{"id":"F2017L00909","name":"Consumer Goods (Decorative Alcohol Fuelled Devices) Safety Standard 2017","slug":"consumer-goods-decorative-alcohol-fuelled-devices-safety-standard-2017","collection":"legislative_instrument","jurisdiction":"commonwealth","status":"in_force","isInForce":true,"actNumber":null,"makingDate":null,"administeringDepartment":null,"currentVersion":{"id":439267,"registerId":"F2017L00909-fast-fetch-1775955355761","compilationNumber":null,"startDate":"2026-04-12","status":"InForce","reasons":null,"registeredAt":null},"sections":[{"sectionNumber":"1","sectionType":"section","heading":"Consumer Goods (Decorative Alcohol Fuelled Devices) Safety Standard 2017","content":"---\nmeta-content-style-type: text/css\nmeta-content-type: application/xhtml+xml; charset=utf-8\n---\n\n?xml version=\"1.0\" encoding=\"utf-8\" standalone=\"no\"?>\n\n![](image.001.jpeg)\n\n \n\nConsumer Goods (Decorative Alcohol Fuelled Devices) Safety Standard 2017\n\nI, Michael McCormack, Minister for Small Business, make the following safety standard.\n\nDated 5 July 2017\n\nMichael McCormack\n\nMinister for Small Business\n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\nContents\n\nPart 1—Preliminary\n\n1 Name\n\n2 Commencement\n\n3 Authority\n\n4 Definitions\n\nPart 2—Requirements\n\n5 Requirements\n\n6 Design\n\n7 Stability\n\n8 Refuelling\n\n9 Markings\n\nPart 3—Transitional requirements\n\n10 Requirements before 15 October 2017\n\n11 Alternative requirements before 15 October 2017\n\nSchedule 1—Warnings\n\n1 Warnings—devices with fuel tanks that must be removed for refuelling\n\n2 Warnings—devices with fuel tanks that need not be removed for refuelling and which are supplied with fuel containers with flame arresters\n\n3 Warnings—devices with fuel tanks that need not be removed for refuelling and which are supplied with automatic fuel pump systems\n\n \n\nPart 1—Preliminary\n\n \n\n1  Name\n\n  This instrument is the Consumer Goods (Decorative Alcohol Fuelled Devices) Safety Standard 2017.\n\n2  Commencement\n\n (1) Each provision of this instrument specified in column 1 of the table commences, or is taken to have commenced, in accordance with column 2 of the table. Any other statement in column 2 has effect according to its terms.\n\n \n\n- Commencement information\n- Column 1 Column 2 Column 3\n- Provisions Commencement Date/Details\n- 1. The whole of this instrument 15 July 2017. 15 July 2017\n\n\nNote: This table relates only to the provisions of this instrument as originally made. It will not be amended to deal with any later amendments of this instrument.\n\n (2) Any information in column 3 of the table is not part of this instrument. Information may be inserted in this column, or information in it may be edited, in any published version of this instrument.\n\n3  Authority\n\n  This instrument is made under section 104(1) of the Australian Consumer Law.\n\nNote: The reference to the Australian Consumer Law is a reference to Schedule 2 to the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 as it applies as a law of the Commonwealth, States and Territories: see section 140K of that Act and corresponding provisions of Acts of States and Territories applying that Schedule.\n\n4  Definitions\n\n  In this instrument:\n\nautomatic fuel pump system, for a decorative alcohol fuelled device, means an electronic device that:\n\n (a) has a fuel hose that plugs into the decorative alcohol fuelled device; and\n\n (b) pumps alcohol from a fuel container directly to the fuel tank of the decorative alcohol fuelled device.\n\ndecorative alcohol fuelled device means a consumer good that:\n\n (a) produces a flame using alcohol as fuel; and\n\n (b) is designed to be used primarily for decorative purposes.\n\nEuropean Standard means European Standard EN16647:2015 Fireplaces for liquid fuels ‑ Decorative appliances producing a flame using alcohol based or gelatinous fuel ‑ Use in private households, approved by the European Committee for Standardization, as in force on the commencement of this instrument.\n\nNote: In 2017 the European Standard could be purchased from SAI Global’s website (https://www.saiglobal.com). The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission can make a copy of the Standard available for viewing at one of its offices, subject to licensing conditions.\n\nflame arrester, in relation to a fuel container, means a device that:\n\n (a) is fitted securely into the neck of the fuel container; and\n\n (b) is designed to absorb heat when exposed to flame, for the purposes of preventing heat or flame entering the fuel container and causing a fire or explosion.\n\nfootprint, of a decorative alcohol fuelled device, means the projected area beneath the device when the device is placed on a horizontal surface in the device’s normal operating configuration.\n\nPart 2—Requirements\n\n \n\n5  Requirements\n\n  A decorative alcohol fuelled device supplied on or after 15 October 2017 must meet the requirements set out in sections 6, 7, 8 and 9.\n\n6  Design\n\n  A decorative alcohol fuelled device must:\n\n (a) require installation in a fixed position; or\n\n (b) have both:\n\n (i) a dry weight of at least 8 kg; and\n\n (ii) a footprint of at least 900 cm2.\n\n7  Stability\n\n (1) A decorative alcohol fuelled device must comply with clause 4.5 of the European Standard.\n\n (2) For the purposes of subsection (1), assume that:\n\n (a) each reference in the European Standard to an appliance were a reference to a decorative alcohol fuelled device within the meaning of this instrument; and\n\n (b) the reference in the second sentence of clause 4.5 to “Clause 5” were a reference to “5.1 to 5.6”.\n\n8  Refuelling\n\n  A decorative alcohol fuelled device must be supplied with:\n\n (a) a fuel container that incorporates a flame arrester; or\n\n (b) an automatic fuel pump system for the device.\n\n9  Markings\n\n  A decorative alcohol fuelled device must display a permanent, prominent, legible warning with the text set out in:\n\n (a) if the device has a fuel tank that must be removed from the device for refuelling—clause 1 of Schedule 1; or\n\n (b) otherwise:\n\n (i) if the device is supplied with a fuel container that incorporates a flame arrester—clause 2 of Schedule 1; or\n\n (ii) if the device is supplied with an automatic fuel pump system for the device—clause 3 of Schedule 1.\n\nPart 3—Transitional requirements\n\n \n\n10  Requirements before 15 October 2017\n\n  A decorative alcohol fuelled device supplied on or after 15 July 2017 and before 15 October 2017 must meet:\n\n (a) the requirements set out in sections 6, 7, 8 and 9; or\n\n (b) the requirements set out in section 11.\n\n11  Alternative requirements before 15 October 2017\n\n (1) A decorative alcohol fuelled device must:\n\n (a) have a power output more than 4.5 kilowatts; or\n\n (b) require installation in a fixed position; or\n\n (c) meet all of the following requirements:\n\n (i) the device must have a dry weight of at least 8 kg;\n\n (ii) the device must have a footprint of at least 900 cm2;\n\n (iii) if the device has a fuel tank that must be removed from the device for refuelling—the device must display a permanent, prominent, legible warning with the text set out in subsection (2);\n\n (iv) if the device does not have a fuel tank that must be removed from the device for refuelling—the device must be supplied with a fuel container that incorporates a flame arrester, and the device must display a permanent, prominent, legible warning with the text set out in subsection (3).\n\n (2) For the purposes of subparagraph (1)(c)(iii), the text of the warning is:\n\nWARNING\n\nFilling an alcohol fuelled device while lit has caused severe burns.\n\nYou must remove the fuel tank from the device before refilling.\n\nWhen refilling first check the flame is extinguished and that the device is cool.\n\n (3) For the purposes of subparagraph (1)(c)(iv), the text of the warning is:\n\nWARNING\n\nFilling an alcohol fuelled device while lit has caused severe burns.\n\nWhen refilling only use containers with a flame arrestor.\n\nWhen refilling first check the flame is extinguished and that the device is cool.\n\nSchedule 1—Warnings\n\nNote: See section 9.\n\n  \n\n \n\n1  Warnings—devices with fuel tanks that must be removed for refuelling\n\n  For the purposes of paragraph 9(a) of this instrument, the text of the warning is:\n\nWARNING\n\nFilling an alcohol fuelled device while lit has caused severe burns and deaths.\n\nYou must remove the fuel tank from the device before refilling.\n\nWhen refilling only use containers with a flame arrester.\n\nWhen refilling first check the flame is extinguished and that the device is cool.\n\n2  Warnings—devices with fuel tanks that need not be removed for refuelling and which are supplied with fuel containers with flame arresters\n\n  For the purposes of subparagraph 9(b)(i) of this instrument, the text of the warning is:\n\nWARNING\n\nFilling an alcohol fuelled device while lit has caused severe burns and deaths.\n\nWhen refilling only use containers with a flame arrester.\n\nWhen refilling first check the flame is extinguished and that the device is cool.\n\n3  Warnings—devices with fuel tanks that need not be removed for refuelling and which are supplied with automatic fuel pump systems\n\n  For the purposes of subparagraph 9(b)(ii) of this instrument, the text of the warning is:\n\nWARNING\n\nFilling an alcohol fuelled device while lit has caused severe burns and deaths.\n\nWhen refilling first check the flame is extinguished and that the device is cool.\n\n \n\n \n","sortOrder":0}],"analysis":{"flash_summary":{"complexity_score":4,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"The instrument's scope is limited to consumer goods that produce a flame using alcohol and are designed primarily for decorative purposes (s4). Transitional provisions (ss10–11) modify applicable requirements for supplies in a short interim period but do not broaden the defined product scope. Enforcement sits under the Australian Consumer Law as the enabling authority (s3)."},"complexity_factors":["Cross-reference to an external technical standard (European Standard EN16647:2015) for stability testing, requiring access to and interpretation of that standard (s4 definition; s7)","Multiple compliance pathways (fixed installation OR weight and footprint thresholds) that allow design choices but require measurement/verification (s6)","Technical product requirements for refuelling safety that mandate either flame arresters in fuel containers or an automatic fuel pump system, affecting supply-chain components (s8)","Prescriptive mandatory marking/warning texts with different variants depending on refuelling design, increasing labelling specificity and inspection needs (s9; Schedule 1)","Transitional regime with alternative requirements for a defined interim supply window, adding conditional compliance rules for suppliers between dates (ss10–11)","Detailed definitions (e.g. flame arrester, automatic fuel pump system, footprint) that determine scope and compliance obligations (s4)"],"plain_english_summary":"This safety standard sets minimum design, stability, refuelling and marking rules for decorative alcohol‑fuelled devices supplied in Australia. From 15 October 2017, suppliers must either require fixed installation or meet weight/footprint thresholds, comply with a stability test based on European Standard EN16647, supply flame‑arresting fuel containers or automatic pumps, and display specified warnings (ss5–9, Schedule 1).\n\nManufacturers and importers bear the costs of redesign, testing, fittings and labelling; the Australian Consumer Law provides enforcement authority (s3)."},"kimi_summary":{"content_quality":"ok","complexity_score":4,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"The legislation remains tightly focused on its original purpose: regulating decorative alcohol-fuelled devices to prevent refuelling injuries. The scope has not expanded beyond consumer goods that produce decorative flames using alcohol fuel. The transitional provisions and multiple compliance pathways represent implementation detail rather than scope creep."},"complexity_factors":["Incorporation by reference of an external European Standard (EN16647:2015), requiring readers to obtain a separate document to fully understand stability requirements","Multiple conditional pathways for compliance depending on: (a) whether fuel tanks are removable, (b) whether flame arresters are fitted, and (c) whether automatic pump systems are used","Transitional provisions creating two overlapping compliance regimes (pre- and post-15 October 2017) with different warning text requirements","Nested subparagraphs in section 11(1)(c) requiring simultaneous satisfaction of weight, footprint, and warning conditions","Three distinct warning templates in Schedule 1 with subtle textual variations ('deaths' appears in post-October 2017 warnings but not in transitional warnings)","8 defined terms in section 4, including technical definitions like 'flame arrester' and 'automatic fuel pump system'"],"plain_english_summary":"This law tightens safety for decorative alcohol-burning devices (ethanol fireplaces, tabletop fire pits) by effectively banning small, easily tipped units unless permanently fixed or meeting minimum weight and base-size requirements. It also requires either a flame arrester or an automatic fuel pump and mandates permanent warnings about not refuelling while hot.\n\nIt targets manufacturers, importers, and retailers (and their consumers) to reduce fires and serious injuries from flaming fuel spills."},"flash_summary_failed":{"failed":true,"reason":"A positive credit balance is required for all requests, including BYOK, so fallback providers remain available. Add credits at https://vercel.com/d?to=%2F%5Bteam%5D%2F%7E%2Fai%3Fmodal%3Dtop-up to continue.","source":"analysis-cron"}},"importantCases":[],"_links":{"self":"/api/acts/consumer-goods-decorative-alcohol-fuelled-devices-safety-standard-2017","history":"/api/acts/consumer-goods-decorative-alcohol-fuelled-devices-safety-standard-2017/history","analysis":"/api/acts/consumer-goods-decorative-alcohol-fuelled-devices-safety-standard-2017/analysis","conflicts":"/api/acts/consumer-goods-decorative-alcohol-fuelled-devices-safety-standard-2017/conflicts","importantCases":"/api/acts/consumer-goods-decorative-alcohol-fuelled-devices-safety-standard-2017/important-cases","documents":"/api/acts/consumer-goods-decorative-alcohol-fuelled-devices-safety-standard-2017/documents"}}