Unfair Contract Term (UCT) laws clarified for Australian businesses

BTN News
Thursday, 25 April 2024

Australia's Rigby Cooke Lawyers has advised the industry that the High Court of Australia has confirmed that where at least one party to a standard contract for goods or services is acting within, or carrying out business in, Australia, the country's unfair contract term (UCT) laws apply to that contract.


The High Court decision follows significant changes to UCT laws that took effect on 9 November 2023. Those changes broadened the scope of small business contracts caught by the UCT laws - and they also introduced significant new penalties.

With the High Court confirming the UCT laws may apply to international businesses providing goods or services to Australian consumers, international businesses are advised to review their contracts and terms and conditions for compliance with the UCT laws.

Unfair Contract Term (UCT) laws clarified for Australian businesses

BTN News
Thursday, 25 April 2024

Australia's Rigby Cooke Lawyers has advised the industry that the High Court of Australia has confirmed that where at least one party to a standard contract for goods or services is acting within, or carrying out business in, Australia, the country's unfair contract term (UCT) laws apply to that contract.


The High Court decision follows significant changes to UCT laws that took effect on 9 November 2023. Those changes broadened the scope of small business contracts caught by the UCT laws - and they also introduced significant new penalties.

With the High Court confirming the UCT laws may apply to international businesses providing goods or services to Australian consumers, international businesses are advised to review their contracts and terms and conditions for compliance with the UCT laws.