Safety. Sustainability. Sensibility.
About BKC
Barbara Kerlen Consulting (BKC) is an independent advisory service led by Barbara Kerlen, a highly regarded product safety, quality and compliance leader known for elevating organisational standards, strengthening supplier performance, and driving regulatory excellence. Based in Melbourne, Barbara brings more than 25 years of experience across product safety, regulatory compliance, consumer law, ethical sourcing, modern slavery, and sustainability.
Translating complex regulatory requirements into clear, actionable strategies
Risk governance across a wide range of product categories
Education in risk‑aware behaviours
Emerging risk identification, and continuous improvement initiatives
Recognised as a trusted advocate for product safety, Barbara has deep insight into regulatory frameworks and maintains long‑standing relationships with key agencies, including the ACCC, ACMA, AICIS, EPA, DCCEEW, and state and territory regulators.
Her career also includes extensive global sourcing experience across Hong Kong, China, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Bangladesh, where she has supported the evaluation, development, and uplift of manufacturing partners.
Barbara holds an MBA in International Business from Swinburne University and is a member of the Australian Compliance Institute (ACI). She is known for her practical, solutions‑focused approach, strong leadership capability, and commitment to embedding sustainability and ethical practices into business operations.
For more than 10 years Barbara chaired the National Retail Association’s product safety committee.
In 2020, Barbara was awarded Standards Australia’s W.R. Hebblewhite Medal for her significant contributions to standardisation and outstanding service in supporting the organisation’s objectives.
ABN 72 416 193 899
What we do
BKC provides comprehensive advisory services on product safety compliance for manufacturers, importers and retailers of all sizes. Our work supports organisations in navigating regulatory requirements, managing risk, and building strong product stewardship practices.
Product Safety Compliance
Product safety risk frameworks.
Customer complaints, recalls, and mandatory injury reporting.
Expertise across toys, craft & stationery, electrical goods, personal care and cosmetics, home décor, textiles, kitchenware and furniture.
Labelling, claims and marketing compliance reviews.
Advisory and Support
Consulting available for small, medium, and large businesses.
Primary focus on the Australian market with additional jurisdictions available on request.
Regulatory research projects with clear, actionable recommendations.
Development of risk‑based frameworks tailored to individual operating models.
Assistance with regulator responses.
Risk assessments and independent audits.
Methodologies are aligned with ISO 10377 Consumer product safety — Guidelines for suppliers.
Regulatory Expertise
Australian Consumer Law (ACL)
Mandatory standards (i.e. button battery safety) and bans
Electrical Equipment Safety System (EESS) and Energy Safe Victoria (ESV)
Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC – ACMA) and Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS)
Chemical regulations including AICIS, SUSMP and IChEMS
Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA)
Australian Boder Force (ABF) product import requirements
Training and Capacity Building
Product safety, compliance, and risk management training.
Delivered face‑to‑face or online.
Interactive workshops for small groups.
Environment and Ethical Sourcing
Sustainable packaging guidance, illegal logging compliance, product stewardship.
Single-use plastic bans.
Responsible sourcing, modern slavery supplier assessments and reporting.
Biography
A passionate product safety policy advocate with in-depth knowledge of the regulatory landscape, and excellent relationships with key regulators.
With over 24 years of experience in regulatory compliance and stakeholder engagement, I am confident in my ability to contribute effectively to your team.
A highly experienced Quality Assurance and Compliance Manager with in-depth knowledge of the Australian regulatory landscape, and good working knowledge of international requirements, I bring with me excellent, respectful relationships with key regulators.
My roles in a number of Australian retail businesses have allowed me to develop sensible strategic risk-based product compliance programs that effectively support companies’ business models. My approach comprises of solid auditing and data analysis to ensure gaps are clearly identified and all opportunities for continuous improvement are adequately addressed.
My approach is founded on research, and analysis of local, state, and federal regulations and educate others in risk management policies. I am a strong communicator talented in implementing successful compliance initiatives.
I come with exceptional insights into the inner workings of sourcing out of Asia, having lived in Hong Kong and China, and worked out of numerous Asian countries, including Indonesia, India, Vietnam, and Bangladesh. Additionally, I am well versed in responsible sourcing standards across ethical sourcing policies, modern slavery, and sustainability.
Key Projects
Product Safety Training
Tailored training programs from small group workshops to auditorium presentations.
Compliance Guidance Documentation
Create documents that outline product safety compliance obligations in a clear and practical manner.
Our values
Product safety is at the heart of everything we do, supported by a strong focus on sustainability and a practical, sensible approach that helps businesses make informed, responsible decisions.
At BKC, we believe in building long‑term relationships founded on trust, open communication, and genuine collaboration. These values shape how we partner with clients, how we deliver our advice, and how we contribute to safer, more ethical products and supply chains.
Barbara’s pro bono contributions to Standards Australia and ISO reflect our commitment to strengthening industry practice for the wider community. By sharing our time and expertise, we reinforce the belief that safety, integrity, and collective responsibility matter. We are all consumers, and we all play a part in creating safer, more trustworthy products.