How long do you have to lodge a claim?
Time limits for Australian consumer disputes vary by state, dispute type, and forum. Pick the situation that fits — we'll show your deadline, the relevant body, and what to do today if you're running out of time.
Fill in all three fields above to see your time-limit verdict.
Time limits at a glance
| Forum / claim type | Time limit | Source |
|---|---|---|
| ACL — damages for misleading conduct and other contraventions | 6 years after the cause of action accrued | ACL s236(2) |
| ACL — consumer guarantees (refund, replacement, repair) | No single fixed expiry; the right to reject ends with the s262 rejection period, and limitation laws and forum rules still apply | ACL ss259–263, s262(2) |
| ACL — damages from the manufacturer | 3 years from when you first became, or ought reasonably to have become, aware of the failure | ACL s273 |
| NCAT (NSW) | 3 years from when the cause of action accrued; goods or services supplied within 10 years | NCAT consumer claims guidance |
| VCAT (Victoria) | Generally 6 years from when the cause of action accrued | Limitation of Actions Act 1958 (Vic) |
| QCAT (Queensland) | Generally 6 years | Limitation of Actions Act 1974 (Qld) |
| Magistrates Court (Western Australia) | Generally 6 years from when the cause of action accrued | Limitation Act 2005 (WA) |
| Magistrates Court (South Australia) | Not settled for consumer-guarantee claims (contract and tort: 6 years from accrual); check early | Limitation of Actions Act 1936 (SA) |
| Magistrates Court (Tasmania) | Generally 6 years from when the cause of action accrued | Limitation Act 1974 (Tas) |
| ACAT (ACT) | Generally 6 years from when the cause of action accrued | Limitation Act 1985 (ACT) |
| NTCAT (NT) | 3 years from when the cause of action accrued for contract and similar claims; treat as the outer limit | Limitation Act 1981 (NT) |
| AFCA (financial services) | Generally 6 years from when you became aware of the loss, and 2 years from the firm's final response, whichever comes first | AFCA Rules |
These are general time limits, checked October 2026. When time starts to run, and whether it can be extended, depends on your facts and the forum, so confirm the limit with the tribunal, court or a community legal centre before you rely on it.
This tool gives general information about Australian Consumer Law time limits, not legal advice. If you're close to a deadline, contact your state's Fair Trading body or a community legal centre immediately. Full agency contact list at /agencies.