Summary
With the goal of strengthening the European Union’s internal market, the European Commission approved legislation on May 25, 1999 that harmonizes the guarantees on consumer goods. Directive 1999/44/EC, hereafter referred to as the Product Warranty Directive, aims to protect consumers who make purchases outside of their Member State. The Directive sets up minimum standards for product warranties and mandates a warranty period of at least 2 years. Sellers whose products are found not to conform to the “contract” between the buyer and seller at the time the goods were delivered are required to replace or repair the nonconforming goods free of charge; reduce the price of the goods; or release the consumer from the “contract.” The legislation was to be transposed into National Law by all EU Member States and enter into effect January 1, 2002. This updated report discusses the implications of this legislation for producers and consumers across the 25 Member States.