Consumer rights in Sydney

Consumers are protected in Australia under strict government laws and regulations. There are also schemes in place to ensure you don’t pay more than you have to. 

Your Consumer Rights in NSW 

The Department of Fair Trading NSW has laws to protect shoppers when buying goods or services in NSW. Under Australian Consumer Law (ACL), when you buy products and services in Australia, manufacturers and suppliers must comply with their obligations regarding consumer guarantees and warranties. 

Download the ACCC Shopper app and receive advice on your refund, warranty and lay-by rights while shopping. 

The Tourist Refund Scheme 

The Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS) allows you to claim a refund of the goods and services tax (GST) and wine equalisation tax (WET) on goods to the value of A$300 or more, purchased from a single business in Australia in the previous 60 days. 

Claims can be made up to 30 minutes prior to the scheduled departure of your international flight, from the Tourist Refund Scheme office, located after security on the Departures Level within the main Sydney International Airport Tax & Duty Free store. Allow at least 90 minutes prior to your flight departure to complete your claim. 

To claim a refund, you must wear or carry the goods on board as hand luggage (liquids, gels or aerosols or oversized or bulky goods must be checked in) and present them along with your tax invoice, passport and international boarding pass to the TRS desk. 

To speed up your processing time at the TRS desk, make an online claim. For more information, visit the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service website.