'Lemon law' on defective products to take effect in September

The so-called 'lemon law', which gives consumers better protection when they buy a defective product or a 'lemon', was passed in Parliament on Friday. It kicks in in September.

Under this law, consumers who find that a good is defective within six months of purchase, have the right to require the seller to repair or replace the goods within a reasonable period of time and without significant inconvenience to them.

During the second reading, several MPs called for more clarity on some parts of the legislation. Mr Hri Kumar Nair (Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC) and Mr Lim Biow Chuan (Mountbatten) pointed out that though consumers can ask for refunds, the law does not specify the exact form this refund can take. They asked if retailers would be allowed to offer vouchers or refurbished products instead of cash.

Minister of State for Trade and Industry Teo Ser Luck, replied that retailers cannot do so, and any partial or full refund should be in cash. Consumers can thus decline to accept vouchers as a refund.

Source: The Straits Times

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