Asia: Consumer Protection

Thailand has prescribed more stringent labeling specifications for traditional and electric vehicles (EVs), requiring manufacturers and importers for sale to display clear, accurate product information on vehicle labels.

From 1 October 2026, Visa, Mastercard and eftpos can ban businesses from adding surcharges to card transactions, enforced through merchant agreements.

The Federal Court of Australia has ruled that Coles Supermarkets' 'Down Down' promotional pricing was misleading to consumers, despite the advertised prices being factually accurate. The case examines whether temporary price increases followed by promotional discounts constitute genuine savings, and establishes critical standards for how long a higher price must be maintained before retailers can legitimately advertise it as a discount reference point.