Traders selling consumer goods in the European Union (EU) are obliged to remedy defects which existed at the time of delivery and which become apparent within 2 years. EU rules guarantee consumers a minimum level of protection, especially if the goods do not meet the standards promised.
Directive 99/44/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 May 1999 on certain aspects of the sale of consumer goods and associated guarantees
It harmonises those parts of consumer contract law on the sale of goods that cover legal guarantees* and, to a lesser extent, commercial guarantees* (warranties).
* Legal guarantee: the legal protection that a consumer has if goods prove to be faulty. This does not depend on conditions in the contract.
* Commercial guarantee: the willingness of the guarantor (often the producer) to assume personal liability for certain defects within a certain time period.
For more information, see Sales and guarantees on the European Commission's website.
Act |
Entry into force |
Deadline for transposition in the Member States |
Official Journal |
Directive 99/44/EC |
7.7.1999 |
1.1.2002 |
Amending act(s) |
Entry into force |
Deadline for transposition in the Member States |
Official Journal |
Directive 2011/83/EU |
12.12.2011 |
13.12.2013 |
Regulation (EC) No 2006/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 October 2004 on cooperation between national authorities responsible for the enforcement of consumer protection laws (the Regulation on consumer protection cooperation) (OJ L 364, 9.12.2004, pp. 1-11)
Directive 2011/83/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 October 2011 on consumer rights, amending Council Directive 93/13/EEC and Directive 1999/44/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council and repealing Council Directive 85/577/EEC and Directive 97/7/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council (OJ L 304, 22.11.2011, pp. 64-88)
Council Directive 85/374/EEC of 25 July 1985 on the approximation of the laws, regulations and administrative provisions of the Member States concerning liability for defective products (OJ L 210 of 7.8.1985, pp. 29-33).
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