Commission says traders must respect warranty terms |10 May 2013

In a statement released yesterday, the FTC said according to the law, a consumer who acquires any goods otherwise than by way of sale by auction, has a warranty period of six months for the goods bought. If the consumer encounters problems with the goods, he or she can return the goods to the supplier without penalty at the supplier’s cost and, at the consumer’s discretion obtain repair – which must be effected within 60 days after the goods have been returned, replacement within seven days of the goods being returned or a refund for the price of the goods, within 24 hours of the goods being returned.  

The commission also advised all suppliers of goods that while they are allowed to extend the warranty period beyond what the law stipulates, reducing this warranty to less than six months is  an offence under Section 32 (i) of the Consumer Protection Act 2010 which says “a person shall not, in trade or commerce, in connection with the supply of goods… make a false or misleading representation concerning the existence, exclusion or effect of any condition, warranty, guarantee, right or remedy relating to goods or services”.
It said suppliers of goods and services not obeying this law risk fines of up to R400,000.