Fair Trading Act

The Fair Trading Act (FTA) applies to what people say and do when promoting and selling goods and services. The Act applies to all sales by professional traders, but not to one-off private trades.

The FTA prohibits misleading and deceptive conduct, false representations and unfair practices by people in trade. Visit MBIE's Consumer Protection website for examples.

Using someone else's trade mark in relation to goods not authorised by the trade mark owner can also be in breach of the FTA as well as the Trade Marks Act.

If you believe someone you have traded with is in breach of the FTA, and you are unable to resolve the issue with them directly, then you may wish to make a claim in the Disputes Tribunal or courts.

The Commerce Commission also enforces some breaches of the FTA.

For more information, view our Consumer Guide on the FTA.