Law & market
Australian Consumer Law advertising checker
Paste your listing into the free checker — this page explains what it flags.
Open the free checker →The Australian Consumer Law prohibits misleading or deceptive conduct and false representations about goods and services. The ACCC actively enforces it, including against unsupported health, pricing and greenwashing claims.
What it covers
ComplyAds checks your listing text against the Australia rules that most often trip sellers up, and cites the specific instrument behind each flag:
- Medical or health claim — claims that a product treats, cures or prevents a condition ACL s.18 / s.29; TGA Therapeutic Goods Advertising Code (ARTG-gated)
- Fake or incentivised reviews — fake, bought or undisclosed incentivised reviews ACL s.29(1)(e)-(f) (testimonials; reverse onus) + s.18
- Unsubstantiated efficacy claim — efficacy claims like "clinically proven" made without solid evidence ACL s.29(1)(g) (performance / benefits) + s.18; ACCC substantiation notices (s.219)
- Misleading or drip pricing — inflated "was" prices, fake discounts and fees revealed late ACL s.48 (single-price / component pricing) + s.18
- Unqualified superlative or absolute claim — unqualified superlatives and absolutes — "best", "#1", "100%" ACL s.29(1)(g) (false or misleading representation as to performance characteristics or benefits) + s.18 (misleading or deceptive conduct).
- Unqualified environmental claim — vague environmental claims like "eco-friendly" or "carbon neutral" ACL s.18 / s.29; ACCC greenwashing guidance
- Possible false urgency or scarcity — invented urgency — "only 3 left", "ends today" — that isn’t genuine ACL s.18 (misleading or deceptive conduct) + s.29 (false or misleading representations). ACCC treats fabricated scarcity/countdowns as misleading.
An example that gets flagged
Flagged · Medical or health claim
This balm cures eczema and clears up acne in days.
ComplyAds flags that as a health claim and points to the exact rule it relates to, not just the act — a prompt to look more closely before you publish.
How the checker works
Paste a listing, ad or post; the risky phrases we detect are highlighted in your text with the reason in plain English and the rule behind it. It runs in your browser and nothing is uploaded. It reads English-language text only; listings in other languages are not checked.
Not legal advice. ComplyAds is an informational risk check that flags potentially problematic wording under Australia rules. It does not certify compliance or cover every rule, and it is no substitute for advice from a qualified professional in the markets you sell in.
Questions
What does the Australian Consumer Law ban?
Misleading or deceptive conduct and false representations about goods and services, including unsupported health, pricing and environmental claims. The ACCC enforces it, including against greenwashing claims.
Is this affiliated with the ACCC?
No. ComplyAds is an independent tool that cites the Australian Consumer Law and ACCC guidance; it is not a regulator and is not legal advice.
Is Australian consumer law changing?
Yes. The Competition and Consumer Amendment (Unfair Trading Practices) Act 2026 adds a general prohibition on unfair trading practices, plus duties on drip pricing and subscriptions. It is scheduled to commence on 1 July 2027. It is not in force yet, so it is not part of the check today.