet AS/NZS 1754:2013 - child restraint systems for use in motor vehicles.

Under the Standard, a child car restraint is a device used with an adult seatbelt to restrain a child passenger. The mandatory Standard specifies minimum requirements for the restraint system’s design, construction, performance, user instructions, labelling and packaging.

Standards are continuously updated. The current Standard is based on 2004, 2010 and 2013 versions of AS/NZS 1754. It came into effect in September 2014 and was reissued incorporating Amendment No. 1 in October 2016.

It’s important to note that the Standard doesn’t apply to restraints designed for children with disabilities or safety features that come with vehicles.

Why are child restraints important?

In Australia, child restraint systems are compulsory for children up to the age of seven. Children who are not correctly restrained are more likely to suffer serious injury or death in a car accident, according to Product Safety Australia. Using adult seatbelts too early or incorrectly also increases the risks.

It is crucial for manufacturers and suppliers to comply with the latest Standards, including providing clear instructions on the right type of restraint for the age and size of the child, correct installation and restraint fit.

car seat in an empty vehicle

Is AS/NZS 1754:2013 mandatory?

AS/NZS 1754 is a voluntary Standard, except where specific sections of 2004, 2010 and 2013 versions are designated as mandatory. Manufacturers and suppliers may comply with variations listed in any of these versions. See the Australian Government’s Consumer Protection Notice No. 3 of 2014 for more.

Standard requirements are related to:

Eight types of approved child restraint systems, including information about rearward-facing and forward-facing restraints, chairs, booster seats, harnesses, tether straps and attachment devices.
Providing instructions for correct restraint installation, fitting and maintenance.
Labelling and warnings that must appear on all restraints, plus additional warnings for specific types of restraints. See AS/NZS 1754 Table 6.2.
Conducting testing according to AS/NZS 3629 - Methods of testing child restraints.

Approved child restraint systems are vital to protect young passengers and help reduce the risk of injury or death in accidents. Ensure your business complies with the latest Standard AS/NZS 1754:2013, available from Intertek Inform.