EU: Additional protection plans

The European Parliament has voted to strengthen consumer protection plans across the EU. Under the amendment voted by the EP, legislation would introduce a minimum two-year guarantee period throughout the EU for all goods, during which time consumers will be able to have repaired or replaced all defective goods, no matter where they purchased them in the EU. Manufacturers would have to provide contact addresses throughout the EU, thus enabling shoppers to return faulty goods without having to go back to the original shop. The amendments also extended the definition of a product beyond its mere function to include appearance, finish, safety and durability. The amendments have pleased BEUC, the European Consumers’ Organisation, but angered Eurocommerce, the retailers and wholesalers lobby organisation.