Consumer Guarantees in Tasmania
Reviewed by the Commoner Law Editorial Team. Sourced from Commonwealth Acts of Parliament, federal regulations, and official government guidance. State-level information reflects each state's own Acts and court decisions. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
What is this right?
Every product sold in Australia comes with automatic consumer guarantees under the Australian Consumer Law (ACL). These guarantees apply regardless of any manufacturer’s warranty or store policy:
- Acceptable quality (s 54): Goods must be safe, durable, free from defects, and look acceptable. The standard is what a reasonable consumer would expect for the price and description.
- Fit for purpose (s 55): If you tell the seller what you need the product for, it must be reasonably fit for that purpose.
- Match description (s 56): Products must match any description given by the seller, on packaging, or in advertising.
- Match sample or demo (s 57): If you bought the product based on a sample or demonstration model, the product must match it.
- Repairs and spare parts (s 58): Manufacturers must provide repair facilities and spare parts for a reasonable time after purchase, unless they told you otherwise before the sale.
These guarantees cannot be excluded by signs, contracts, or fine print. Any term that says “no refunds” or “all sales final” does not override your rights.
When does it apply?
- You bought goods or services as a consumer — meaning the price was $100,000 or less, or the goods were for personal or household use.
- The seller was acting in trade or commerce (not a private sale between individuals).
- Applies to new and second-hand goods, but expectations adjust for age, price, and condition.
- Covers goods bought online, in-store, at markets, or from door-to-door sellers.
What to Do If a Product You Bought in Australia Doesn't Meet Consumer Guarantees
- Contact the seller first — you have the right to deal with the business that sold you the product, not just the manufacturer.
- Explain the problem and state the remedy you want (refund, repair, or replacement).
- If the seller refuses, lodge a complaint with the ACCC at accc.gov.au or call 1300 302 502.
- For unresolved disputes, contact your state or territory consumer affairs agency or apply to the relevant tribunal (e.g., NCAT in NSW, VCAT in Victoria).
What should you NOT do?
- Don’t accept “no refund” signs as the final word — these signs are actually illegal if they suggest you have no rights under the ACL.
- Don’t assume you must go to the manufacturer — your contract is with the seller, and the seller must handle your claim.
- Don’t wait too long — act within a reasonable time after discovering the problem.
How Tasmania differs from federal law
Consumer guarantees under the Australian Consumer Law (ACL) — Schedule 2 of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (Cth) — apply nationally. In Tasmania, the ACL is also applied as state law through the Australian Consumer Law (Tasmania) Act 2010.
- The ACL guarantees apply to all goods and services sold in Tasmania: goods must be of acceptable quality, fit for any disclosed purpose, match their description and sample, and come with clear title.
- Consumer, Building and Occupational Services (CBOS), within the Department of Justice, is the state body responsible for enforcing the ACL in Tasmania.
- Both the ACCC (federal) and CBOS (state) can take enforcement action against businesses in Tasmania that breach consumer guarantees.
- Tasmania's smaller market and higher proportion of small businesses means CBOS often takes a conciliation-first approach to consumer disputes before pursuing formal enforcement.
Additional Steps in Tasmania
Contact CBOS (cbos.tas.gov.au or 1300 654 499) for complaints about goods or services in Tasmania. For major national consumer issues, contact the ACCC (accc.gov.au). Disputes can be taken to the Magistrates Court (Civil Division) for determination.
Relevant Law: Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (Cth), Schedule 2 (ACL); Australian Consumer Law (Tasmania) Act 2010 (Tas)
Common Questions
When does consumer guarantees apply?
You bought goods or services as a consumer — meaning the price was $100,000 or less, or the goods were for personal or household use.The seller was acting in trade or commerce (not a private sale between individuals).Applies to new and second-hand goods, but expectations adjust for age, price, and condition.Covers goods bought online, in-store, at markets, or from door-to-door sellers.
What should I do if a product I bought in Australia is faulty or doesn't meet consumer guarantees?
Contact the seller first — you have the right to deal with the business that sold you the product, not just the manufacturer.Explain the problem and state the remedy you want (refund, repair, or replacement).If the seller refuses, lodge a complaint with the ACCC at accc.gov.au or call 1300 302 502.For unresolved disputes, contact your state or territory consumer affairs agency or apply to the relevant tribunal (e.g., NCAT in NSW, VCAT in Victoria).
What mistakes should I avoid with consumer guarantees?
Don’t accept “no refund” signs as the final word — these signs are actually illegal if they suggest you have no rights under the ACL.Don’t assume you must go to the manufacturer — your contract is with the seller, and the seller must handle your claim.Don’t wait too long — act within a reasonable time after discovering the problem.
Consumer Guarantees in other states
Same topic, different jurisdiction. Pick the one that applies to you.