Changes to the Fair Trading Act

The Fair Trading Amendment Act 2021 places new obligations on businesses and provides new protections for consumers and small businesses.

There are three significant new protections to address unfair practices:

1. unfair contract terms provisions are extended to cover standard form small trade contracts
2. unconscionable conduct in trade is prohibited
3. people will be able to direct uninvited direct sellers to leave or not enter their residential property.

It is important that businesses and consumers understand the implications of these changes.

Guidance for businesses and consumers about the changes

Businesses

• Unfair contract terms – your rights
• Unfair contract terms – your obligations
• Unconscionable conduct – your rights
• Unconscionable conduct – your obligations
• Selling door-to-door

Consumers

• Unconscionable conduct
• Door-to-door sales
• Unfair contract terms (protections for consumers were introduced in 2015)

If you want to get in touch

If you are affected by the law changes, you can email us on: FTAchanges@comcom.govt.nz.

Note, we cannot provide specific legal advice.