What Automatic Consumer Guarantees apply for products and services covered by Australian Consumer Law (ACL)?

Automatic Consumer guarantees on products and services

Since 1 January 2011, the following consumer guarantees on products and services apply.

Products must be of acceptable quality, that is:

• safe, lasting, with no faults;
• look acceptable; and
• do all the things someone would normally expect them to do.

Acceptable quality takes into account what would normally be expected for the type of product and cost.

Products must:

• match descriptions made by the salesperson, on packaging and labels, and in promotions or advertising;
• match any demonstration model or sample you asked for;
• be fit for the purpose the business told you it would be fit for and for any purpose that you made known to the business before purchasing;
• come with full title and ownership;
• not carry any hidden debts or extra charges;
• come with undisturbed possession, so no one has a right to take the goods away or prevent you from using them;
• meet any extra promises made about performance, condition and quality, such as life time guarantees and money back offers; and
• have spare parts and repair facilities available for a reasonable time after purchase unless you were told otherwise.

Services must:

• be provided with acceptable care and skill or technical knowledge and taking all necessary steps to avoid loss and damage;
• be fit for the purpose or give the results that you and the business had agreed to; and
• be delivered within a reasonable time when there is no agreed end date.

Consumer guarantees on products and services also apply to:

• bundled products and services;
• gifts with proof of purchase;
• sale items;
• online products and services bought from Australian businesses; and
• second-hand products from businesses, taking into account age and condition.

Exceptions do apply.

Source: ACCC website.

Important Notice:‍

This FAQ is intended for general interest + information only.

It is not legal advice, nor should it be relied upon or used as such.

We recommend you always consult a lawyer for legal advice specifically tailored to your needs & circumstances.