Germany introduces changes in warranty rules in favor of consumers

The new Sales law, adopted in Germany earlier this year, introduces stricter warranty rules in favor of consumers. The warranty period for goods and services remains two years from the moment of purchase/delivery. There are some changes if a defect becomes apparent near the end of the warranty period. The statute of limitations only begins four months after the point at which the defect first became apparent. This means that if the defect occurs shortly before the end of the warranty period, the buyer now has more time to assert his warranty claims.

Additionally, if the seller repairs the damaged good and returns it to the customer, there are also changes in the warranty rules. If the entrepreneur rectifies a defect through supplementary performance, the expiration of the statute of limitations is suspended for two months from the time the goods were returned to the consumer. This allows the buyer, after receiving the goods, to check whether the seller has successfully repaired the defect.

Furthermore, the limitation period does not expire while the goods are in the hands of the seller for supplementary performance.