Check out for consumer laws

SMALL business owners can now access a new checklist to help them comply with consumer protection laws.
The small business self-assessment checklist was designed to help businesses understand how Australian Consumer Law (ACL) regulations applied to their business activities, and better understand their obligations when dealing with consumers.
“All businesses have rights and obligations when dealing with consumers,” Consumer Affairs Minister Heidi Victoria said.
“However, small business owners don’t necessarily have the time to work through legislation or explanatory guides to identify which regulations apply to them.
“This interactive checklist enables businesses to quickly and easily identify which sections of the ACL apply to them and directs them straight to the information they need.’’
The checklist covers displaying prices and advertising, consumer guarantees, warranties, refunds and repairs, product safety and mandatory safety standards, lay-bys, billing and receipts.
Consumer Affairs Victoria answered just under 135,000 calls on general consumer issues last year.
“Making businesses more aware of their ACL obligations could help to significantly reduce that number,” Ms Victoria said.
She said the tool would also help businesses avoid fines or court action for ACL breaches.
The maximum penalty for breaching the ACL is $220,000 for an individual and $1.1 million for a corporation.
To download the checklist, visit www.consumer.vic.gov.au/aclresource.