This page explains when New Zealand consumer laws do and do not apply.
When you buy online, you’re entering a contract with the seller.
In many cases, the same consumer laws apply as if you bought in person - including the Consumer Guarantees Act and the Fair Trading Act.
When New Zealand consumer law applies
If you buy from a business trading in New Zealand, your rights under the Consumer Guarantees Act (CGA) apply.
The Consumer Guarantees Act (CGA) requires products to:
- be of acceptable quality
- match the description provided by the business
- be fit for purpose
- be delivered within a reasonable time – the seller is responsible for making sure your item arrives.
When this doesn’t happen, you have the right to request a refund, repair, or replacement.
The Fair Trading Act (FTA) also protects you from misleading or deceptive conduct.
When buying from overseas sellers
New Zealand consumer law applies to all businesses offering goods and services to New Zealand based consumers but is harder to enforce against overseas sellers.
Your protection usually comes from:
- platform dispute systems
- your payment provider (for example, chargebacks).
Platform tools and chargebacks are often your main protection for overseas purchases.
When your rights do not apply
- Change of mind
- When buying from a private seller (for example, an individual on Trade Me), the Consumer Guarantees Act and Fair Trading Act don’t apply.
This can make resolving issues more difficult if something goes wrong.
Quick checks before buying online
- Carefully read the full description of products sold online.
- Check that the size, materials, and user guide is right for the purpose you are buying it for.
- Look at review sites to see how the business and the product stacks up.
- Check refund and return policies.
- Make sure delivery timeframes are acceptable for you.
Extra costs to check when buying online
When buying online, especially from overseas, you may be charged:
- GST (often added at checkout)
- border processing levies (per parcel)
- currency conversion fees.
Always check the full cost before you buy, including delivery, fees and currency - and make sure the price is in New Zealand dollars. Learn more about online shopping and potential extra costs for overseas purchases here:
Duty and GST(external link) – New Zealand Customs Service