The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) held a meeting with manufacturers of electronic appliances to discuss the issue of commencement of warranty period from date of installation instead of date of purchase.
According to a statement by the Press Information Bureau (PIB), the current warranty period for electronic appliances is calculated from the date of purchase, which may cause a shortfall in the warranty period for consumers since they may only begin using the product after it has been installed in their homes.
The meeting was attended by representatives from major electronic appliance companies, including Reliance Retail, L.G., Panasonic, Haier, Croma, and Bosch.
The meeting began with a speech by the Chief Commissioner of the CCPA, Nidhi Khare, highlighting the importance of informing consumers about the starting point of the warranty period. She also emphasized the need for global best practices to be followed in India, and the need to address consumer grievances relating to the warranty period in a proactive and prompt manner.
The discussion during the meeting focused on two categories of electronic appliances: plug-n-play products and products that require installation. Products such as iron presses and microwaves that do not require any installation were considered to be plug-n-play.
On the other hand, air conditioners and refrigerators that require installation were considered to be non-plug-n-play products.
The feasibility of having the date of installation as the starting point for calculating the warranty period was discussed. The companies also discussed the possibility of exploring measures to prevent the abuse of this mechanism to safeguard the interests of consumers. The companies have been requested to submit their views on the matter within 15 days.