If you sell handmade items in Australia — at markets, on Etsy, through Shopify, or from Instagram — you still have basic legal duties. In short: be honest about what you sell, meet Australian Consumer Law (ACL) expectations for goods you supply, and treat safety and advertising claims seriously. This article is a plain-English overview for makers, not legal advice. Rules change; confirm details with the ACCC, an accountant, or a lawyer for your situation.
Australian Consumer Law still applies
When you sell to consumers in Australia, the Australian Consumer Law generally expects goods to be of acceptable quality, match their description, and be fit for the purpose you promote. “Handmade” does not remove those expectations. If a mug is sold as dishwasher-safe, customers can reasonably expect that to be true.
Truthful advertising and photos
Listings, captions, and market signage should not mislead. Photos should show the real product. Avoid vague health, medical, or “miracle” claims unless you can substantiate them. For cosmetics, candles, children’s products, food, and jewellery with regulated materials, check category-specific rules before you publish.
Product safety
Some products have mandatory safety standards (for example certain children’s goods). Even where no specific standard applies, you should not sell something you know is unsafe. Keep records of materials and suppliers when that helps you answer customer questions or a recall situation.
Returns, refunds, and “no refunds” signs
A blanket “no refunds” policy does not override consumer guarantees under the ACL when a product is faulty or not as described. Change-of-mind returns can be a shop policy; faulty goods are a different category. Write your policy in plain language and apply it fairly.
When business rules kick in
Hobby sales and a genuine enterprise are treated differently for tax and registration. Many makers eventually need an ABN, and GST registration may apply once turnover crosses the current threshold. See the ATO and ABR guidance, or our notes on selling crafts from home in Australia.
Platform rules are extra
Etsy, Shopify, Facebook, and market organisers add their own policies on handmade claims, prohibited items, and intellectual property. Following the ACL does not excuse breaking a platform’s rules — and vice versa.
What DistroBay does (and does not) do
DistroBay helps with photos, listing copy, and uploads so you spend less time on admin. It does not replace legal, tax, or safety advice. You remain responsible for accurate product facts before anything goes live. When you are ready for less listing grind, join the waitlist.