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Consumer laws

Consumer laws, including the Consumer Guarantees Act, the Fair Trading Act, and the Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Act, exist to protect the rights of consumers from unfair, misleading or deceptive trading practices. This is an introduction to New Zealand's consumer laws.

An overview of the Sale of Goods Act Opens in a new window

If customers buy goods from you, you need to be aware of their rights. Familiarize yourself with these rights by reading through this brief summary of the Sales of Goods Act. It includes information for manufacturers and retailers on what to do when faulty goods are returned.

This information is brought to you by Ministry of Consumer Affairs

A guide to the Fair Trading Act Opens in a new window (PDF)

This guide aims to promote understanding of the Fair Trading Act, how it applies to both businesses and consumers, and the role of the Commerce Commission in enforcing the Act.

This information is brought to you by The Commerce Commission

Your rights when buying goods: A guide to the Consumer Guarantees Act Opens in a new window (PDF)

See the situation from the point of view of consumers by reading through this guide on how the Consumer Guarantees Act applies to goods they have purchased. It explains the guarantees for goods, rights and remedies from traders and manufacturers if a guarantee is not met, outlines ‘extra loss or damage’(consequential loss) and provides guidance on how to take the matter further.

This information is brought to you by Ministry of Consumer Affairs

Your rights when paying for services: A guide to the Consumer Guarantees Act Opens in a new window (PDF)

See the situation from the point of view of the consumer by reading through this guide on how the Consumer Guarantees Act applies to the services they have paid to have carried out. It explains the guarantees for services, rights and remedies if a guarantee is not met, outlines ‘extra loss or damage’(consequential loss) and provides guidance on how to take the matter further.

This information is brought to you by Ministry of Consumer Affairs

A business' rights and obligations for product safety Opens in a new window

Information for manufacturers, importers, wholesalers and retailers on their rights and responsibilities with product safety. What to do if you purchase an unsafe product and how to recall unsafe products that you have already sold.

This information is brought to you by Ministry of Consumer Affairs

How to complain about a product or service Opens in a new window

Information on your rights to complain and how to do it in accordance with the Ministry of Consumer Affairs. If you are unhappy with a product you purchased or a service you paid for you may have a right to complain under the Consumer Guarantees Act or Fair Trading Act.

This information is brought to you by Ministry of Consumer Affairs

Settling a dispute at the Disputes Tribunal Opens in a new window

A guide to making complaints and settling disputes through the Disputes Tribunal for consumers, businesses, trades people and service providers. Find out what claims can be made, actions the Tribunal may order and the cost. Also outlines what to expect and helps you to prepare for the hearing.

This information is brought to you by Ministry of Consumer Affairs

Laws related to product safety, weight and measurement Opens in a new window

Do you know your obligations under the Fair Trading Act? Retailers, manufacturers, importers and service providers all need to be familiar with their duties regarding product safety. This guide will also help you comply with and identify weight and measurement under the Weights and Measures Act.

This information is brought to you by Ministry of Consumer Affairs

Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Act 2003 Opens in a new window (PDF)

Are your customers protected? This guide will help assist your business understand what your obligations are, the Commission’s role and the consequence of non compliance. Find out what you need to do and how the Act applies to you.

This information is brought to you by The Commerce Commission


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