Today I had clarification from Trade Me - while the standard (AS/NZS ISO 8124.1:2002 Safety of toys – Part 1: Safety aspects related to mechanical and physical properties) states the standard does not apply to private sellers of secondhand goods (ie items you own that you did not purchase for resale), it is Trade Me policy that all sellers comply with the standard. It's probably worth noting that this particular standard applies to toys for children up to and including 36 months old.  

Sorry, the post above is my words, not a quote from the email. This is what I received after emailing "The Standard itself states specifically that it is NOT an obligation of private sellers. So you are saying it's a Trade Me policy or condition of using the platform, that all sellers meet the standard whether they are legally required to or not." Trade Me replied "Product safety emails are sent to all members (In Trade or not) who are selling items which could be deemed unsafe. These emails are reminders to check the safety of your items and that they comply with the regulations. Everyone ...