The Minister for Consumer Protection, Nick McKim, has welcomed a Federal Court decision which ordered two interstate energy retailers to pay $1 million for illegal door-to-door selling practices.

Mr McKim said the ruling was significant as it was the first time the legality of Do Not Knock stickers had been tested to determine whether they represent a lawful request for salespeople to leave the premises.

"The effect of this finding is that every time a salesperson ignores a visible Do Not Knock sticker on a consumer's door, the company they represent risks a penalty of up to $50,000."

"Many Tasmanians object to being interrupted at home by uninvited sales people, and Do Not Knock stickers were developed in order to allow people to avoid unwanted visits from sales people."

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) took the action in the Federal Court against Neighbourhood Energy Pty Ltd and Australian Green Credits Pty Ltd for illegal door-to-door selling practices.

The case was the first to be brought under the Unsolicited Consumer Agreement provisions of the Australian Consumer Law.

Do Not Knock stickers are available free of charge at all Service Tasmania outlets or by phoning Consumer Affairs and Fair Trading on 1300 654 499.