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United Kingdom
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 United Kingdom.In the United Kingdom consumers have a right to a minimum guarantee of six years on products (in Scotland 5 years). 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should not be possible the consumer is entitled to ask for a price reduction (smaller defects) or to have the contract rescinded.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.
The consumer may be able to “reject” the goods and claim a full refund as long as this is requested early enough and the goods have not been used. If they have lost this right then the consumer can ask for either a repair or a replacement.
Voluntary guarantees given by a producer do not restrict the statutory rights of consumers.
Exchange
Unless goods are faulty, 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.Pricing
The English currency is Pounds sterling £.Price tags must clearly show the selling price of all goods to be sold to a private consumer, and this price must be inclusive of VAT. Any additional charges must also be displayed. Prices do not have to be placed individually on goods but it should be easy for the consumer to identify the items to which particular prices apply.
The consumer cannot insist on getting the item for the same price as indicated on the price tag. Therefore it is advisable to ask at the cash point before paying.
The trader is not obliged to issue a receipt to the consumer.
Tax
On most goods and services a 17, 5% value added tax -VAT is charged in the U.K.The VAT on supplies of fuel and power (gas, electricity, solid fuels, heating oils) is 12%.
There is no VAT on some goods and services, e.g. children’s clothing.
Methods of payment
The most common methods of payment are cash, credit cards, debit cards, and cheques.When paying by credit card, consumers do not have to show identity card.
Sales
Sales in the UK can take place at any time.Opening hours
Shops’ general opening hours are:
Monday – Saturday: 09:00 / 09:30 - 17:30 / 18:00Sunday: 10:00 / 10:30 – 16:00 / 16:30
Shops in large towns do not shut for lunch.
Banks and Post Offices’ general opening hours are:
Monday – Friday: 09:00 - 17:00Saturday: 9:00 – 12:00
Sunday: closed
Deposit
There is no deposit scheme for bottles, cans or plastic bags.Tourist information
Tourist information can be found via the following links:www.visitengland.com
www.visitscotland.com
www.wales-tourist-board.com
Status: August 2004
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