The new rights mean that:
During the first six months, any fault that arises will be presumed to have existed at the time of delivery, and it will be for the retailer to prove otherwise should he dispute a claim by a consumer.
Any guarantees offered by the manufacturer, or retailer, will be legally-binding, and must be written in plain language with clear details on how to make a claim.
Consumers have the right to request a repair or replacement if the goods are faulty. Although these are common remedies in the UK, they have not until now been enshrined in law.
UK shoppers can be confident of similar protection in other EU countries. Previously the level of protection would have depended on the strength of the consumer protection laws of the country concerned.
There is a popular misconception that the Directive on which the Regulations are based requires manufacturers or retailers to provide a two-year guarantee for all goods. It does not. It provides a minimum limitation period during which consumers can report and seek redress for a fault that was there at the time of delivery. The equivalent period in the UK, which will continue, is six years (five years in Scotland).
Melanie Johnson said:
"UK consumer protection legislation already leads the field in Europe. These new rules will strengthen our laws and offer further protection for shoppers if a product they buy is faulty. The changes coming into force today will also ensure that consumers have the confidence to shop across borders in Europe knowing they will be protected. It will set a minimum baseline for consumers' rights across European Member States."
The Regulations are available at:
www.hmso.gov.uk/si/si2002/20023045.htm