Consumer Affairs
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Credit note query
Q: When consumers buy goods from a seller and then decide to return them, if a credit note is issued for the their value, can the retailer decide the validity period of the credit note? If consumers do not use the credit note by the stipulated...
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Disclaimer
The information published in this page is intended for information purposes only. Any legal claim or action taken in the event of a dispute should be based solely on the legal texts concerned. For more information, call the Office for Consumer...
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World Consumer Rights Day: conference on online shopping
On the occasion of World Consumer Rights Day, which is celebrated internationally on March 15, the Office for Consumer Affairs and the Technical Regulations Division within the Malta Competition and Consumer Affairs Authority will be organising a...
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Microwave repair problems
Q: A number of years ago I purchased some kitchen appliances from a local seller. Recently the microwave was not working well so I contacted the company’s service department to check it and repair it. A couple of weeks later I was informed by the...
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Should I pay for the second repair?
Q: Less than a year ago I bought a mini driller from a local seller. Around two months ago the driller stopped working and I took it to the seller to have it fixed. Since I could not find the guarantee I agreed to pay for the repairs, which...
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Disclaimer
The information published in this page is intended for information purposes only. Any legal claim or action taken in the event of a dispute should be based solely on the legal texts concerned. For more information, call the Office for Consumer...
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Holiday contracts and problems
Getting away from our daily routine and spending a deserved break visiting new places is something we all look forward to. Unfortunately, holidays are not always as perfect as we imagine them to be. Who is to blame when a holiday turns into a...
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Unwanted tickets – request for refund
Q: I purchased two tickets online to watch a show with my daughter. Unfortunately, after concluding the purchase I realised that my daughter and I had another commitment on that day. I therefore asked the online seller to refund me the price paid...
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Weekly consumer advice
▪ The travel agency is obliged to provide a solution when problems crop up during a package holiday or when the holiday is not as agreed when purchased by the consumer. ▪ Upon presentation of relevant receipts, consumers may claim compensation for...
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Disclaimer
The information published in this page is intended for information purposes only. Any legal claim or action taken in the event of a dispute should be based solely on the legal texts concerned. For more information, call the Office for Consumer...
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Online shopping – stronger rights
A political agreement was reached between the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission to ban unjustified discrimination among consumers. European consumers are currently not being treated equally, as, often, when they try to shop...
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One-year warranty expires
Q: In December 2016 I purchased a mobile phone of a specific brand from a local shop. A few days before the one-year warranty expired, the it developed a fault and I took it to the brand’s repair centre. I immediately expressed my concern about...
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Who should provide me with a remedy?
Q: I purchased a part for my car from a local car seller. I took this part to my mechanic to install it but after doing so the part did not function as it was meant to. I therefore went back to the seller to report the defective part. The seller...
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Disclaimer
The information published in this page is intended for information purposes only. Any legal claim or action taken in the event of a dispute should be based solely on the legal texts concerned. For more information, call the Office for Consumer...
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When paying a deposit
Sellers often ask consumers to pay a deposit to confirm and conclude the purchase of a product or service. Such sales agreements are legally binding and both parties are obliged to abide by them. While on one hand the consumer is committed to pay...
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Information session on Reach registration
An information session for businesses that manufacture or import one tonne or more of a chemical substance from outside the EU was recently held by the Malta Competition and Consumer Affairs Authority’s Technical Regulations...
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Same product, different prices
Q: I bought an item of clothing from a shop for €18.50. While I was checking other shops in the same area I noticed that the same item of clothing that I had just purchased was offered for sale at €16. I would like to know if sellers are allowed...
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Weekly advice
• Sales agreements are binding and both parties are obliged to abide by them. • When consumers opt to cancel a sale they may face unpleasant financial consequences. • If a seller is unable to provide a product or service, consumers are entitled to...
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Disclaimer
The information published in this page is intended for information purposes only. Any legal claim or action taken in the event of a dispute should be based solely on the legal texts concerned. For more information, call the Office for Consumer...
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How to avoid scams
Consumers are increasingly resorting to the internet for their shopping needs. While online shopping can be very convenient, unfortunately not all experiences are positive for the consumer. It is a fact that EU legislation protects consumers when...
