With a continuing high number of consumer reports about the pricing and selling of rapid antigen tests (RATs), the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) is investigating potential breaches of the Australian Consumer Law.
Chair of the ACCC, Rod Sims said almost 3,900 reports had been received about the RATs between 25 December and 26 January.
“Pharmacies have been the most-complained about sector, attracting 1,309 complaints, or almost 34 per cent of reports, outstripping petrol stations (781 complaints, 20 per cent of reports) and convenience stores, tobacconists and supermarkets (764 complaints, almost 20 per cent),” Mr Sims said.
“More than 50 test suppliers, major retailers and pharmacy chains have now been asked by the ACCC to explain their costs, current pricing and stock availability, and warned that they must be able to substantiate any claims made to consumers about the reasons for higher prices,” he said.
Mr Sims said the ACCC had also made further referrals to both the Australian Federal Police and the Therapeutic Goods Administration following tip-offs by consumers about alleged illegal re-selling of RATs and alleged package splitting and sale of tests not approved for home use in Australia.
“Community concerns about sales practices for rapid antigen tests remain very high, for good reason,” he said.
“Businesses now know we will be in touch very quickly if they choose to impose unjustifiably high mark-ups on rapid antigen tests, or make misleading statements to consumers.”
Mr Sims said the ACCC would continue to name business chains whose stores were reported to have engaged in this conduct, and was working closely with fellow Law Enforcement Agencies in this area, particularly in relation to individual stores.
