Last summer I purchased a ring from a local shop. Shortly afterwards I had to return it because it broke. The ring was glued back right in front of me. When I enquired what happened I was told that the workshop had not used the correct glue and was re-assured that the problem will not re-occur.

Unfortunately this was not the case, as the ring broke again after it was worn only on a few occasions.

I therefore returned to the shop to complain about this problem. This time the seller was very rude and refused to provide me with a solution.

I would like to know if I am entitled to have my ring repaired or if I can ask for a replacement.

Since the ring was purchased last summer it is still covered by the provisions of the Consumer Affairs Act. This means that if the ring is defective you may request a free of charge repair or replacement. Considering that the ring has already been repaired for the same problem you may now insist on a replacement. If such a solution is not possible you may opt to cancel the sale and request a refund. These legal remedies apply as long as the defect the ring has developed was not caused by misuse or accident.

As the seller is refusing to shoulder responsibility for the defective ring, the next step is to file a complaint with the Office for Consumer Affairs. You may register your complaint online through the following link: http://www.mccaa.org.mt/en/online-complaints-form .

Malta Competition and Consumer Affairs Authority
Office for Consumer Affairs
Mizzi House,
National Road,
Blata l-Bajda
HMR 9010

Freephone: 8007 4400
Tel: 2395 2000
Enquiries: info@mccaa.org.mt
Consumer complaints: fair.trading@mccaa.org.mt
Website: www.mccaa.org.mt

MCCAA office hours for the public:
Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 12.30pm

European Consumer Centre Malta
(For complaints against traders in other EU states)

47A, South Street,
Valletta.
VLT 1101

Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 3pm.

Tel: 2122 1901
E-mail: ecc.malta@gov.mt