Vorwerk Australia, trading under the name Thermomix, has been fined $79,200 by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) for allegedly misleading consumers by falsely labelling two of its products as NDIS-approved. This action was initiated after the ACCC issued four infringement notices, claiming that Thermomix misrepresented its TM6 cooking appliance and the Kobold cordless vacuum and mop as being endorsed or registered with the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
The ACCC’s allegations encompass claims that the products in question were marketed as NDIS-approved, registered, classified as NDIS consumables, and considered assistive technology or NDIS equipment. Gina Cass-Gottlieb, Chair of the ACCC, expressed concerns regarding misleading marketing tactics aimed at vulnerable consumers. She emphasised the commission’s commitment to take decisive action against such practices, clarifying that the NDIS does not endorse specific goods or services.
Despite the penalty, Vorwerk Australia maintains that the payment does not equate to an admission of wrongdoing under Australian consumer law. The company’s spokesperson insisted that they would never intentionally mislead customers, claiming that they quickly addressed all concerns raised by the ACCC. Moreover, they noted that some references on their website predated their acquisition of The Mix Australia Pty Ltd in November 2024, after which the company was renamed Vorwerk Australia Pty Ltd.
Vorwerk has asserted full accountability for ensuring clear and compliant communication with its customers moving forward.