Consumer law changes coming up
The cabinet has signed off a bill that will extensively change consumer laws.
The cabinet has signed off a bill that will extensively change consumer laws.
Consumer Affairs Minister John Boscawen said today it would reduce costs and confusion and make it easier for consumers and businesses to understand their rights and obligations.
"This bill represents the most significant changes to New Zealand's consumer laws in more than 20 years," he said.
"It will bring much-needed clarity in an era of online shopping, extended warranties and self-checkouts."
Mr Boscawen said it would strengthen consumers' rights and simplify business compliance by replacing seven existing consumer laws with updated Consumer Guarantees, Fair Trading and Weights and Measures Acts.
He intends introducing it to Parliament early next month.
Key changes in the bill include:
• Extending the Disputes Tribunal's jurisdiction to cover complaints about misleading and deceptive conduct;
• Subjecting all new goods sold via auctions -- and all goods sold by professional traders through online auction sites -- to the acceptable quality provisions of the Consumer Guarantees Act;
• Prohibiting unsubstantiated claims and requiring traders and retailers to ensure their claims are valid; and
• Reconsidering how the Consumer Guarantees Act could apply to electricity and carrier services.
"These changes will allow consumers to shop with greater confidence and, for business, will help to create a level playing field where reputable suppliers are protected from the inappropriate market conduct of unscrupulous competitors," Mr Boscawen said.
NZPA
Tue, 19 Apr 2011
Tue, 19 Apr 2011
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Consumer law changes coming up
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