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Buying from a business

Buying from an Australian business

When purchasing products from an Australian Business, consumers have the rights and protections under the Australian Consumer Law.  Read our web page on consumer guarantees.

Buying from an overseas business

If you or your business bought a product from overseas business you should be aware of the following steps:

Step 1 - Know your rights

The business must comply with the laws of their own country. They may also have their own refunds and returns policy with additional rights.  The Australian Consumer Law applies to anyone conducting business within Australia - this includes overseas businesses. However, if a business is overseas, you may experience difficulties in obtaining a refund, repair or replacement for your product.

Find out more about Worldwide competition and consumer protection authorities

Step 2 - Contact the business

Consumers should contact the seller to try and resolve the issue. This may include putting your concerns in writing to the seller.

Step 3 - Take your complaint further

If the business does not resolve your issue, you may wish to take the complaint further.  For more information on complaints and purchasing a product from an overseas business read our web page on buying from an overseas seller online.

Last updated: 25 Jul 2022

This page has been produced and published by the Consumer Building and Occupational Services Division of the Department of Justice. Although every care has been taken in production, no responsibility is accepted for the accuracy, completeness, or relevance to the user's purpose of the information. Those using it for whatever purpose are advised to verify it with the relevant government department, local government body or other source and to obtain any appropriate professional advice. The Crown, its officers, employees and agents do not accept liability however arising, including liability for negligence, for any loss resulting from the use of or reliance upon the information and/or reliance on its availability at any time.