ESG Enforcement Tracker

On 24 September 2026, the ACCC announced that Bayswood Timber, a Victorian timber importer and wholesaler, had paid a penalty of AUD$19,800 following an infringement notice concerning allegedly false or misleading statements about the suitability of its timber for use in certain building applications in bushfire-prone areas.

The ACCC investigated claims made by Bayswood Timber regarding its Meranti timber product. In October 2025, Bayswood Timber provided customers with a price list stating that the timber had a density of 400kg per cubic metre and representing that it was suitable for building applications where the BAL-12.5 bushfire standard applies. The ACCC alleged that the timber was not sufficiently dense to meet the relevant requirements for certain BAL-12.5 applications, including door frames, window assemblies and external cladding in specified circumstances.

Australian Standard 3959-2018, Construction of buildings in bushfire-prone areas (the Standard), sets minimum timber density requirements for certain building applications. These requirements vary according to the relevant Bushfire Attack Level (BAL), which measures a building’s potential exposure to ember attack, radiant heat and direct flame contact. The Standard is incorporated into the National Construction Code and relevant state and territory planning and building requirements.

The ACCC stated that false or misleading representations about the quality or composition of goods is a breach of the ACL. It also raised concerns that builders may have inadvertently used timber that did not meet applicable building standards where they relied on representations made by timber suppliers. The ACCC has informed state and territory building regulators of the outcome of its investigation.

During its investigation, the ACCC also engaged with other timber suppliers regarding potentially misleading BAL claims. According to the ACCC, those suppliers subsequently amended their public materials to remove the claims of concern.

Payment of the AUD$19,800 penalty by Bayswood Timber does not constitute an admission that it contravened the Australian Consumer Law.