Q: How long is the guarantee for white good products? Should it be for a minimum period of two years as per EU laws?

One year ago, I bought a twin-tub washing machine and with it I was only given a one-year guarantee. Now, a year-and-a-half later, something is wrong with this washing machine.

When I reported the fault, since the one-year commercial guarantee has expired, the seller wants to charge me a fee to come and check it, apart from the cost of the actual repair.

I would like to know whether I should pay to have the washing machine repaired or not?

A: All types of products consumers purchase are covered by a two-year legal guarantee. This is not given in writing by the seller when the purchase is concluded, but it automatically applies on presentation of the proof of purchase.

The legal guarantee gives consumers the right to claim a free remedy when the product results defective or does not conform to the contract of sale.

Consumers are also sometimes given a commercial guarantee, which is voluntary and covers spare parts and labour costs for a given period of time. However, commercial guarantees cannot diminish the rights consumers have by law. This means that when a commercial guarantee is given for a period of time that is less than two years, the two-year legal guarantee still applies if the product is defective or not according to the contract.

In your particular case, if the problem with the twin-tub is due to a latent defect, then you may ask the seller to provide you with a free repair or replacement.

If the seller insists that he is no longer responsible for the product, since the commercial guarantee has expired, then you may proceed with filing a complaint with the Office for Consumer Affairs.