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The Netherlands
Your rights in case of defect products
Directive 1999/44/EC on the sale of consumer goods and associated guarantees has been implemented by the Netherlands.In the Netherlands no time limit has been given for the consumer’s guarantee right.
In the first six months any lack of conformity 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.
In the first 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should not be possible the consumer is entitled to ask for a price reduction (smaller defects) or to have the contract rescinded.
After the first 2 years compensation can be claimed against the supplier of the goods only if the consumer can prove that it is reasonable for the goods to last that long. Clearly this does not cover wear and tear faults.
Voluntary guarantees given by a producer do not restrict the statutory rights of consumers.
Exchange
A consumer does not have a legal right to exchange. It is at the discretion of the trader. 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 Dutch currency is the euro.The price of the product must be displayed on a price tag.
The consumer can insist on getting the item for the same price as indicated on the price tag. If there are two different prices on one item, the consumer can ask to pay the lower one, except if this price is obviously out of proportion with the real value of the product.
VAT (BTW in Dutch) must be included in the price.
The trader is obliged to issue a receipt to the consumer.
Tax
On most goods a 19% value added tax -VAT (Belasting over de Toegevoegde Waarde – BTW) is charged in the Netherlands.The VAT on food products is 6%.
Methods of payment
The most common methods of payment in the Netherlands are cash, credit, and debit cards.When paying by credit or debit card, consumers may have to show identity card.
Some restaurants and shops do not accept credit cards.
The Sales
There are two periods of sales: the winter and summer sales.These sales are not restricted in time. In general, the winter sales take place during the months of December and January, and the summer sales between July and August.
Opening hours
Shops’ general opening hours are:
Monday : 13:00 – 18:00Tuesday– Friday: 09:00 - 18:00
Saturday: 09:00 - 17:00
Sunday: closed
Banks’ general opening hours are:
Monday – Friday: 09:00 - 17:00Saturday & Sunday: closed
Post Offices’ general opening hours are:
Monday – Friday: 09:00 - 18:00Saturday: 09:00 - 12:00 (large offices)
Deposit
There is a deposit on almost all bottles, except wine bottles.There is no deposit on cans and plastic bags.
Tourist information
Tourist information can be found via the following link to the official website for tourism and travel:www.holland.com
Status: August 2004
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