Australian Consumer Law

The Australian Consumer Law (ACL) is a set of regulations that safeguards customers from unfair business practices. These techniques consist of:

• Misleading or deceptive conduct and false or misleading representations made by businesses in connection with the supply of goods or services.
• Unconscionable conduct in business-to-business dealings and in transactions with consumers involving the supply or acquisition of goods or services. This includes taking advantage of the other party’s vulnerability or lack of bargaining power.
• Consumer guarantees that apply to the supply of goods or services to consumers, such as requiring that the supplier has proper title to the goods, the goods conform to their description, and the goods are of acceptable quality.
• Unfair contract terms in standard form consumer contracts or small business contracts, which are void.
• Product safety regulations, including strict liability for injury or damage caused by defective goods, and product safety and information standards that suppliers must comply with.
• Other unfair practices, such as unsolicited supplies, pyramid schemes, and other unfair practices.

Penalties for violating the ACL include fines of up to AUD 10 million for corporations and up to AUD 500,000 for individuals.

The time limit for bringing a legal action under the Australian Consumer Law (ACL) varies depending on the type of claim being made.