Consumer information standards may cover:

  • the type of information that must be disclosed
  • how that information must be obtained and verified before being disclosed
  • the form and manner in which that information must be disclosed.

The requirements given in each consumer information standard are different depending on the type of product. Supplying a product that fails to comply with the applicable consumer information standard breaches the Fair Trading Act and is illegal.

Consumer information regulations currently in force set consumer information standards by identifying all, or parts, of an official standard that must be complied with. Currently, the regulations for care labelling and fibre content labelling identify separate official standards as consumer information standards. The consumer information standards about clothing and footwear country of origin, used motor vehicles and water efficiency are set out in the regulations themselves.

You are responsible for ensuring the products you sell meet their consumer information standard

If a consumer information standard applies to products you are selling, you are responsible for ensuring your products comply with the standard. You cannot assume the product meets the consumer information standard just because a supplier is offering to supply the product to you.

How do I know what standard to comply with?

Standards are revised periodically. However, your legal obligations do not change until the relevant regulations are amended to refer to a revised standard. This may not happen at the same time. Sometimes, the regulations still require you to comply with an older standard that is different from the most recent standard applying to the same product.

Make sure you know which standard (or relevant part) you need to comply with by checking the regulations on the New Zealand Legislation website.

Supplying or selling products that do not meet consumer information regulations is illegal. We can take action if we find a person or business has breached the consumer information standards.

Who sets the consumer information standards?

The consumer information standards are set by Standards NZ or equivalent overseas agencies. You can purchase a copy of any of the standards from Standards New Zealand by calling 0800 782 632 or visit the Standards NZ website. You can access the regulations and the Fair Trading Act online at www.legislation.govt.nz. The information on this website is free.