Thermomix cops massive ACCC fine after | Australian Markets

A massive kitchenware company allegedly falsely claimed its merchandise have been “NDIS approved” to drive gross sales however has copped a massive fine as an alternative.

Vorwerk Australia, trading as Thermomix in Australia, has been fined practically $80,000 for allegedly falsely suggesting two of its family home equipment have been endorsed by the National Disability Insurance Scheme.

Thermomix falsely promoted the Thermomix TM6 cooking product and Kobold cordless vacuum and mop as being endorsed by way of the NDIS or registered by an entity administering the NDIS, the ACCC alleges.

The Thermomix web site in November final yr and March this yr allegedly described the 2 merchandise as “NDIS approved”, “NDIS-registered product”, “NDIS-consumables”, “NDIS assistive technology” and “NDIS equipment”.

However, the NDIS doesn’t approve items, in response to ACCC chair Gina Cass-Gottlieb.

“The NDIS does not provide specific approval for any particular goods or services. Each NDIS participant has unique needs, and what’s funded under their plan is determined individually, not through a list of approved products,” she mentioned.

“There are no categories of goods or services which are automatically NDIS approved or funded for all NDIS participants.

“Misleading consumers experiencing vulnerability or disadvantage is of concern to us, and we will not hesitate to take appropriate action.”

The ACCC put companies on discover of problematic promoting concentrating on NDIS members in November 2023.

Just final week, bedding retailer Bedshed was fined practically $40,000 for allegedly making related false statements that some of its merchandise have been “NDIS approved”.