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Legislation making it easier for consumers to obtain replacements or repairs for faulty goods comes into effect March 31.
The Supply of Goods to Consumers Regulations 2002, effective from March 31, means consumers will be offered a repair or replacement up to 6 months after purchase - even if the right of refund has been lost.
Under the new legislation, the responsibility is on the retailer to prove the goods are not faulty.
Previously, within a very limited time after purchase, consumers had the right to a refund for faulty goods, but the consumer had to prove the goods were faulty.
Mike Pigrem, Herefordshire Council’s Acting Trading Standards Manager, said: “This is really good news for consumers.
“Six months is a much more reasonable period of time to discover if goods are faulty, especially as these new Regulations apply to products that are installed or fitted, such as double glazing or fitted kitchens.
“Shifting the responsibility of proof of fault from the consumer to the retailer also makes it much less intimidating when consumers approach retailers with a complaint.”
If a replacement or repair cannot be agreed upon, then consumers can ask for a reduction in the price of the goods.
Retailers can also be responsible now for “public statements” - such as television commercials - made by manufacturers, importers or producers. Hopefully this new measure will put a stop to outlandish claims!
The final significant change relates to guarantees.
For the first time, a manufacturer’s guarantee becomes legally binding on the manufacturer.
The details of the guarantee must be spelled out and the guarantee must be in plain, intelligible language.
The consumer also has the right to see the guarantee before goods are purchased.
Consumer Law Protection
Legislation making it easier for consumers to obtain replacements or repairs for faulty goods comes into effect March 31.
The Supply of Goods to Consumers Regulations 2002, effective from March 31, means consumers will be offered a repair or replacement up to 6 months after purchase - even if the right of refund has been lost.
Under the new legislation, the responsibility is on the retailer to prove the goods are not faulty.
Previously, within a very limited time after purchase, consumers had the right to a refund for faulty goods, but the consumer had to prove the goods were faulty.
Mike Pigrem, Herefordshire Council’s Acting Trading Standards Manager, said: “This is really good news for consumers.
“Six months is a much more reasonable period of time to discover if goods are faulty, especially as these new Regulations apply to products that are installed or fitted, such as double glazing or fitted kitchens.
“Shifting the responsibility of proof of fault from the consumer to the retailer also makes it much less intimidating when consumers approach retailers with a complaint.”
If a replacement or repair cannot be agreed upon, then consumers can ask for a reduction in the price of the goods.
Retailers can also be responsible now for “public statements” - such as television commercials - made by manufacturers, importers or producers. Hopefully this new measure will put a stop to outlandish claims!
The final significant change relates to guarantees.
For the first time, a manufacturer’s guarantee becomes legally binding on the manufacturer.
The details of the guarantee must be spelled out and the guarantee must be in plain, intelligible language.
The consumer also has the right to see the guarantee before goods are purchased.