The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) held a meeting with electronic appliance manufacturing companies to discuss the issue of commencement of warranty period from date of installation instead of date of purchase. Since warranty period as per the policies set by manufacturers commences from purchase date, and not date of installation, there is shortfall in the warranty period as consumers can only begin using the product after it has been installed on their premises.
Consumer rights as defined under Section 2(9) of the Act, includes the right to be informed about the quality, quantity, potency, purity, standard and price of goods, products or services, as the case may be, so as to protect the consumer against unfair trade practices.
During the meeting, it was deliberated that electronic appliances are generally of two categories – ‘plug-n-play’ products such as iron press, microwave etc. which do not require any installation and products requiring installation such as air conditioners, refrigerators etc.
The feasibility of having date of installation as the date from which warranty period should be calculated was discussed during the meeting. Further, it was discussed that measures may be explored to prevent abuse of this mechanism and to ensure that consumer interest is adequately safeguarded.
There was a general consensus among the companies to address the issue in a proactive manner keeping in view concerns of consumers. All the companies were requested to send their views within 15 days.
