This is a practical marketing and sales law. It affects pricing, discounts, product claims, testimonials, online selling, unfair contract terms and how businesses present offers to customers.
Main laws
New Zealand Act
Fair Trading Act 1986
The Fair Trading Act 1986 regulates misleading, deceptive and unfair trading conduct in New Zealand.
In forceNew ZealandPlain-English guide4 practical checks
Plain-English explainers, not legal advice. Use the linked official source for section-level detail, and get advice for your situation.
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Quick read
- This is a practical marketing and sales law.
- It affects pricing, discounts, product claims, testimonials, online selling, unfair contract terms and how businesses present offers to customers.
Likely relevant if
- Businesses advertising to customers
- Ecommerce stores
- Franchises and retail chains
Check first
- Avoid misleading or deceptive conduct
- Substantiate price, performance and comparison claims
- Review standard form contracts for unfair terms
What this means in practice
Key points
- The overall impression matters, not just the fine print.
- Discount claims should be backed by evidence.
- Terms, landing pages and sales scripts should tell the same story.
When this law usually matters
Most businesses do not need to memorise the whole law. The useful starting point is to know when it is likely to affect a contract, customer journey, employee process, data flow or company decision.
Key points
- Businesses advertising to customers
- Ecommerce stores
- Franchises and retail chains
- Businesses using standard form contracts
What to check first
Sense check
- Avoid misleading or deceptive conduct
- Substantiate price, performance and comparison claims
- Review standard form contracts for unfair terms
- Keep sales and advertising claims consistent with the real offer
Documents and workflows to review
Key points
- Advertising approvals
- Product pages
- Customer terms
- Pricing claims
- Review and testimonial process