The ACCC is continuing to receive a high number of consumer reports about pricing and selling practices relating to rapid antigen tests (RATs) and is investigating several potential Australian Consumer Law breaches.
Almost 95 per cent of consumer reports received by the ACCC since December 25, 2021, were about the price of rapid antigen tests. Many of these reports also raised other concerns about the sale of the tests, including package splitting, which is illegal, and where the Therapeutics Goods Administration (TGA) has jurisdiction.
Reports to the ACCC indicates many consumers are still paying between $20-$30 per test but the average price of a test appears to have remained broadly steady since January 12 at about $24.
Pharmacies have been the most complained about sector, outstripping petrol stations, convenience stores, tobacconists and supermarkets. However, since mid-January, pharmacy complaints were less than 25 per cent of total reports, as more complaints were received from smaller stores which would not usually sell such items.
Test suppliers, major retailers and pharmacy chains have been asked by the ACCC to explain their costs, current pricing and stock availability and warned they must substantiate any claims made to consumers about higher prices.
The ACCC has made further referrals to the Australian Federal Police and the TGA and is investigating claims by some suppliers that government entities may have diverted or sought priority supply of rapid antigen tests.
ACCC chair Rod Sims, said community concerns about sales practices for rapid antigen tests remains high. “In view of the public interest in this issue, we will continue to name business chains whose stores are reported to have engaged in this conduct.”
Comparison website Finder’s analysis of crowd sourced data showed that the percentage of stores with stock has risen from 10 per cent on January 10 to 86 per cent on February 1. And a Finder survey showed that 73 per cent of people believe the government should make all RATs free to all Australians.
Finder personal finance spokesperson, Kate Browne said no one with suspected Covid symptoms should have to traipse from shop-to-shop to find an affordable test. “Finding and paying for these kits has been a huge stress on most Australians this summer as Omicron has exploded and even when people can find tests locally, they are often extremely expensive.
“If you think you are paying too much for RAT kits, you are probably right. Compare RAT kit options online and don’t get taken for a ride,” she said.