APPLiA on consumer purchases in 2023

Applia's new regulations will soon be published on the website after final revision in consultation with the Swedish Consumer Agency. The new regulations follow the new legislation introduced in May 2022 and will apply retroactively so that all purchases made after May 2022 are treated equally. The revision of the Consumer Purchase Act has extended the reverse burden of proof from 6 months to 24 months. Applia's previous regulations, which constituted a floor for the industry, have had an extended right (1 year warranty) for consumers. Several suppliers and retailers have also had extended warranties.

The concept of warranty disappears as a whole in the new regulations. One of the differences between warranty and legislation is that a warranty follows the product and the Consumer Sales Act follows the buyer or their receipt for the purchase of the product.

The new provisions introduce the 2-year reversed burden of proof as described in the legislation, meaning that the seller is responsible for all defects where they cannot prove handling errors, accidents or similar. The seller has the entire burden of proof in these cases. During the third year, as before, it is the consumer who has the burden of proof that the defect existed in the product already at the time of purchase.

We at Applia are positive that we have once again been able to secure new delivery regulations in consultation with the Swedish Consumer Agency, which is obviously a strength for our industry with serious members who have a good relationship with the authorities for consumer safety and protection.

/Matts Spångberg, CEO Applia Sweden

Industry terms