The Commerce Commission has ordered PD Mart to stop selling car seats after uncovering safety concerns and potentially misleading labelling that suggested compliance with recognised standards.

Vanessa Horne, the Commission’s General Manager for Competition, Fair Trading, and Credit, says protecting children is non-negotiable.

“The Commission has zero tolerance for risks to children’s safety. Product safety is one of our enduring priorities under the Fair Trading Act,” she says.

The seats in question may not meet key safety requirements.

Some lacked clear installation instructions, raising fears that parents could unknowingly fit them incorrectly.

“When critical information regarding installation and use is not provided, the consequences can be serious,” Horne says.

PD Mart, which rebranded from Panda Mart, has now recalled the affected models and is offering refunds.

According to the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, 176 units across seven models are involved in the recall.

The watchdog is especially concerned that lower-cost products with possible safety issues may unfairly impact families with fewer financial options.

PD Mart has previously marketed its products as up to 30% cheaper than competitors, making them attractive to parents trying to stretch household budgets.

For Coast families, this news is a reminder to double-check car seats, especially when shopping for lower-priced models online or in Auckland stores.

The Commission’s wider investigation into PD Mart continues, covering car seats and other children’s products previously linked to recalls.

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