BY JOHN ELLIS, FINANCIAL ADVISOR
When purchasing goods or services in Ireland, you are protected by tough legal rights under Irish and European Union (EU) legislation. The Consumer Rights Act, introduced in 2022, strengthened these protections by ensuring that you, as a consumer, receive accurate information, have access to redress options if issues arise, and that products meet essential standards of quality, performance, and durability.
Under the Consumer Rights Act, products purchased must be fit for purpose, durable, and comparable in quality to similar products. It must match the description provided in advertisements, labels, packaging and include all necessary accessories and spare parts.
If you purchased goods before November 28, 2022, they fall under the Sale of Goods and Supply of Services Act 1980 but, regardless of the law under which your purchase falls, you are entitled to a refund, replacement, repair, price reduction, or the right to withhold payment if the product does not meet the required standards. These rights last for up to six years.
If a product is faulty, not as described, or unfit for purpose, the retailer, not the manufacturer is responsible because you have entered into a contract with the seller, and they are legally bound to uphold your rights. Should the retailer go out of business, the manufacturer is then required to honour any warranty.
The period for returning a faulty product “determines whether proof of the fault is required”. This means that, within 12 months, you do not need to prove the fault existed at the time of purchase but after 12 months, you may need to provide evidence that the fault was present at the time of purchase. Additionally, you have a short-term right to cancel within 30 days of receiving a faulty product.
Online purchases offer more protection as you have a 14-day cooling-off period, allowing you to return an item even if you simply change their mind. There is a ‘Major Faults’ clause where if a product has a significant defect and cannot be repaired or replaced, you are entitled to a full refund.
Receipts are not the only proof of purchase; a bank statement or email confirmation also serves as proof of purchase. Such refunds must be processed within 14 days and should be received within two weeks and in the same form of payment. These rights last for six years. Warranties do not replace consumer rights, even if a warranty has expired you may still be entitled to a repair, replacement, or refund under consumer law.
Whether dealing with faulty goods, missing parts, or misleading descriptions, being aware of your consumer rights empowers you to act when purchases do not meet expectations ensuring you will not lose out financially.
As Eoin Clarke advises: “Understanding your refund rights gives you a better chance of securing an exchange or refund when things go wrong, ensuring your hard-earned cash isn’t wasted.”
So before making any purchase, always check the retailers returns policy, keep proof of payment, and know that Irish Consumer Law is on your side.
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