Q: I recently received a voucher as a gift. On it was written that the gift voucher has to be used by a specific date. I think it is unfair that I am limited with a date by when to use the voucher.

A: It is not illegal for sellers to impose an expiry date on the gift vouchers they offer for sale. Gift vouchers are not the equivalent of cash and hence cannot be used without limit like we use cash. In fact, once a gift voucher is purchased, it cannot be redeemed back for cash. Gift vouchers have to be used to purchase a specific product or service and any terms and conditions attached to them have to be adhered to.

Different retailers offer different types of gift vouchers with different terms and conditions. It is then up to us consumers to decide which type of voucher best suits our needs. Hence, if we want to purchase a voucher without an expiry date we should look out for shops that sell such vouchers.

In situations where we are the receivers of a gift voucher, we have no other option but to observe its terms and conditions if we want to fully benefit from it. Hence, if the voucher has an expiry date, we have to adhere to it.

What sellers cannot do after a voucher is sold is to try and impose new conditions on the use of the voucher. If this happens, we can file a complaint with the Office for Consumer Affairs within the Malta Competition and Consumer Affairs Authority.