Business
The Commerce Commission is New Zealand’s competition and consumer watchdog. We enforce competition law so that markets are competitive, and consumers are well informed and protected.
In this section
The Commission's role
We are New Zealand's competition, consumer and regulatory agency.
Our role is to enforce laws relating to fair trading, competition, and consumer borrowing. We also regulate electricity lines, gas pipelines, telecommunications, dairy and airport sectors.
Your obligations as a business
As a business, there are rules in the Fair Trading Act that apply to all aspects of promoting and selling goods and services – from advertising and pricing to sales techniques.
Your rights as a business
It is important that as a business, and especially if yours is a small business, that you know your rights.
Small trade standard form contracts between businesses must not contain unfair terms. You are also protected against unconscionable conduct from businesses you purchase goods and services from.
What happens when you do not comply with the law
There are several enforcement options available to us when businesses fail to comply with the law.
Pricing your products or services
When deciding on your pricing, you must take care not to mislead or deceive consumers. Any representations you make about price must be clear, accurate and unambiguous.
Credit providers
If you provide credit to consumers you must follow New Zealand consumer credit laws.
Dealing with typical situations
Do you have a particular issue or topic you need information on? We cover typical situations that businesses often face.
Avoiding anti-competitive behaviour
Anyone who runs a business in New Zealand must comply with the Commerce Act, which aims to promote competition in markets for the long-term benefit of consumers.
Merging or acquiring a company
Mergers can bring many benefits to the New Zealand economy by making businesses more efficient and innovative. However, some mergers also have the potential to substantially lessen competition in the market to the detriment of consumers.
Consumer reports
From time-to-time we publish reports on projects or assessments completed that are of general interest to New Zealanders.
Report a concern
If you think a business or person isn’t complying with one of the laws we enforce, you can report your concern by following the steps below.
Business consultations
This section contains all current and closed Commission projects where we are or have consulted on business documents.