You may have seen small, high-powered magnets for sale. They’re often sold as desk toys, puzzles, or mock jewellery under names like Buckyballs, Neocubes, or Neodymium balls.

While they might seem harmless, they can be incredibly dangerous, especially for tamariki.

If swallowed, these small, powerful magnets can attract each other through the walls of the digestive system. This can pull tissues together, cutting off blood supply and causing serious, life-threatening injuries like punctures, blood poisoning, and even death.

Because of this significant risk, there is an official Unsafe Goods Notice in place under the Fair Trading Act. This means it’s illegal to sell certain types of high-powered magnets in New Zealand, including on Trade Me.

If you are selling magnets on our site, it is your responsibility to ensure that they are safe. This guide will help you understand your obligations.

What types of magnets are banned from sale?

The Unsafe Goods Notice applies to small, high-powered magnets that are sold for personal use. This includes both new and second-hand items.

The ban specifically covers magnets sold in sets of two or more that are intended to be used as:

A toy, game, or puzzle.
A construction or modelling kit.
Jewellery that is worn near the nose or mouth (e.g., fake piercings).

Items like these are not allowed on Trade Me.

What types of magnets are okay to sell?

The ban is specific and doesn't cover all magnets. You are still able to sell magnets that are intended for other purposes.

The ban does not apply to:

Hardware magnets.
Magnets used for teaching or educational purposes.
Magnets that are, or are intended to become, parts of other products (e.g., magnets inside electronic devices).

Our rules and your responsibilities

To ensure everyone can trade safely, we can remove any listings for magnets that we believe may breach the Unsafe Goods Notice.

It is your responsibility as a seller to make sure any products you list comply with New Zealand law.

Spotted something that shouldn’t be here?

If you see a listing for magnets that you believe are banned, please let our team know by using the ‘Community Watch’ button at the bottom of the listing page. We’ll investigate it and take the necessary action.

Thanks for helping us keep Trade Me a safe place for all Kiwis.

For more information

You can read the full details of the ban and the relevant legislation at the links below:

Product Safety NZ: Small high-powered magnets
Official Unsafe Goods Notice (2014): New Zealand Gazette
Legislation: Consumer Protection (Small High-powered Magnets) Unsafe Goods Notice 2014

Unsafe magnets banned from sale