There are currently six consumer information standards that are set by regulation under the Fair Trading Act. To help consumers make informed decisions about the goods they are buying and how to care for them, you must disclose certain information about the goods you are offering to supply.

The six consumer information standards relate to:

  • care labelling
  • clothing and footwear country of origin labelling
  • food country of origin labelling
  • fibre content labelling
  • water efficiency labelling
  • used motor vehicles.

The requirements in each consumer information standard are different depending on the type of product.

Go to the Standards New Zealand website to buy the standard.

What are consumer information regulations and standards?

Consumer information regulations set consumer information standards that suppliers of goods must comply with. The regulations set out what type of goods are covered, what standard/s or parts of standard/s apply to New Zealand and any variations to those standard/s. Failure to comply with consumer information standards set by regulations breaches the Fair Trading Act and is illegal.

You are responsible for ensuring the goods you sell meet their consumer information standard.

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Care labelling

New clothing, household fabrics and furnishings must have a label that gives consumers information about how to care for that type of good.

Providing this information to consumers helps them become aware of the method and cost of caring for textile goods when they are buying them. By following the care instructions the goods are less likely to be damaged or destroyed and more likely to last for a reasonable period of time.

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Country of origin labelling

All new clothing and footwear you sell must have a label that tells consumers where the product was made.

Providing this information to consumers means consumers can make an informed decision when thinking about whether to buy clothing and footwear.

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Country of origin food labelling guidance

The Commission has developed guidance for business on the Consumer Information Standards (Origin of Food) Regulations 2021.

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Fibre content labelling

Clothing or fabric products must have labels that list the fibres, and the percentages or amounts of the different fibres, in the product.

Providing this information helps to ensure consumers have accurate information about the fibre content of the clothing or textiles and can make sure the goods are correctly used and cared for.

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Used motor vehicles

All motor vehicle traders selling used motor vehicles must ensure every vehicle has an accurate and complete Consumer Information Notice (CIN) attached to it. If selling online, the CIN must be displayed by the advertisement for that vehicle.

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Water efficiency labels

Certain products must have water efficiency rating labels displayed next to them when being sold in New Zealand.

Having this information about a product's water consumption and efficiency means that consumers can make a more informed purchasing decision when buying products that use water.

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