Understanding Consumer Guarantees and Warranties under the Australian Consumer Law (ACL)
When you buy products and services in Australia, you are protected by the Australian Consumer Law (ACL), which ensures that certain consumer guarantees automatically apply to your purchases. These guarantees are not affected or overridden by any warranties provided by the suppliers.
But it's crucial to have a clear understanding of how warranties come into play when it comes to the goods or services you purchase.
For information on manufacturer warranty terms, refer to the warranty tab on our product pages.
What are Warranties?
Warranties are voluntary promises offered by the person or business selling the product or service. Once you make a purchase, these promises become enforceable rights under the ACL. It's important to note that warranties and consumer guarantees are distinct from one another.
Consumer guarantees provided by the ACL apply regardless of any warranties offered by suppliers, and they stay in effect for a reasonable period, depending on the nature of the goods or services. This means that even after the warranty period has ended, you may still be entitled to the consumer guarantees.
Common Warranties
Suppliers sometimes make additional promises or representations, either verbally or in writing, about the quality or standard of their goods. These warranties may cover various aspects of the product, such as:
- Quality, state, condition, performance, or characteristics
- Functionality and duration of use
- Availability of servicing, parts, or identical goods
It's important to note that if a supplier or manufacturer provides such a warranty, the ACL mandates their compliance with it. If they fail to fulfill the warranty, you have rights under the consumer guarantees to seek appropriate actions against them.
By understanding the relationship between consumer guarantees and warranties and knowing your rights, you can make well-informed decisions when purchasing goods or services in Australia.