Product Safety Notice - Holmbergs Buckles
See the notice on ProductSafety.gov.au
Today we are sharing that under limited conditions some of the Holmbergs buckles we use in our child restraints may not perform to the extremely high safety standards we set for ourselves.
Our testing indicates that particular batches of Holmbergs buckles may see the restraining screws separate from the casing causing the buckle to fail.
While we have received no notifications of any injuries due to this issue, after concerns were raised by customers we decided to immediately initiate a voluntary recall of affected buckles to ensure the safety of all of our customers and their families.
If you purchased an InfaSecure child restraint between October 2019 and February 2020, the easiest way to find out if your child restraint is affected is to inspect the buckle itself.
Affected buckles have a batch number of B18002, B18003 or B19009 stamped on the reverse beneath the Holmbergs logo.
If you have purchased an affected product, we urge you to stop using it - even if the buckle appears to be secure. Customers should register via this form (LINK).
Once registered, you will receive a replacement buckle kit by express post along with repair instructions and instructional videos on our website so you can replace it immediately. If you would prefer to have it replaced by an authorised repair centre, you can call our customer care team to locate your nearest authorised agent where the replacement can be completed free of charge.
For Australia – 1300 924 632
- 8.30am to 5pm, Mon-Fri (AEST)
For New Zealand – +64 675 908 70
- 10.30am to 7pm, Mon-Fri (NZST)
We will be working with SAI Global, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), Trading Standards NZ and all of our resellers to notify affected customers and replace all buckles that may be affected.
We are committed to working with all customers and retailers to replace all defective buckles as soon as possible.
We repeat that if your model is identified as having been fitted with a faulty buckle, please do not use the child restraint until you have had the buckle replaced as directed above, even if the buckle appears and feels safe to use.
You can identify the affected models by inspecting the buckle on your InfaSecure child restraint. Affected child restraints have buckle numbers B18002, B18003 or B19009.
Image showing the batch number on the reverse of the Holmbergs buckle.
If you are unsure about the buckle identification, we ask that you use our website to identify if your model is a part of this recall so we can together continue to keep children safe.
This affects the following models which can be identified by inspecting the InfaSecure label on your child restraint:
- CS4313 (Dates of Manufacture 16/9/2019 to 16/10/2019)
- CS4413 (Dates of Manufacture 12/9/2019 to 2/11/2019)
- CS4713 (Dates of Manufacture 10/12/2018 or 1/5/2019)
- CS7113 (Dates of Manufacture 11/9/2019 to 29/10/2019)
- CS7213 (Dates of Manufacture 17/9/2019 to 2/11/2019)
- CS8113 (Date of Manufacture 29/9/19)
- CS9013 (Dates of Manufacture 16/9/2019 to 28/10/2019)
- CS9213 (Dates of Manufacture 16/9/2019 to 27/10/2019)
Customers with any of these models should complete the registration process here (LINK).
Customers with any questions or concerns are encouraged to contact us by email at customercare@infa.com.au or call us on below numbers.
For Australia – 1300 924 632
- 8.30am to 5pm, Mon-Fri (AEST)
For New Zealand – +64 675 908 70
- 10.30am to 7pm, Mon-Fri (NZST)
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What child restraint buckles are affected by this recall?
The recall applies only to buckles with the batch numbers: B18002, B18003 or B19009. You can find this batch number stamped onto the reverse of the buckle beneath the Holmbergs logo.
2. How did you become aware of this problem?
We received some feedback from consumers, which led us to investigate the
matter, contact the supplier of these buckles and conduct further testing. Upon discovering this issue we then reported the matter to the SAI Global, the ACCC and Trading Standards NZ as well as initiating this voluntary recall.
3. Are you aware of any injuries or incidents?
We are not aware of any incidents or injuries as a result of a buckle failure prior to this recall.
4. What might happen if one of these child restraints were involved in an accident?
If the buckle were to fail, the child would not be properly secured in the seat which in the case of an accident could result in injury.
It is important that you stop using these seats until the buckle is replaced.
5. What is our advice to consumers who own one of these child restraints?
Do not use the child restraint if the you have an affected buckle. Visit our dedicated pages for this issue and register for your replacement buckle kit (LINK).
Once registered, you will receive a replacement buckle kit by express post along with repair instructions and instructional videos on our website so you can replace it immediately. If you would prefer to have it replaced by an authorised repair centre, please call our customer care team to locate your nearest authorised agent where the replacement can be completed free of charge.
6. How long will this replacement take?
Most people can replace the buckle in less than 15 minutes. We have put replacement instructions and videos on our website and our customer care team are available to help you locate their nearest authorised agent where the replacement can be completed free of charge if required.
7. Can I change fit the replacement buckles myself?
Yes. You can request to have a buckle kit sent directly to you along with installation instructions. The instructions will also be posted on our website infasecure.com.au. You can also call our Customer Care team on the following numbers.
For Australia – 1300 924 632
- 8.30am to 5pm, Mon-Fri (AEST)
For New Zealand – +64 675 908 70
- 10.30am to 7pm, Mon-Fri (NZST)
8. Can I have the whole seat replaced or a full refund?
This recall only applies to the buckle. The car seat operates as intended and is manufactured to AS/NZS1754:2013 Australian & New Zealand standards.
9. How are you planning to make consumers aware of the recall?
We are displaying the Recall Notice prominently on our website and using advertising and social media to reach consumers. We will be notifying those consumers who bought online directly and working with Service Providers direct to have their child restraint fitted with new buckles.
All distributors have been notified and are displaying notices.