Updated December 11, 2025 - MIN READ
This is the single most common question we get from customers looking to switch to compatible cartridges: "If I use non-genuine ink, will it void my printer’s warranty?"
For years, printer manufacturers have relied on this fear to keep Kiwis buying expensive original brand (OEM) cartridges. But under New Zealand law, the answer is generally no.
The aim of this article is to clear up the confusion around warranties and the Consumer Guarantees Act, so you can stop overpaying for ink without worrying about your printer.
Note - while this article uses the term “ink” generically, we’re referring to both ink used in inkjet printers and toner used in laser printers.
Key Takeaways
- Your statutory rights remain: Using third-party consumables does not automatically extinguish your rights under the Consumer Guarantees Act (CGA).
- Misleading claims: It is likely a breach of the Fair Trading Act for a manufacturer to claim your warranty is "void" solely because you used a non-genuine product.
- The Exception: If the third-party ink directly causes damage (e.g. a leak), the printer manufacturer is not obliged to fix that specific fault - but reputable suppliers (like us) will.
The Short Answer
No, using third-party or "compatible" ink and toner does not automatically void your printer’s warranty.
Manufacturers often word their warranty documents carefully to make you think it does. However, in New Zealand, they generally cannot deny you service for a factory fault (like a broken WiFi card or a faulty paper tray) just because you saved money on ink.
Your Rights Under the Consumer Guarantees Act (CGA)
In New Zealand, we are lucky to have strong consumer protection laws. The Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 states that products must be of "acceptable quality."
This statutory guarantee applies in addition to any written warranty provided by the manufacturer. Importantly, a manufacturer cannot contract out of these rights for ordinary consumer purchases.
If your printer breaks down due to a manufacturing defect (a gear snaps or the power supply fails), the manufacturer is obliged to remedy it. They generally cannot refuse this obligation simply because they found a non-genuine cartridge inside, unless they can prove that the cartridge caused the failure.
The "But" – When Can They Refuse?
There is one specific scenario where a manufacturer can decline a repair: Causation.
If the third-party ink cartridge itself is faulty and directly causes damage to the printer - for example, if a cartridge leaks ink onto the circuit board - the printer manufacturer is not responsible for fixing that specific damage.
This is fair; HP or Canon shouldn't have to pay to fix a mess made by someone else's product.
However, this does not void the warranty for the rest of the machine. If you use third-party ink and six months later the scanner stops working, the manufacturer must still honour the warranty for the scanner, as the ink clearly didn't cause that issue.
Misleading "Warranty Void" Stickers
You might have heard stories from overseas (particularly the US) about "warranty void if removed" stickers or strict clauses. In New Zealand, the Commerce Commission warns businesses against misleading consumers about their rights.
Stating that a warranty is void solely due to the use of unauthorised consumables - without looking at what actually caused the fault - is likely a breach of the Fair Trading Act, because it misleads consumers about their statutory protection under the CGA.
Shop With Confidence
While the law protects you, we know that peace of mind is priceless. That is why it is important to buy from a reputable New Zealand supplier rather than a random overseas website.
At Good Egg, we stand by our products. In the extremely unlikely event that one of our compatible cartridges causes damage to your printer, we will protect you. Our products are ISO 9001 certified for quality, and we offer a full satisfaction guarantee.
Summary
You have the right to choose affordable ink. Don't let scary warnings on a box cost you hundreds of dollars in unnecessary printing costs.
- Did the ink break it? No? Then the manufacturer must fix it under the CGA.
- Did the ink break it? Yes? Then your ink supplier should sort it out (we certainly would!).
Disclaimer: We are ink experts, not lawyers. The information in this article is for general educational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. If you have a specific legal dispute regarding a warranty claim, we recommend contacting the Citizens Advice Bureau or a legal professional.