Stronger consumer trading rules proposed
Would update consumer trading rules, strengthen enforcement, and support action against scams and unsafe products.
Fair Trading Amendment Bill
What's changing
- Most Fair Trading Act breaches would move from criminal offences to civil penalties.
- Maximum civil penalties would increase, and serious penalties could reflect the transaction value or financial benefit.
- Online services would get a conditional defence for good-faith action to disrupt suspected scams.
- Product safety notices would be issued by the Minister after consultation with substantially affected people.
- Product safety rules could require suppliers to hold or provide proof that products meet safety requirements.
Who's affected
Businesses, consumers, online service providers, suppliers of regulated products, and people working in several licensed or registered industries would be affected.
When
This is still a proposal being examined or debated in Parliament, so it is not law and has no start date.
Background
The bill aims to keep consumer protection rules suitable as business practices and digital markets change. It also aims to strengthen penalties and enforcement, disrupt scams, and make product safety rules easier to update.