Under the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 businesses must not make false, misleading or deceptive claims about the price of goods or services. This includes false or misleading claims linking price rises to the carbon price.
Carbon price claims could appear in TV or radio advertising, websites, on product labels or in contracts and catalogues. They could also be made by a salesperson over the phone, via email or in person on the shop floor.
As a business, you are entitled to increase your prices as you see fit - it is business as usual. Leading up to and following the start of the carbon price, the same legal obligations not to mislead or deceive apply.
Like any other claim, if you choose to make a claim about the impact of the carbon price or why a price has increased, this claim should be truthful and have a reasonable basis.
Be aware if you make a claim, the ACCC may ask you to provide information in support of your claims.
Dr Michael Schaper, Deputy Chair of the ACCC, provides businesses with further information about their responsibilities and obligations when making claims about the impact of the carbon price.
