The Australian Consumer Law (ACL) is a national law that sets out consumer rights (consumer guarantees).
These consumer guarantees apply to all products and services. Examples of consumer guarantees include:
- services must be provided with acceptable care and skill
- goods must match the descriptions on the packaging and labels, and in promotions and advertising
- the goods must be of acceptable quality and fit for the purpose for which they are intended to be used.
The ACL replaced pre-existing State and Territory consumer protection laws. This means that the ACL will apply regardless of where in Australia your businesses customers or clients are located.
The ACL also includes:
- a national product safety law and enforcement system
- a national unfair contract terms law covering standard form contracts
- a national law for unsolicited consumer agreements replacing pre-existing State and Territory laws about door-to-door sales and other direct marketing
- simple national rules for lay-by agreements
- penalties, enforcement powers and consumer redress options.
It is important that you are aware of your rights and obligations under the ACL. Please consult the responsible agency for more information.
