The Ministry of Economy and Commerce issued yesterday new guidelines for dealers and agents of air conditioners (ACs) that aim to safeguard consumer rights.
As per the new guidelines, the warranty will be for one year and it will cover spare parts, labour charge, maintenance and other expenses including gas.
The circular, issued to dealers and agents of ACs, has specified a time limit of 48 hours from the moment of request given by consumers for providing after sales servicing.
According to the conditions set by the Ministry, the warranty of ACs start from the moment of operation or ACs or according the agreement between the two parties, but in both cases the warranty must be written and should be given separately from the bill.
Suppliers and retailers are asked to provide details of maintenance and services that they would provide and it should be approved by the consumers.
The circular also carries details of the process of sale, display and specifications related to the ACs. In case of any manufacturing defect in AC, the models will be recalled and the consumers will not have to face any financial burden. If compressor is replaced, it should carry an additional warranty of six months, stated the circular.
The circular is issued in line with Ministry policies which aim to organise the commercial activities and practices in line with applicable rules and regulations protecting basic consumers rights.
The Ministry said in a statements yesterday the initiative aims to regulate the markets and ensures that suppliers are complying with the provisions of law number 8, 2008 on consumers protection and its executive regulations.
In addition to providing with information and correct data about the commodities and related services, the Ministry is keen to identify the requirements which suppliers should adhered to for consumers.
The information and warranty should be provided to consumers making the policy of replacing or returning the ACs clear to consumers. The Ministry has given three months starting from today to comply with the conditions and standards mentioned in the circular.
After the deadline concerned inspectors of the Ministry will start monitoring to ensure that the suppliers and retailers are adhering to the rule and will take necessary legal measures against the violators. The circular has made the policy of return and replacement of the product clear, said the Ministry.
