english 
deutsch 
italiano
Germany
Your rights in case of defect products
Directive 1999/44/EC on the sale of consumer goods and associated guarantees has been implemented by Germany.As a result of this legislation, all consumers, who buy goods in Germany have the right to a minimum guarantee of 2 years on products. Within the first six months of purchase, any lack of conformity or defect shall be presumed to have existed at the time of delivery, unless proved otherwise. After the first six months, it is up to the consumer to prove that the lack of conformity existed at the time of delivery.
Within this period of 2 years the consumer is entitled to have the goods brought into conformity free of charge. In the first place, the consumer may require the seller to repair the goods or he may require the seller to replace them, unless this is impossible or disproportionate.
Any repair or replacement shall be completed within a reasonable time and without any significant inconvenience to the consumer, taking account of the nature of the goods and the purpose for which the consumer required the goods. If this should not be possible the consumer is entitled to ask for a price reduction (smaller defects) or to have the contract rescinded.
Voluntary guarantees given by a producer do not restrict the statutory rights of consumers.
Exchange
A consumer does not have a legal right to an exchange. It is at the trader’s discretion. Therefore it is important to verify before buying, if the trader allows an exchange, and to obtain a written confirmation – e.g. a note on the original receipt.Pricing
The German currency is the euro.The price of the product must be displayed on a price tag.
The consumer cannot insist on getting the item for the price indicated on the price tag. Therefore it is advisable to ask at the cash point before paying.
VAT must be included in the price.
The trader is obliged to issue a receipt to the consumer.
Tax
On most goods and services a 16% (19% since 01.01.07) value added tax - VAT (Mehrwertsteuer – MwSt.) is charged in Germany.Methods of payment
The most common methods of payment in Germany are cash, credit and debit cards. Cheques are used to a lesser extent.When paying by credit or debit card, consumers may have to show identity card.
Some restaurants and shops do not accept credit cards.
Sales
Since 2004 summer and winter sales are abolished.Opening hours
Shops’ general opening hours are:
Monday – Saturday: 08:00 / 10:00 - 18:00 / 20:00
Sunday: closed
Banks’ general opening hours are:
Monday – Friday: 09:00 / 09:30 - 16:00 / 18:00Saturday & Sunday: closed
Post Offices’ general opening hours are:
Monday – Friday: 08:00 / 08:30 - 18:00
Saturday & Sunday: closed
Deposit
There is a deposit on almost all bottles excluding wine bottles.There is also a deposit on cans excluding vegetable cans and coke/rum mixtures cans.
Tourist information
Tourist information can be found via the following link to the official website for tourism and travel:www.germany-tourism.de
Status: August 2004
 |
|
| software by endo7 |    |
ECC
via Brennero 3
I - 39100 Bolzano
tel.: ++39 0471 980939
fax: ++39 0471 980239